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What age groups do you treat?
Client age ranges from 6 to 60. Although younger and older patients will benefit from this work, most of our diagnostic database was obtained from this age range, and therefore, it is harder to measure changes empirically (accurately), although improvements will certainly be present.
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Is this biofeedback?
Yes, or at least conceptually it is the same. Biofeedback has been used for many years to reduce headaches and other tension problems by teaching people to relax certain muscles or to increase blood flow. Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback, affecting the whole nervous system. This brain-based biofeedback can help your brain work better.
Changing brainwaves can have a much broader effect than peripheral biofeedback. EEG biofeedback provides a mirror into your brainwave functioning. As you are fed back the results of these inner workings, you begin to learn self-management techniques, permitting you to control attention, focus, and performance.
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 What is the impact on ADHD?
You learn to manage the symptoms of ADHD, for example, improving attention and concentration. One of the applications of EEG Biofeedback is for the remediation of attention deficits, related behavioral disorders, and specific learning disabilities. This training procedure has been shown to increase patients' ability to pay attention, focus, and concentrate. Studies have demonstrated that children with Attention Deficit Disorder, who have completed this training, have also shown significant improvement in classroom performance.
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What does the patient do?
Training the brain is similar to exercising and developing a muscle. As the training progresses, students are asked to perform cognitive skills such as math and reading. Our EEG biofeedback instruments measure and process electrical signals from the brain and feed the results back to the patient and coach via video displays and games. The trainee begins to enjoy viewing the results and watching his or her ability to manage Brainwaves.
The computerized feedback lets participants know whether they are maintaining optimal brainwave states during these activities. The skill must be practiced until it becomes automatic (unconscious). In this process, students are developing learning strategies and quieting techniques, which can be then used without the computerized feedback.
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What research has been done?
A growing number of studies have been published in research journals about the value of EEG Neurofeedback therapy for treating the symptoms of ADHD. Research shows that a distinctly identifiable brain signature pattern is present in children with learning disabilities and attention deficits, with and without hyperactivity.
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What are the advantages of EEG training?
With EEG training, the child is empowered to take control of both attention and concentration. Training helps attention to be maintained when the child is not on medication; for example, at critical times of the day such as evening study hours when medication, if used, may interfere with sleep. Training also is the first step towards not requiring medication in order to concentrate on one's work in future years.
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Tell me more about the training session.
We begin each session discussing any impact previous sessions have had upon sleep, fidgeting, focus, school, play and listening. Then, depending upon the protocol chosen, the therapist will select one of the biofeedback instruments or learning tools available. Frequently, the student is encouraged to listen to Mozart or Baroque music playing in the background, a relaxation tape, or an individual motivational aid.
Most often, the student sits in front of a computer screen and the electrodes are attached to the scalp. The sensors are only to measure brainwave activity. While the therapist monitors the session on a separate computer, the student receives visual and audio feedback in the form of a video game. This feedback gives positive reinforcement to the participant and trains the student to relax, increase alertness, focus, and concentration, while decreasing fidgeting and impulsive approaches to tasks.
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How long does training take?
Training typically takes approximately 30-60 sessions depending upon the complexity of the disorder. Frequency of the training varies from 2-3 times per week for a period of 4 months to 1 year. Progress can generally be noticed after about 20 training sessions. Changes in behavior in the home or classroom can usually be noticed after 2 to 4 months of training.
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How long do the results of training last?
Long term follow up indicates that the improvement appears to be long lasting, the same way that riding a bicycle, once mastered, stays with you.
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Are standardized tests used to help evaluate progress?
Yes, standardized intelligence and academic testing may be done, at the parents' request, with the school or a psychologist before and after training has been completed. We utilize the Computerized Test Of Variables Of Attention (T.O.V.A.), Integrated Visual and Auditory Test (IVA) or Connors Continuous Performance Test, which we administer before, and at intervals during, the training.
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How long has this training method been used?
EEG technology has been utilized in training epileptics to manage seizures for over 25 years. It has been used for solving attention problems for over 20 years.
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Can anyone benefit from your work?
 Yes! Peak performance occurs when a person's mind is aroused but their body is relaxed. Few people can achieve this state naturally. For the rest of us, it has to be a learned process, beginning with an awareness of one's mental habits, followed by learning to improve those habits through exercise, challenge and practice. Peak performance will mean different things to different people, depending on the result they are trying to achieve.
Whether you are a professional golfer looking to trim your score by a few critical strokes, or a student who wants to get the maximum benefit out of the study time available, biofeedback can help you achieve your goal. Biofeedback is a process of coaching attentiveness and improving effectiveness.
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Why is biofeedback important?
Feedback is vital to our survival. Your car’s gauges give you feedback like how fast you are driving or how hot your engine is running. Your body gives you feedback, your temperature, if you are hungry or thirsty, or if you are in pain (alarm signals to disengage from that activity). Your brain does the same; and the same way you can read heart activity or health based on an EKG reading, we can measure your brain activity. Once you understand how to change, then changing your brain state occurs easily.
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Is it safe and are there any negative side effects?
No. In over 20,000 cases, no significant negative side effect has been reported. The most common problem reported is changes in sleeping patterns (difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, or sleeping well but more resistant to getting up) which last one or two nights.
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What about insurance?
Although some insurance companies do pay for our work, to insure maximum client confidentiality, we do not accept insurance as a form of payment. We do, however, issue you receipts that you can submit to your insurance company directly.
ADD is considered a disability, and although persons with ADD are protected against discrimination by the Americans With Disabilities Act, being diagnosed with ADD can cause a person to lose their job (for example, if you are in the Army, or if you are a pilot). A national database of your health records is maintained in Boston, which is shared by most insurance companies, the government, and potential employers.
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How much does it cost?
The initial consult is $95 and typically takes 45-50 minutes. The costs will vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, including what assessments are needed. Assessments can range from $375 to $3,500. Treatment packages range from $2,000 to over $10,000, with a majority of cases being from $4,500 to $7,500.
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What is your refund policy?
In the event you decide to discontinue your work, any unused portions of fees paid in advance will be returned to you. Any discount taken will be recaptured and you will be charged the single session rate applicable at the time services were rendered. Otherwise, all fees are considered earned at the time of your appointment.
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What is your cancellation policy?
To avoid being charged for a missed appointment, you will need to advise us of any changes no later than 24 hours prior to your appointment time. Our office receives and relays messages 24 hours a day, every day including weekends and holidays.
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Do I need a medical diagnosis to come to see you?
Generally no, but it mostly depends on the nature of services you are seeking. If a medical referral is required, we can obtain it after your initial consult.
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Do you accept credit cards?
We accept Visa and Master Card, as well as ATM cards, cash, and checks. We also offer financing with low monthly payment options.
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For additional information, call the
Attention & Achievement Center at 925-280-9100
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