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Are you watching your child struggle with anxiety and wondering if there’s a way to help—without medication?
From tummy aches before school to tears at bedtime, they seem to come out of nowhere and nothing’s truly working to ease their emotions.
That’s because anxiety isn’t just a spur of the moment emotion. It’s a sign that your child’s brain is stuck in stress mode and is having trouble regulating itself.
It takes more than just “talking it through” or coaxing to bring them lasting relief.
What is Neurofeedback Treatment for Anxiety?
When a child struggles with anxiety, it often shows up in ways that break a parent’s heart — clinginess, stomach aches, bedtime battles, or constant worry about things other kids don’t even think twice about. That’s where neurofeedback comes in.
It’s a gentle, non-invasive therapy that helps the brain “see itself” and learn how to shift out of stress mode.
I’ve seen it help so many kids go from feeling overwhelmed and panicked to calm and confident—without meds. It’s like giving the brain a mirror and saying, “Here’s what calm looks like. Let’s practice getting there.”
Key features of neurofeedback:
- No medication or side effects
- Based on brain wave activity and real-time feedback
- Trains the brain to self-correct dysregulated patterns
- Can be used alongside other treatments for anxiety like therapy or lifestyle changes
How Anxiety Affects the Brain and Body
Anxiety doesn’t just live in your child’s thoughts—it shows up in their brain wave patterns, nervous system, and behavior.
Children with anxiety often have elevated beta waves and underactive alpha waves, which can keep them in a constant state of fight-or-flight.
When brain activity is off-balance, your child experiences:
- Racing thoughts or constant worries
- Avoidance of school or social situations
- Stomachaches, sleep problems, or clinginess
- Emotional outbursts or shutdowns
Behavior is communication. These reactions are how your child’s dysregulated brain signals distress.
Curious about whether neurofeedback could help your child? Download our free guide: “Neurofeedback for Parents: What You Need to Know to Help Your Anxious Child.”
Benefits of Neurofeedback For Kids With Anxiety
Parents often ask, “Will this really help?” And the answer is yes — neurofeedback training can be a game-changer, especially when traditional talk therapy hasn’t been enough.
Effects of neurofeedback on anxiety symptoms:
- Reduced chronic worry and panic
- Improved emotional regulation and sleep
- Better attention and fewer meltdowns
- More confidence and independence
Is Neurofeedback Safe and Effective for Children?
Yes. One of the things parents love about neurofeedback is that it’s completely non-invasive — nothing scary,no meds, and no side effects to worry about. It simply helps the brain tune into its own patterns and shift out of stress mode. I’ve seen it work wonders for both kids and adults, especially when nothing else seemed to help.
Why it’s a trusted treatment option:
- Backed by decades of research
- Used in clinical settings worldwide
- Safe for kids as young as 5 years old
- No long-term negative side effects
A meta-analysis by Hammond (2005) showed significant improvements in both anxiety and depression symptoms using neurofeedback therapy. (Hammond, 2005)
How Long Does It Take To See Results From Neurofeedback?
Every child’s brain is unique, but most parents report seeing noticeable effects of neurofeedbackwithin 10–20 sessions.
What the process typically looks like:
- Sessions 1–3: Brain mapping and protocol creation
- Sessions 4–10: Subtle changes in sleep, focus, and mood
- Sessions 11–20+: Bigger improvements in emotional regulation and resilience
Neurofeedback therapy is like going to the gym for your brain—it takes commitment, but the long-term gains are worth it.
Can Neurofeedback Help If My Child Has Anxiety and ADHD or OCD?
Yes, and that’s one of the biggest strengths of neurofeedback treatment—it doesn’t just target one symptom. Because it improves brain functions across the board, it’s highly effective for kids with complex profiles.
Conditions often treated alongside anxiety:
- ADHD (impulsivity, attention struggles)
- OCD (obsessive thoughts, rigid behaviors)
- PANS/PANDAS (sudden-onset anxiety and tics)
What Other Experts Say:
“Neurofeedback is the future of mental health care—especially for anxiety.” —Dr. Mark Stein, Clinical Psychologist
“The research clearly supports neurofeedback as a powerful tool for emotional regulation.” —Dr. Siegfried Othmer, Neurofeedback Pioneer
How Can I Get Started?
Neurofeedback treatments start with a QEEG brain map, which identifies dysregulated areas in the brain. Then, a personalized neurofeedback training plan is created to support healthier brain wave patterns.
Getting started is simple:
- Schedule a consultation with a qualified provider
- Complete a brain mapping session
- Begin regular sessions 2–3 times a week
It’s a compassionate, empowering path forward for families seeking lasting change.
Check out our BrainBehaviorReset™ Program, an exclusive and comprehensive program designed to transform your child’s ability to succeed wherever they are. We help you turn your daily struggles over homework, getting to school, eating the right nutritious foods and more through neurofeedback, executive function coaching, and parent coaching – because yes, you as a parent are also instrumental in your child’s real, lasting transformation!
Parent Action Steps
FAQs
What ages is neurofeedback appropriate for?
Children as young as 3 can benefit, but most providers start around age 5+ when kids can sit through sessions.
Is neurofeedback covered by insurance?
It depends on your plan. Some reimburse under biofeedback or mental health services. HSAs often qualify.
Can neurofeedback replace therapy?
It works best as part of a full care plan—but can often reduce the need for therapy sessions.
Will my child have to do neurofeedback forever?
No. Most kids complete a full round of sessions in 3–6 months. Results can last for years.
Terminology Simplified
- QEEG (Quantitative EEG): A brain mapping tool that shows which areas are under or overactive.
- Dysregulation: When the brain can’t stay calm, focused, or flexible.
- Beta waves: Fast brain waves linked with focus but also anxiety when overactive.
- Alpha waves: Slower waves that promote calm and relaxation.
- Real-time feedback:Immediate cues during sessions that help the brain adjust activity levels.
Citations:
Hammond, C. (2005) Neurofeedback with anxiety and affective disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 14(1), 105–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2004.07.008
Lofthouse, N., Arnold, L., Hersch, S., Hurt, E., and DeBeus, R. (2011). A meta-analysis of neurofeedback for ADHD. J Atten Disorders, 16(5), 350–360. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054711427530
Escolano, C., Navarro-Gil, M., Garcia-Campayo, J., Congedo, M., and Minguez, J. (2014). The effects of individual upper alpha neurofeedback in ADHD: An open-label pilot study. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 39(3-4), 193–202. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-014-9257-6
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed mental health expert that is frequently cited in the media:
- The Holistic Counseling Podcast Therapist’s Integrative Tools: Neurofeedback and Biofeedback
- Life’s Essential Ingredients Connecting at the Root
- Helping Children Thrive PodcastBenefits of Neurofeedback for children with ADHD
- It’s Gonna Be OK! With Dr. Roseann Podcast: Neurofeedback Series
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
Are you looking for SOLUTIONS for your struggling child or teen?
Dr. Roseann and her team are all about science-backed solutions, so you are in the right place!
Download our free guide: “Neurofeedback for Parents: What You Need to Know to Help Your Anxious Child
