WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A NEUROFEEDBACK SESSION
Neurofeedback therapy is one of the best forms of therapy for anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and for anyone who simply wants to reach their potential. Rooted in real, tangible science, its benefits are available to everyone as it helps us understand the physiological effects of stress and how to influence our nervous system to produce more calm.
Since neurofeedback sessions are so different from anything most people have experienced before, new clients naturally have questions about what neurofeedback sessions involve. Below, we’ll guide you through the process so you know what to expect.
What Happens During a Neurofeedback Session?
Neurofeedback therapy works by delivering a micro signal (1/300th of that emitted by your cell phone) to your brain to essentially “reboot” it, allowing your brain to function more easily. Think of it the same way as restarting your computer when it gets bogged down and slow.
The neurofeedback device usually looks like a laptop with a headset or (more often) several sensors attached. You’ll take a seat and the sensors will be placed on your head and you’ll watch a screen that reacts to your brainwaves.
On the screen, you’ll watch videos or images, listen to music, or play games, and the screen will reward you for calmer, more focused brain activity by making the screen brighter, playing a happy noise, or helping you achieve the goal of the video game.
What Do I Have To Do in a Neurofeedback Session?
You don’t really need to do anything – just sit back and relax and engage with whatever is on the screen in front of you. The NeuroCoach guiding you through your session will guide you through, but things are largely happening on a subconscious level. If you go on to do neurofeedback at home, the process is just the same.
Over time, you’ll get better at controlling your thoughts and actions so you can actively help your brain be more calm and positive.
How Long Does a Neurofeedback Session Last?
Your first neurofeedback session will last up to 45 minutes, and all subsequent sessions last around 30 minutes.
Is Neurofeedback Safe?
Don’t worry, you won’t feel a thing during your neurofeedback session and neurofeedback is incredibly safe. After your first few sessions, many people report being able to feel the “wave” of calm soothing their system.
How Long Will It Take To Start Feeling the Effects?
Most clients start feeling the effects from the first or second session, though it will take multiple sessions to start feeling long-lasting results. Most of the early improvements from your initial sessions last anywhere from 2 hours to 2 days.
We recommend 2 sessions per week for the first 3 weeks, maintained over the course of 6 – 12 months. After 15-25 sessions, we see enduring results. We can speed up the process for those only in Los Angeles for a short period of time to fit in 20 sessions over just a few weeks.
Are There Any Neurofeedback Side Effects?
Experiencing side effects after neurofeedback is rare, and the majority of people only experience more calm right from the first session. That said, all people are different, and some may experience fatigue, a temporary increase of anxiety (this usually goes away during the session), headache, feeling “wired”, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. After just a few sessions, these side effects usually clear up entirely.
If you have (or have ever experienced) a neurological condition or injury, such as epilepsy or stroke, make sure you tell your provider – neurofeedback therapy is safe for everyone, but they’ll be able to make sure your treatment is suitable for your history.
What Are the Benefits of Neurofeedback?
Some of the ways neurofeedback therapy helps are:
- Reducing fight or flight responses
- Helps arouse the nervous system to lift mood and energy levels
- Reduce the occurrence of headaches
- Reduces distractibility and increases the ability to focus
- Eases feelings of anxiety
- Relaxes tense muscles due to stress or chronic pain
Can I Do Neurofeedback at Home?
Yes, if you don’t want to complete your course of neurofeedback therapy in our LA offices, or if you want to supplement your appointments, our Myndlift and Heartmath devices will help you achieve the same benefits from the comfort of your home. To learn more about doing neurofeedback at home, read our blog post here.
How to Get Started
Once you’ve decided to try neurofeedback therapy, your next step should be to book your Intro Appointment at our West LA or South Bay office. Your first appointment costs $89 and it’s easy to schedule online or by calling (323) 705-3031, which is our 24/7 scheduling line.
Once you’ve got your appointment, all you need to do is fill in your client details and attend your appointment! You will not be charged for your appointment until you attend. To find out more and to book, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neurofeedback Sessions
What happens during a neurofeedback session?
A typical neurofeedback session at Los Angeles Neurofeedback Center begins with small sensors being placed on your scalp using a water-soluble paste. These sensors are completely non-invasive and simply read your brainwave activity. With CLARITY Direct Neurofeedback, the system then delivers an imperceptibly small signal back to the brain while you sit comfortably and relax. You do not need to watch a screen, play a game, or concentrate on anything. Most patients describe the experience as deeply calming, similar to meditation but without the effort. The entire session typically lasts about thirty minutes, and you can return to your normal activities immediately afterward.
Does neurofeedback hurt?
Neurofeedback is completely painless. The sensors placed on your scalp are simply reading electrical activity that your brain is already producing, similar to how a thermometer reads temperature without affecting it. With CLARITY Direct Neurofeedback, a tiny signal is sent back to the brain, but it is so small that patients cannot feel it at all. There are no shocks, no buzzing, and no uncomfortable sensations. Many patients find the sessions so relaxing that they nearly fall asleep during the process. The only minor inconvenience is the water-soluble paste used to attach the sensors, which washes out easily.
How long does each neurofeedback session take?
At Los Angeles Neurofeedback Center, a CLARITY Direct Neurofeedback session typically lasts about thirty minutes from start to finish. This includes the time needed to place the sensors, run the neurofeedback protocol, and remove the sensors afterward. The active treatment portion is quite brief compared to traditional neurofeedback, which often requires sessions of forty-five minutes or longer. Most patients schedule sessions once or twice per week, though more frequent sessions can be arranged during intensive treatment periods. There is no downtime after a session, so many patients schedule appointments during lunch breaks or between other activities.
What should I do to prepare for my first session?
Preparing for your first neurofeedback session is simple. Come with clean, dry hair free of heavy styling products, as these can interfere with the sensor readings. Avoid excessive caffeine before your session, as it can temporarily alter your brainwave patterns and affect the baseline readings. Eat a light meal beforehand so you are comfortable and your blood sugar is stable. Wear comfortable clothing and arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in. Your first visit will typically include a consultation where the practitioner reviews your health history and explains the process in detail before any sensors are placed.
How soon will I notice results from neurofeedback?
The timeline for noticing results varies depending on the condition being addressed and the individual’s unique brain patterns. With CLARITY Direct Neurofeedback, many patients report subtle changes after the very first session, often describing improved sleep quality, a sense of calm, or reduced mental chatter. More significant and sustained improvements typically emerge over the course of five to fifteen sessions. Conditions that have been present for many years may take longer to shift than more recent issues. At Los Angeles Neurofeedback Center, progress is tracked through periodic assessments and patient feedback so that the treatment plan can be adjusted as needed.
Are the results from neurofeedback permanent?
The changes produced by neurofeedback tend to be long-lasting because the brain has genuinely learned new patterns of self-regulation rather than simply being masked by medication. Most patients maintain their improvements after completing a full course of treatment. However, just as physical fitness requires some ongoing maintenance, many patients choose to return for occasional booster sessions, particularly during periods of high stress or major life transitions. The brain’s capacity to maintain its new patterns improves the more thoroughly the initial training is completed, which is why following through with the recommended number of sessions is important for lasting results.
Get the full details on what happens during a neurofeedback session at our center.
