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FAQs
If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to book an initial consultation.
What is our philosophy behind the use of neurotherapy?
Because the nervous system serves as the interface between mind and body, a lot of one’s life experience may be dependent on how well, or how poorly, the brain is functioning. For example, if brain connectivity is slow or disrupted, one may experience sluggish cognitive functioning and difficulty making decisions. This may result in anything from lowered productivity to poor work performance and self-image. This is only one example of how the brain may hinder life experience; in actuality, the brain’s effects on one’s life are multifaceted and complex. In a lot of ways, a healthy, optimally-functioning brain is the basis for calm, focused, and present-centered awareness. If the brain is not operating efficiently, then such a state is difficult—if not impossible—to achieve.
We at Tucson Neurofeedback believe that everyone deserves to reach the pinnacle of their cognitive and emotional potential, so that they may approach life’s challenges confidently, and with vitality and clarity of purpose. It is often the case that the manifestation of each individual’s full potential is dependent on an optimally-functioning brain. Our clinicians are confident in the effectiveness of the tools we employ, as we have personally used them on ourselves and witnessed their effects when used on others. Because of this, we are passionate about what we are doing and excited to offer this treatment to those in the Tucson area.
How does neurotherapy work?
The operation of the brain is reflected in the activity of the neurons that compose it. Many neurons ‘firing’ together generate electrical activity large enough to be detected at the surface of the scalp. This electrical activity generates wave patterns throughout the brain. By studying these wave patterns, our clinicians can see (through the use of QEEG brain mapping) where in the brain abnormalities are located.
We then target these areas through the use of neurostimulation. In essence, neurostimulation both helps the brain get ‘unstuck’ from old patterns and primes the brain to learn something new. Through the use of neurofeedback, we then reward the brain for producing desired waveforms. In this sense, neurostimulation represents ‘how’ new behavior is learned, and neurofeedback is ‘what’ is learned.
What is your cancellation policy?
Except in the case of extreme situations, we require at least a 24-hour notice if you cannot make your scheduled appointment time. Missed appointments or appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time are subject to a $50 cancellation fee that must be paid before the commencement of treatment.
How many sessions of neurotherapy are needed?
What is tACS?
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (abbreviated tACS) is one of the primary neurostimulation modalities that we use in our clinic. It is a form of low-level electrical stimulation that uses a preset waveform, frequency, and amplitude to pass current back and forth (in an alternating direction) through either the brain or the body.
We use tACS machinery developed by Neurofield Neurotherapy, which has proven effective and is used by clinicians throughout the world to prime the brain to learn new patterns.
The required number of sessions varies on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on individual responsiveness and severity of condition. In general, most people will notice changes after 5 sessions—while some notice changes even after 1 session—with longer-lasting changes in as few as 10 sessions. Some individuals require as few as ten sessions in total, but the average amount to obtain permanent results is around 20 to 30 sessions.
Typically, the more severe a situation, the longer it will take to reach a state of optimal functioning. For example, we have found that some cases of severe autism require more than 60 sessions of training.
What is tDCS?
Transcranial direct current stimulation (abbreviated tDCS) is a form of low-level electrical stimulation that has been developed by Neurofield Neurotherapy.
tDCS is administered through the application of an appropriately placed anode and cathode that pass a small amount of stimulating electrical current through the brain or the body.
tDCS improves neuroplasticity by creating a surge of sodium and calcium ions over the regions it is placed. This surge encourages neurons to fire more frequently, thus making the brain more receptive to pEMF conditioning and neurofeedback.
What is transcranial random noise stimulation?
Transcranial random noise stimulation (abbreviated TRNS) is a form of electrical stimulation that is used to treat pathologies throughout the brain and the body (particularly in the application of pain management).
TRNS was also developed by Neurofield; its application is used to adjust the background frequency of neuronal firing. Through the combined use of white noise, brown noise, and pink noise, a small amount of alternating current is passed through the brain or body. The frequency and intensity of this current is varied and tailored to individual need and response.
What is pulsed electromagnetic field therapy?
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (abbreviated PEMF) is based on technology developed by Neurofield and is designed to be effective in the treatment of various brain and body pathologies. The clinical application of PEMF is an ongoing field of interest and investigation.
What is a quantitative electroencephalogram?
A quantitative electroencephalogram (abbreviated QEEG) is a way of viewing the brain in terms of the frequencies of waveforms that compose it. We at Tucson Neurofeedback always employ the use of QEEG before designing any treatment protocol. In doing this, we are better able to understand what is going on in clients’ brains and where abnormalities can be found.
During our initial intake appointment, brainwaves are recorded and fed into software. This software then quantifies individual brainwaves and compares those brainwaves to a normative database composed of either men or women of similar age. Through this, we can precisely locate regions of abnormal brain activity and quantify the degree of individual deviation. After every ten sessions of neurotherapy, we collect another QEEG so that we may determine treatment efficacy and make adjustments where needed.
Does neurotherapy work?
Research has shown that neurotherapy is effective for a variety of brain-based conditions. Individual results depend on the competency of the provider, how well the provider understands what is going on in an individual’s brain, and the effectiveness of the tools at their disposal. There may be individuals who have tried neurofeedback or LENS stimulation therapy who have not obtained good enough results; this may be a reflection of both the limitations of the provider as well as the older techniques used in these systems.
Imagine going to a doctor who has been in practice for 40 years, yet who has not completed ongoing training or updated any of their tools. In such a situation, if any results are obtained at all, they may be subtle and not as good as they *could* be if one were to seek out a more modern and up-to-date practitioner with a cutting-edge approach.
The field of neurofeedback has been around since the 1970s. Many clinics in operation today are based on technology that has been around for 30 years and may not be as effective as some of the newer technology. Neuromodulation (and neurofeedback itself) is a constantly evolving field. The success of any treatment protocol is dependent on the practitioner’s commitment to ongoing training and refinement of technique. Clinicians at Tucson Neurofeedback are driven by their passion and dedication to this field, and because of that, they attend weekly training sessions with a variety of thought leaders and others who have expressed similar dedication to this field.
Does neurotherapy last?
Longitudinal research has shown that the effects of neurotherapy lasts for years.
In our personal practice, we have noticed that effects persist, provided that the training was frequent enough and enough sessions were completed. The necessity of this training frequency is why we insist on beginning a treatment regimen of at least 3x/week, that is tapered to 1 session every other week till treatment is concluded.
Occasionally, clients may require a ‘touch up’ session or two; the need for this is more frequently seen in situations where there is a genetic component to brain dysfunction (i.e., the client has a family history of the condition).
Do you need a license to practice neurofeedback/neurotherapy?
While you do not need a license to be a provider, it is wise to seek a provider who has received extensive training in neurotherapy techniques and is updated on the current neuroscience that supports the use of these techniques.
Asking your provider about their experience in this field and their qualifications goes a long way to ensure that you receive the best treatment possible and minimizes the chances of negative side effects. Clinicians at Tucson Neurofeedback are licensed mental health providers and have completed qualifications to receive board certification in neurotherapy and QEEG analysis. We work under the guidance of licensed psychologists. These psychologists help us hone our technique and provide second opinions on the development of treatment protocols.
What are the side effects of neurotherapy?
While neurotherapy is generally safe, there are occasional side effects to be aware of. During the course of training, we have seen client complaints that include feeling tired, spacey, irritable, or having a headache. Research has shown that 10-15% of the time, clients that are left-handed have reversed right frontal dominance instead of the normal left frontal dominance. This reversed dominance can cause individuals to experience adverse effects, such as increased depression and irritability.
Unfortunately, there is no way to predetermine if an individual has reversed dominance before treatment commences; the effects can only be observed during the course of treatment. However, these negative effects are most often temporary and disappear as treatment continues.
Clients are encouraged to maintain open communication with us at all times. Please let us know what side effects you are experiencing so that training protocols can be adjusted to your individual need.