Neurofeedback Training In Calgary: What Is It, And What It Can Do For You

Neurofeedback is the process of “feeding back” sensory information (auditory, tactile, visual) based on the performance of the brain in live time. At our clinics near you in Calgary Alberta we measure brain activity at the surface of the brain as well as in deeper layers through something called LORETA analysis.

Neurofeedback uses the age-old principle of operant conditioning to function. When the brain is adjusting itself, or training itself, towards the norm, a reward is achieved in the form of visual, auditory, or tactile output. This could be in the form of a movie or a song fading in and out as the client focuses on achieving an ideal brain state. Training usually takes place in the form of 30 to 60-minute sessions.

Neurofeedback tends to be arbitrarily thrown around the Neuro-industry and often used as an umbrella term for different neural reconditioning technique’s whether they are truly neurofeedback or not.

“I have been with Neurvana for the past 3 years, receiving neurofeedback and health protocols that have improved my quality of life beyond belief. Thank you so much Corey and all the staff, you are doing amazing work.”

Ginny Chapman
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Who Is Neurofeedback For?

The answer is simple – anyone looking to improve their health. It is important to keep in mind that neurofeedback is simply a tool in the tool belt and the best results are achieved when used in conjunction with integrative medicine and qEEG brain mapping – depending upon your condition. Who we have seen gain the most benefit are those with:

• ADD
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Anyone with a severe head or neck injury, even if it is years later
• Asperger’s
• Autism
• Brain fog
• Chronic and unknown conditions – often there is underlying early physical or emotional trauma associated
• Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Depression
• Dizziness, disorientation and motion sickness
• Forgetting what you were saying or doing
• Headaches and migraines
• Memory disorders
• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Panic attacks
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Sleep issues
• Stress disorders
• Those suffering from cancer especially with after effects of chemo often referred to as “chemo-brain”

Neurofeedback is also for those who want to sharpen their senses. Many athletes as well as business professionals use neurofeedback regularly to improve their performance by improving alertness, memory, focus, clarity in both written and verbal communication.

If you are willing to do the work, show up and persevere when faced with challenges then neurofeedback is right for you. The individuals who see the most robust changes are the ones committed to the work and patient throughout the process. Many clients tell me the journey isn’t always easy but the benefits far outweigh the work involved.

If you are interested in getting started with rehabilitating your brain to full and optimal function we currently have a neurofeedback office near you in Calgary, AB.

Different Types Of Neurofeedback

Let’s first review traditional neurofeedback; it incorporates elements of both operant and classical conditioning techniques. These forms of conditioning are also present in other areas of our lives; how we are able to learn a new language or a skill like swimming. During the session a 3D, visual representation of what the trainee’s brain looks like is displayed on a screen in front of them. Each unique protocol is superimposed on the brain and appears in a pattern of dots and connecting lines which represent the specific networks and areas being targeted. The goal of the session is teaching the trainee’s brain to recognize when they are getting the ideal visual, auditory and sometimes vibrotactile feedback. In turn, their brain and nervous system regulate and normalize those targeted areas. The implied positive feedback is reinforced each session and eventually, the ways our brain and nervous systems communicate will also change. An analogy we often use is to picture their protocol as a blueprint and the closer their brain mimics that blueprint the more positive feedback they’ll get reinforcing this new, optimal mode of functioning.

Examples of the other neural reconditioning techniques we use at Neurvana include but are not limited to low-level laser and infrared light therapy, transcranial direct current stimulation, infraslow fluctuation training, vagal nerve stimulation, 19-channel LORETA neurofeedback training and biofeedback through heart rate variability training.

I’d like to take this opportunity to further elaborate what biofeedback is. In our experience, it is a term that is often used to describe many different approaches and can be very confusing. It is similar in concept to traditional neurofeedback but varies in the bodily processes we target. At Neurvana, we teach the concept of biofeedback as providing the trainee with both visual and auditory information about their heart rate (or a biological process) while actively participating in relaxation techniques like heart-focused or diaphragmatic breathing. Through biofeedback, we are striving to create a balance in the nervous system to be able to easily shift between the fight or flight response and the rest and digest response. The greater the depth or variability of our heart rate as we breathe the greater balance we achieve and this ultimately equates to improved resiliency in our nervous system response to both internal and external stressors.    

“I was stuck in a severe “dorsal vagal state” and Corey Deacon helped me identify it as such when nobody else knew why my brain had stopped working. I think Neurvana helped save my life with neurofeedback. Much thanks.”

Charles Thompson
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When Will I See Noticeable Improvements?

The amount of sessions somebody requires to obtain self-regulation and see an improvement in symptoms varies significantly. Improvements are often seen within 10 sessions at our Calgary neurofeedback office, and major improvements can take up to 20-60 sessions. The exciting aspect of neurofeedback is that it can ‘train’ or ‘educate’ both the conscious and the unconscious minds. This allows brain behaviour and functioning to transfer into everyday life. For example, if somebody with anxiety (as seen in these qEEG maps) can learn to self regulate, both consciously and unconsciously, significant improvements in symptoms can be seen with long-lasting effects.

There is no clear cut answer to this as our training programs are created on an individual basis, therefore, changes are unique to each individual. Some people notice shifts in their symptoms after a handful of sessions while others are not able to pinpoint changes until 20 training sessions in. It is important you are patient and follow the between-session recommendations in order to maximize the frequency and intensity of changes. Each session is structured the same, taking approximately an hour to complete. It may change over time depending you and your needs.

Why Remaining Consistent Is Important

It often takes multiple sessions before we see physiological changes in the brain maps or see improvement in symptoms. Neurofeedback is a slow process and your brain needs repetition and time to be able to integrate the changes, completing multiple sessions is a great place to start. Due to human individuality, every client is recommended a unique number of sessions and cannot be determined until an intake has been completed.

Important changes can occur if you do not complete back to back training, but we recommend having a day or 2 in between training sessions to allow your brain to rest and integrate the shifts made during the training sessions.

We reassess to be able to observe the progress you have made. We compare the new data to the initial data and from there on we create an updated protocol based off the changes we see. It is important that we are always monitoring the protocol. Depending on what changes have occurred in the maps, we may tweak the original protocol or create a new one based off the latest maps.

We recommend coming into our neurofeedback office near you for training sessions 2 times per week, with a day in between each session. This can be tricky for out of town clients; however, we have just introduced an alternative avenue to in-office appointments. It is remote neurofeedback and the mobility allows you to complete your protocol from the comfort of your own home.  Clients are able to train at home whenever they can. We create a protocol based on the results of the Neuroanalysis, teach you how to use the device and app, and following each training session we receive a report and make any changes to the protocol if needed.

“So much gratitude for the team and services at Neurvana Health. I cannot overstate how much my life has improved in just 3 months since we began working together. I have struggled with mental health and gastro-intestinal issues my entire adult life; having tried numerous pharmaceutical medications, talk therapy, diets and lifestyle changes only to end up feeling depressed and more hopeless each time. I was desperate when I came to Neurvana and honestly a little skeptical, despite so much research supporting the effectiveness of Neurofeedback for treating trauma I had come to believe I was broken and stuck this way. Neurofeedback has given me a level of calm I forgot was possible – I feel safe in my body for the first time in years. And I am noticing major shifts in obsessive thought patterns that I have struggled to change through therapy alone. The rewiring of the brain’s neural pathways through Neurofeedback really is remarkable and life changing…”

Ashley Fleming
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Read more about Ashley’s story here!

Is Neurofeedback Safe?

One of the largest misconceptions is that neurofeedback must be done by a registered counseller and through counselling environment or by a psychologist that focus in psychotherapy. This simply isn’t the case.

Neurofeedback practitioners are regulated by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). Board Certification demonstrates professionalism and adherence to carefully developed standards as a healthcare provider. Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) procedures follow the Department of Health & Human Services Guidelines. Healthcare professionals who achieve BCIA Certification demonstrate commitment to professionalism by completing basic degree and educational requirements, endorsing a rigorous code of professional conduct, learning to apply clinical biofeedback skills during mentorship, and passing a written examination.

BCIA is the only institute recognized worldwide that grants certification to biofeedback practitioners. The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB), the Biofeedback Foundation of Europe (BFE), and the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) all endorse BCIA certification. BCIA was established in 1981 to certify individuals who meet education and training standards in biofeedback and to progressively re-certify those who advance their knowledge through continuing education. Currently, more than 1,500 healthcare professionals have achieved this certification in 25 countries.

Will I Feel Anything During Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback affects people in different ways, with feelings that vary significantly. Some people will feel tired after a session and others will feel more alert. Most of the time, people feel tired, since neurofeedback is like a work out for your brain – even though at the time you may feel like you aren’t even doing anything. Subconsciously, your brain is working hard. Some people get minor headaches. Some may feel overly emotional. Symptoms may be heightened for a few hours and last as long as a day or two or after the session, but this is an indicator that the training is working.

What Are The Side Effects Of Neurofeedback?

Similar to most therapies, side effects may occur. However, not everyone notices any side effects after the session. These side effects may include (but not limited to) headache, mental or physical fatigue, temporary increase in severity of initial presenting symptoms. Often in Neurofeedback, the participant may experience moodiness or highly emotional responses due to the specific parts of the brain we are training. These are temporary changes that improve within 24-48 hours.

Are The Changes From Neurofeedback Permanent?

Now, you may also wonder whether the targeted changes are intended to leave permanent, lasting effects. Before I answer that question I’d like to outline a few things about the human brain. It is a habit machine – so active participation, changes in our behaviour and lifestyle are vital to maintain the positive effects in the nervous system you’ve achieved during the training phase. We often provide tools to practice with at home as well as educational documents to reinforce the work being done in sessions. So long story short, yes these processes are meant to last but not without your active participation.

At Neurvana Naturopathic Medicine in Calgary, we utilize techniques of functional diagnostic testing to properly assess health problems and the underlying causes of symptoms. We view issues such as anxiety, depression, headaches, insomnia, panic, OCD, pain, and fatigue as symptoms driven by other underlying causes. These can be biochemical, emotional, or mental and often times there are several causes of any given symptom or condition. Utilizing neurofeedback has been amazing in resolving these symptoms and it’s because of this that we integrate it with nearly every client. Neurofeedback allows difficult health issues to be relieved and often times resolved.

Is There A Minimum Or Maximum Age To Participate Neurofeedback?

There is no maximum age, however it is important that the participant be able to understand and comprehend what we are doing. As for minimum age, children as young as 2 years can take part in neurofeedback, but for it to be effective, the participant must be able to sit still for most of the session and remain attentive and engaged in the training, which can be hard for very young children.

Visit A Neurofeedback Clinic Near You

If you have been told by your doctor that everything is ‘normal’ even though it doesn’t feel that way or if you are interested in prevention or maintenance to optimize health and prevent future problems you are a great candidate for functional medicine.

At Neurvana Naturopath Medicine, your top choice for naturopathic medicine near you in Calgary, we work with the underlying terrain that is causing issues which is NOT typically a quick fix. Usually, significant changes can take months to years. Because we take years to get ‘sick’, it can take several years to get better as well. With that being said, since we are fixing the causes, positive changes are more long-lasting and progressive once they begin.

Our Naturopathic Medicine clinic practitioners in Calgary are highly trained and certified to practice Functional Medicine. Please contact our office to set up an appointment with one of our practitioners or if you have any questions. (403) 768-3407

“Thank you Neurvana Health! Before I saw Corey and team at Neurvana Health I was struggling with irritability, loss of memory and concentration, fatigue, migraines, anxiety and vertigo from multiple concussions. With the help of Neurofeedback and Corey’s support and advice I’m on my way to finding joy in my life. My memory and energy has improved and my anxiety has decreased. Thank you for helping me get my quality of life back Corey, Nicole, Liz, Emily, Morgan and Carly!”

Stephanie Mills
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References:
Cannon, R.L., Baldwin, D.R., Shaw, T.L., Diloreto, D.J.,Phillips, S.M., Scruggs, A.M., Riehl, T.C. (2012). Reliability of quantitative EEG (qEEG) measures and LORETA current source density at 30 days. Neuroscience Letters. 518: 27-31.
Ghaziri, J., Tucholka, A., Larue, V., Blanchette-Sylvestre, M., Reyburn, G., Gilbert, G., Le´vesque, J., & Beauregard, M. (2013). Neurofeedback training induces changes in white and gray matter. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience. 44(4): 265-272. DOI: 10.1177/1550059413476031
Thatcher, R.W., North, D.M., & Biver, C.J. (2012). Diffusion spectral imaging modules correlate with EEG LORETA neuroimaging modules. Human Brain Mapping. 33: 1062-1075.
Yucha, C. & Gilbert, C. (2004). Evidence-based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback. Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Inc. Wheat Ridge, CO.