This is a learning technique by which the brain improves its function by receiving information about the frequencies it is creating. Dr. Barry Sterman, UCLA professor emeritus of neurology and psychology, pioneered this area of operant conditioning while doing animal research in the 1960s. In the decade before, experiments by psychologist Joe Kamiya, Ph.D., at the University of Chicago showed that brain waves were not totally involuntary as had been thought. The brain can be nudged to produce more or less of a certain frequency by the simple feedback of audio tones, for example. Also known as Neurofeedback, EEG Biofeedback enhances the brain’s communication network in a painless and noninvasive way. In some cases, it can reduce a client’s need for medication. The field of EEG Biofeedback has grown rapidly and internationally since the 1980s. Its practioners include neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors.

Who can benefit from EEG Biofeedback?

EEG Biofeedback was first applied as a tool in managing epilepsy, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Today this learning technique is employed to treat a wide variety of conditions, including brain injury, depression, anxiety, and disordered eating. The broad application of EEG Biofeedback stems from its support of the innate regulatory function of the brain.

Why would EEG Biofeedback be applicable to addictive disorders?

Supported by current research, our approach to addictions is to view them in part as a maladaptive coping strategy to chronic stress. They begin as an individual’s adaptation to stress, and subsequently gain increased control over a person’s life and choices. Stress chemicals combined with addictive substances have detrimental physiologic effects on brain structure and function. We also know that the developing brain is positively impacted by emotional nurturing and negatively effected by trauma and stress in childhood. EEG Biofeedback is a valuable complement to other stress reduction therapies. It supports the formation of the brain’s essential communication pathways and helps clients live more effectively with a variety of emotions. Research has demonstrated it’s profound effects to inhibit seizures and promote improved attention, concentration, memory and learning capacity. Commitment to a healthy lifestyle is necessary for a client to reap the maximum benefit from neurofeedback therapy.

What occurs during EEG Biofeedback training?

Sensors on the scalp pick up information about the waves of electrical energy the brain is producing. A computer amplifies these complex signals and displays them on the monitor as small groups of energy at specific frequencies. This information is “fed back” to the client, often through audio tones. Protocols using a method developed by Marvin Sams, N.D., do not depend upon a client’s conscious effort to control brain patterns. This novel form of neurofeedback provides reinforcement to the brain when performing a task that requires attention and concentration, such a playing tetris. My research has demonstrated that this technique gives consistently superior results with significant positive effects on attention and concentration within a short period of time.
What kinds of brain waves can be displayed?

Beta rhythms reflect “fast” activity—frequencies activated when we are alert, problem solving, or being anxious. Rapid consolidation of information produces frequencies in the highest range, known as Gamma. Alpha rhythms are the most frequent wave patterns, and they occur when we are relaxed and detached. When we close our eyes and begin to feel drowsy, the brain produces Alpha. Theta frequencies reflect even deeper relaxation, occurring as we slip closer to sleep and form mini-dreams or images. The brain during deep sleep produces the slowest waves, known as Delta. Through training, the brain learns to increase or decrease certain frequencies so that it is functioning in the optimal way for the task at hand. EEG biofeedback produces greater efficiency and flexibility as the brain moves between different states.

What types of training are selected?

The stress of living in today’s world produces particular wear on the nervous system, but we now know that we can play a role in balancing this stress. Problems of brain self-regulation fall into various categories. Training the brain to produce faster waves such as Beta activity is often selected to treat depression, poor attention, and frequent awakenings at night. Symptoms such as anxiety, panic or difficulty falling asleep, commonly respond to training in a frequency just lower than Beta, called SMR. Deep relaxation training with alpha-theta brain wave feedback has also been used to successfully treat addictions.

How many sessions are needed?

The usual number of sessions for most attention and learning problems will require 20 to 40 treatment sessions. From our research most clients receive cognitive and attention benefits by the 20th session. In general addictions, head injured patients; those with eating disorders may require more training sessions. Some conditions such as dementia, and injury caused by toxic substances may require booster sessions after formal intensive treatment has stopped.

Do you provide services other than biofeedback?

Yes, we often start our contact with a new trainee by performing a battery of intellectual, cognitive, and personality and career testing to fully understand our client’s strengths and potential. My practice includes services such as brief psychotherapy, crisis counseling, group therapy and elder assessment.

What Does the service cost and is it covered by my insurance?

Fees vary depending on the service and location. Insurance benefits for psychological tests may be partly reimbursed however biofeedback training is rarely a covered medical service.

Where can I find more information about EEG Biofeedback?

Reliable internet sites include www.greatbrain.com/thesamscenter, www.eegspectrum.com and the website of the international society of neuronal regulation www.snr.org. See also A Symphony in the Brain: The Evolution of the New Brain Wave Biofeedback (2000), written by Jim Robbins and published by Atlantic Monthly Press.