These conditions can manifest in various ways, affecting thoughts, emotions, behavior, and cognitive processes. They not only pose significant challenges for individuals but also place a considerable burden on families and our society as a whole. Therefore, it is essential to explore innovative and effective treatment approaches that can alleviate symptoms and enhance overall well-being.

Simply put, Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback. But what is biofeedback? Biofeedback is a process of taking a signal imperceptible to us as humans, typically an electrical impulse, and using electronic equipment and an amplifier to amplify this signal that lies below the level of awareness for most of us. Once we are able to read the signal, we provide feedback to the person receiving the biofeedback or Neurofeedback.

For example, if we want a brain wave to grow stronger, we provide a biofeedback signal every time that wave gets a bit stronger. The same process applies if we want that brain wave to be weaker.

So, in essence, biofeedback is a very organic, natural process in that nothing invasive is done to the brain or body. That’s why it has a very low risk compared to medications or almost any other form of treatment. With Neurofeedback, we can only reward the brain for a state that it has already achieved. This is important to understand because we are not forcing it into any particular state. So, for example, if we have a very high theta wave, as is the case with anxiety or ADD, we can use Neurofeedback to bring it down, often in remarkable ways.

When such an elevated brain wave fluctuates and comes down a tiny amount, the individual receiving Neurofeedback gets a reward signal in the form of a reward tone or increasing brightness. There’s no real conscious effort required. As you sit and absorb the feedback, the learning occurs unconsciously, and your brain becomes more neuroplastic, more flexible, learns, expands, and grows.

We have seen this result in hundreds of studies over the past 40-45 years, to the point that Neurofeedback has recently been categorized as a level four or five treatment. Level five is the highest level of treatment possible in the world of mental health, used for anxiety, depression, and many forms of ADD and ADHD. Hundreds of studies with no reported side effects have proved its remarkable effectiveness.

Remember: biofeedback does not inject electricity into the brain or do anything invasive to it; it simply rewards the brain for finding a better brainwave pattern and does it repeatedly. As a result, through operant conditioning, the brain becomes reorganized in ways that feel and function better.

The bottom line is that we are giving the individual receiving Neurofeedback a very precise feedback signal when that brain moves in a desirable, healthier direction. Done repeatedly over time, we can completely change the trajectory of an individual’s brain wave response patterns.

Research studies and clinical observations have demonstrated that neurofeedback training can help individuals with anxiety disorders develop greater self-awareness and control over their brain activity. By learning to modulate specific brainwave frequencies, such as reducing high-beta activity and increasing alpha or theta waves, individuals can experience a reduction in anxiety symptoms and an increased sense of calmness.

The following post What Is Neurofeedback? As Explained by Dr. Randy Cale was originally seen on http://www.capitaldistrictneurofeedback.com/

How does that work?

What we believe is that brains tend to like novelty. So when the brain realizes that it gets a reward tone every time there is a movement in a healthier direction, it tends to absorb that reward tone and start moving in that direction. This process, also called operant conditioning, is a slow, gradual process that happens over time, and every brain varies in its response to some degree.

Let's say we have a brainwave that we want to bring down because it's too strong, which is often the case in kids and adults with ADD, anxiety, panic, OCD, and similar disorders. In this case, neurofeedback will provide a reward tone every time this wave dips. Over time, because it is an operant conditioning model, the brain responds to this reward and very slowly changes that brainwave. Coincidentally, with ADD and anxiety disorders, certain brainwaves can be five or six standard deviations above where they should be, which is significant. However, retraining such brainwaves into healthier brainwave forms is just a matter of time.

So, in essence, biofeedback does not inject electricity into the brain or do anything invasive to it; it simply rewards the brain for finding a better brainwave pattern and does it repeatedly. As a result, through operant conditioning, the brain becomes reorganized in ways that feel and function better.

Neurofeedback is a fascinating therapy that holds the promise of improving brain function and addressing various cognitive and emotional issues. Many prospective clients are curious about how long it takes for neurofeedback to produce noticeable results. While the timeline may vary due to individual differences, it is generally safe to say that most adults, children, and adolescents experience some improvements within two to four weeks of starting neurofeedback training. In this article, we will explore the timeline of neurofeedback progress and shed light on the factors that influence its effectiveness.

Understanding the Incremental Nature of Neurofeedback Improvements

Neurofeedback is a gradual and incremental process that unfolds over time. Although significant milestones may not be reached within the initial two to four weeks, individuals often begin to experience a sense of ease and comfort in their daily lives. Improved sleep, enhanced well-being, and increased focus are some of the initial benefits that individuals may notice during this early stage of Neurofeedback training.

The Duration of Neurofeedback Training

Various studies have examined the effects of neurofeedback, particularly when it comes to the number of sessions required for noticeable results. Research suggests that around 30 to 40 sessions of neurofeedback can yield significant improvements in various areas of life satisfaction, depression, and overall well-being. For instance, if an individual's life satisfaction level increases from zero to three or four, that represents a meaningful improvement that would be considered significant in research studies. Similarly, a decrease in depression from a level of 10 to 7 would also be considered significant progress.

However, it is important to note that most individuals seek more substantial changes and improvements beyond what can be achieved within the range of 30 to 40 sessions. Consequently, neurofeedback training often requires additional sessions. Moreover, the availability of home training options has revolutionized the field, allowing individuals to benefit from increased flexibility and reduced costs. With the option to train at home, people can now engage in Neurofeedback sessions at their convenience, leading to improved outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can Neurofeedback produce immediate results? Neurofeedback is not a quick-fix solution, and immediate results should not be expected. It is a gradual process that requires consistency and commitment to achieve lasting changes.

Q2: Are the improvements achieved through Neurofeedback permanent? The improvements attained through neurofeedback can be long-lasting, especially when individuals continue to practice healthy habits and maintain a balanced lifestyle after completing their training.

Q3: Can Neurofeedback benefit children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Neurofeedback has shown promising results in improving symptoms associated with ADHD in children. It can help enhance attention span, impulse control, and overall self-regulation.

Q4: Is Neurofeedback suitable for all age groups? Neurofeedback is a versatile therapy that can be beneficial for individuals of all age groups, ranging from children to adults and even the elderly. It is a non-invasive and drug-free approach to improving brain function.

Q5: How often should Neurofeedback sessions be conducted? The frequency of neurofeedback sessions may vary depending on individual needs and treatment plans. Initially, sessions are often scheduled once or twice a week, gradually reducing to bi-weekly or monthly sessions as progress is made.

Q6: Are there any side effects or risks associated with Neurofeedback? Neurofeedback is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. It is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve any medication. However, it is always recommended to consult with a qualified practitioner to ensure suitability and address any concerns.

The following blog post How Does Neurofeedback Work? As Explained by Dr. Randy Cale was originally published on http://capitaldistrictneurofeedback.com/

If Facebook, Twitter, or some social media event catches our eye, we focus there. If our boss was in a bad mood, we complain to our co-workers, and we keep focusing on it. If our children are upset, we often focus on their upsets. When our children complain in the face of a world that's blessed and full of fantastic opportunities, we focus on it. And unfortunately, they are focused on a limited view of their life.

And it gets worse because our history can quickly become our destiny, given how the mind works. A thought arises about how badly I was treated as a child, and I focus on it.  A few moments later, an idea appears about the mistakes I made yesterday, last week, last month, or last year, and now I focus there.  

What Takes Our Focus…Steals Our Life.

This is one of the most important truths to understand.  What gets your focus…NOW owns your life.  Please contemplate this. 

It is critical to understand that thoughts and events will arise over which we have no control. We're driving the car and boom!  A nasty thought arises. We did not choose it, but it just shows up.  

We're on the phone, and the world intrudes with alerts, commentary, and criticism.  Everywhere we turn, our focus is being directed and taken from us.  Again, not our choice, it appears, but it just shows up and hooks our attention. 

Often, we can't control the events that show up, and we can't control the thoughts that arise from those events.   Events happen…and thoughts just come about.  And then, we focus on that.

Life will continually present itself in a way to absorb our attention.  And then, time passes while we focus on that event or thought…and we have just surrendered a bit of time.  

And what is a bit of time but a bit of our lives? 

And bit by bit our lives are now consumed, as our focus is directed and taken without so much as a moment of resistance.  In many ways, it can appear as if we chose it.  But in reality, we did not. 

This focus robbing process has crept into our lives like the Trojan horse.  It appears as one thing, yet it is proving to be another.   

It's Time to Fight for What You Want to Focus On!

How do you feel about this life?  How do you feel about the world we live in?  How are you feeling right now?  

For some, a better question is this: "What is your experience of life when you have nothing to do?"  

I ask because we typically experience the effects or feelings that flow from where we focus over time.   If our focus has habitually shifted to the negative, the doubting, the cynical, or sad, then our lives tend to reflect that habitual focus. (This is obvious…right?)

So, in short, we stand where we are today as the accumulated effect of what has consistently captured our attention.  And yet, few of us have taken a careful look at what has hooked our attention.    

Today, I suggest a fresh start.  Choose what will get your focus, and then set out a course to ensure that this happens. Let's consider a few simple ideas:

• Start the day with laughter by watching hilarious videos
• Leave for work 15" early, so no traffic takes your joy.
• Shut down social media that does not uplift or inspire you.
• Choose three empowering questions to ask yourself before getting out of bed.
• Set the intention to smile today…regardless of others' moods.
• Be diligent with the negative, the pessimist…and walk away. 

There are dozens of ways to hijack your focus based on what you want. Don't let others choose your life focus!  

Consider what you would like and resolve to move toward this today.  Simply chose it and predetermine how to hijack your attention in the direction you seek.  

Your time.  Your focus. These become your life.  Make sure your life is unfolding based upon your intentions!  This understanding is essential.  

"But Dr. Cale, My Mind Is Naturally Distractible.  What Can I Do?"

Some of you may have ADD or ADHD or tend to be easily distractible. Such conditions make it very difficult to focus on what you want.  Your mind may be readily 'caught' by distractions and events around you, despite your efforts.  If that is the case, you may need to change HOW your brain operates.  

My suggestion is to consider the powerful and proven Neurofeedback training to focus the distractible mind.  In this way, you can begin to take control over what gets your attention and improve your ability to get things done with ease. 

Neurofeedback is demonstrated to reduce inattention and improve focus better than any other treatment method.  This technology works by retraining the brain with sophisticated biofeedback equipment.  Over time, the brain wave patterns change, and as this changes, your thoughts, emotions, and ability to focus all improve.  

Why haven't you heard of this?  Well, that is an interesting question, and the answer is complicated.  Neurofeedback has been around for decades, but the research shows dramatic improvements in the outcome literature in the last twenty years.  ADHD and ADD have been endorsed as Level 1 (Best) interventions by the medical and psychological communities.  Yet, many mental health professionals and physicians have little knowledge of the research and the impact of this powerful technology on changing lives.   

Consider this, if you or a family member has a more distractible mind that is hard to control.  Medication brings many side effects, and the impact on children is often disastrous.  Secondly, there is no long-term answer, as most young adults take themselves off medication because it 'feels bad.'  Thirdly, it is only a partial cover-up to the brain's problems and is not a lifelong solution.

Therapy is merely coping when it comes to the distractible mind.  Unfortunately, nothing really changes in the mind when ADD or ADHD is severe.  

Neurofeedback brings the hope of a genuine change in how the brain functions.  With a gentle reward tone or visual feedback signal, the brain organically reorganizes and moves to a healthy state.  The neurological and organic changes from Neurofeedback are not instantaneous but happen over weeks and months. 

You can learn more about this technology and how to get your life back with Neurofeedback by going to www.CapitalDistrictNeurofeedback.com or calling my offices to set up a free consult with me, Dr. Randy Cale, at 518-606-3805.

Remember:  Life accumulates.  At the end of each day, we have the experiences and thoughts we have focused on. That's it.  

If you can't control that focus, then you can't control your life…and its destiny.  Start turning this around today, and you can regain control over your life and happiness. 

What We Focus On Owns Our Life! And Why We Must Master What Gets Our Attention was originally published to Capital District Neurofeedback Therapist

What is Fear-Based Parenting?

Worries and anxieties about your child and their future all stem from fear. These fears lead to repetitive parenting actions that undermine your child’s general sense of well-being. We often have elaborate excuses and justifications for these fear-based actions, yet the data become evident over time. We propagate anxiety and fear when we respond to our families out of fear. Let’s examine how this works.

We Keep Repeating Ourselves, Thinking This Will Help. It Doesn’t.

When parents fear mistakes, missing out, or the kids not ‘getting it,’ we try to teach them with words and discussions. We question and probe, then answer and lecture and discuss our concerns repeatedly. We aim to teach and prepare, thinking the words are urgently necessary. And yet, the most crucial teaching piece has nothing to do with words (more on this later).

In these moments, we tend to forget to trust everything else we have done as a parent. Instead, there we are, reminding them again, then questioning them again. And, of course, the repeated words of wisdom, stories from the past, or threats about what bad outcomes flow effortlessly from our lips. Forget that we have said this 78 times this year already. It just keeps happening.

If this worked to prevent mistakes or poor choices, great. It would be worth it. But it doesn’t work. If it did, parenting would be much easier, and many therapists would be out of business!

And Who Is This About?

Let’s be honest: It’s about you. It makes you feel better BECAUSE it’s as if you did something to prevent the feared event or outcome from happening. Yet, in reality, this repetition rarely prevents anything. Research confirms that most of our repetition of the same messages with our children is about stress relief: for mom and dad!

We want to think it’s about protecting or guiding them. But none of the research, and common sense observations, support this. It doesn’t protect them. It doesn’t help them learn. It doesn’t stop stupid choices.

What Are We Passing On?

And there’s more to this negative role of fear: You pass it on. Yes, unknowingly, you are passing on your fears and worries. Repeating redundant questions, comments, nagging, and reminders teaches something; focus on what you don’t want! And then repeat that every day.

And here’s the real rub with this approach. The more we focus on what we don’t want in life (always stemming from some fear), the more that fear grows inside our minds. The more it grows in our minds, the more we express it, and the more it consumes us.

On an emotional level, we are also teaching our children about emotional and state management. They will resonate with the states we bring to breakfast, homework, or playground.

Little room is left for the positive, and life is consumed with worry-related chatter.

Fear Precludes Executing a Great Parenting Plan

Amidst all this, we miss out on a critical piece; having a robust focus-forward parenting plan. When we invest heavily in worry and fear, we are often consumed with controlling the uncontrollable. And such efforts inevitably lead to more repetition of instructions and direction. If we pay attention, we will notice how these repeated instructions do not work well, and how children get annoyed, aggravated, or anxious. Regardless, there is no long-term value when we repeat ourselves constantly. Such an approach is not a plan.

We can discuss our fears and worries with our husbands, wives, partners, friends, and parents. But often, these well-intentioned friends and relatives will do little to relieve fears. Instead of a planful, comprehensive approach, they often leave these discussions with more worries and fears and more to discuss with our kids. Little of that will have anything to do with good parenting practices.

Remember that nothing about this article argues against good discussions with your children, family, or friends. It’s about the useless repetition of the same stuff, over and over, and the delusions that such discussions are necessary or helpful. Without a more comprehensive strategy, it is not helpful. Instead, more likely harmful. And this is true regardless of a diagnosis or limitation on the part of your child.

This is not to suggest that a great parenting plan will always suffice. At times, other modalities, such as Neurofeedback or therapy, are potent in helping children with focus, anxiety management, and motivation. You can learn more about what we offer at CapitalDistrictNeurofeedback.com.

Next week, I will follow up with an article on trusting your parenting by developing a game plan that gives you a reason to have confidence in what you do and say. Until then, do your best to relax more and repeat yourself less. When you do, notice how your children respond when life is more relaxed.

How Fear-Based Parenting Fails Your Children Find more on: www.capitaldistrictneurofeedback.com

Mom wasn’t dismayed by his Ba Humbug exterior,
She knew his heart to be soft on the interior.
She continued to explain this moment of insight
As warm feelings kept growing to greater heights.
What if for Christmas we changed our direction
And gave more of ourselves and our affection?
We hurry and scurry to fill this day full
Leaving ourselves pondering, ‘Is it all bull?’
So what I propose is a Magical Intention
From this day forward, we Master our Attention!
Rather than letting the world show us it’s worst,
Let’s get ahead of it, and focus first
On the beauty, the blessing and Love in our hearts
Making these core values how we lead with our lives
Never again willing to find our joy in compromise.
Love and Beauty can always be seen
If our Intention stays strong and keen.
Our Power seems hidden, yet it’s naught
If we just realize, we need NOT get caught!
In the negative energy and complaints that abound
We can choose to remember what this sweet moment I have found.
My heart is filled with the possibilities that await
Of all those I can Love, despite all on my plate.
My focus is getting clear, with the morning so near
Never again will I buy gifts out of fear
For our children are not lacking more gadgets that chatter
They’re missing their parents being PRESENT with what matters.
Let’s live with Love and Kindness as our purpose & reason
Rather than mere talk about the meaning of this season.

Let’s be the JOY that to our home we do give
So, they learn from their parents just how to live.
Nothing else matters when it comes to the end
It’s a gift upon which they can always depend.’
We can master this Intention to Love all is our sights
And abandon our judgements and need to be right.
We can practice showing them the process of living
And focus our true hearts on the power of giving.
We haven’t been wrong, we just missed the important part
Of enjoying the ride and opening our hearts.
And certainly, we keep giving the goodies and gifts,
We just abandon the fears and worries of lists.
We can live this way, of this I am sure
Because ultimately, our intentions are now pure.
From this point on, I strongly declare
My Merry Christmas will come with a silent dare.
Silent of course, as I will not share
The depth of my personal commitment to truly care!
And Our children WILL notice, and we will feel good
As we live Christmas more like we should.
Merry Christmas My Love, Mom whispered with a smile,
Let’s just sit here & hold hands for a while.
Yet soon they both slept the night away…
Sweetly dreaming, like children, of Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas!

The blog post Twas the Night Before Christmas was originally published on Capital District Neurofeedback Blog