If you’re parenting a highly anxious child, you know what it’s like when worry takes over their world. It’s as if their brain is stuck in an endless loop of “what ifs,” constantly scanning for danger, even when none is there. That no matter how much you reassure them, the fear doesn’t seem to let go.
But what if you could help their brain find a new, calmer rhythm?
I remember Brent, a reserved 2nd grader who has just started school and was brought to my clinic years ago. While being loud and talkative wasn’t part of Brent’s personality, it was definitely out of the norm when he started to feel restless a lot of times, slept hours past his bedtime, and was easily irritated with small things.
Looking back at his history, I found out Brent had a lot of experiences that didn’t suit well for a child. Trauma can have long term effects especially when experienced during a child’s transformative years and the effect those had on Brent manifested, eventually morphing into anxiety.
But the brain can be trained. Once he started undergoing neurofeedback therapy every week, Brent eventually learned to move past his troubled thoughts, manage his reactions to triggers, and go back to being the healthy and kind child that he was.
Does the idea of “training your brain” to calm down anxiety sound too good to be true?
Neurofeedback is a science-backed, drug-free therapy designed to retrain the brain, teaching it to regulate anxious thoughts and emotions in a lasting way.
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback therapy that helps individuals recognize and change unhealthy brain wave patterns. Using real-time feedback, this non-invasive method encourages the brain to function in a more regulated, balanced way—leading to better focus, emotional control, and reduced anxiety over time.
Is Neurofeedback Effective for Anxiety?
Research on the positive impacts of neurofeedback to various clinical health issues have been available for decades.
More recently, a study on the effectiveness of neurofeedback to performance behavior subjected 8-year-old children with Social Anxiety Disorder to 16 sessions of neurofeedback therapy. Compared to the control group who didn’t receive therapy, these 8-year-olds performed significantly much better after the final assessment, noting that neurofeedback is an effective intervention and can be a complementary therapeutic approach (Fallah, et al., 2024).
Another closed neurofeedback experiment involving 34 subjects showed significant improvements in the brain’s gamma waves, a strong indicator of anxiety relief (Chen et al., 2021).
The same positive outcomes have been observed in other types of anxiety over the years, marking neurofeedback as a safe and reliable anxiety treatment approach.
When Does Anxiety Become a Concern?
All kids worry sometimes, but when their fears start dictating their daily life—avoiding school, refusing to try new things, or breaking down over small challenges—it may be time to seek support. Anxiety can show up in different ways, including:
- Physical symptoms – Frequent stomach aches, headaches, nausea, or trouble sleeping.
- Cognitive symptoms – Racing thoughts, excessive worrying, and self-doubt.
- Behavioral symptoms – Avoidance, irritability, difficulty transitioning between activities.
Recognizing these signs early can help prevent long-term patterns of distress and dysregulation. If unmanaged for a long time, it can build up to a higher form of anxiety.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
An Anxiety Disorder is a common mental health issue that occurs when children or adults experience feelings of uneasiness, worry, and fear that are not equal to the situation. According to research, the average age of onset of Anxiety Disorder is now age six (Merikangas et al., 2011).
So, both children and adults can experience clinical anxiety. Anxiety doesn’t always have to be in response to a situation and can develop from intrinsic sources, genetic mutations and heritability, nutrient deficiencies, infectious diseases, and toxic exposures. Additionally, anxiety is often comorbid with other diagnoses such as ADHD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition or the DSM-5 has specific criteria for each of the types of Anxiety Disorders that one must meet to be diagnosed with a clinical issue. A licensed mental health professional or a physician typically diagnoses a child or individual by conducting a clinical interview.
What are the Types of Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety can present with different behaviors and can also be categorized into distinct clinical syndromes. While Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is now a separate category in the DSM-5, it is still considered an anxiety problem.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Constant worry about everyday situations.
- Social Anxiety Disorder – Fear of speaking up or interacting with peers.
- Panic Disorder – Sudden, intense episodes of fear, often leading to avoidance behaviors.
- Specific Phobias – Extreme fear of certain situations, objects, or experiences.
- Separation Anxiety – Persistent fear of being away from parents or caregivers.
- OCD – obsessive-compulsive tendencies
How Does Neurofeedback Help Anxiety?
When your child is anxious, their brain is often stuck in overdrive, much like a car with a gas pedal that won’t release.
Neurofeedback helps by teaching the brain to self-regulate. When the Central Nervous System (CNS) becomes dysregulated, a variety of symptoms or behaviors can appear, such as anxiety, depression, memory problems, focus issues, and impulse control problems.
Neurofeedback training often focuses on increasing the power of alpha theta brainwave activities to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. With neurofeedback mindfulness adjustment, you learn to self-regulate, and anxious symptoms are reduced.
Neurofeedback works at the subconscious level, which is controlled 90 to 95% of the time. Through a process of measurement and reinforcement, one learns to regulate their brainwave activity.
Quite simply, one is reinforced for changing brainwaves at a subconscious level through the use of computers. This self-regulation calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety or eliminates symptoms and better stress response.
By retraining brain activity, neurofeedback helps the nervous system shift away from chronic stress responses, making it easier for your child’s brain to slow down and self-regulate
Almost any brain, regardless of its level of function (or dysfunction), can be trained to function better. Research has shown that the long-term effects of neurofeedback are stable over time (Van Doren et al., 2018).
Why Medication Doesn’t Help Anxiety
Anxiety medication helps relieve anxiety, but only temporarily. They usually don’t address the root cause of why your child is feeling and behaving like they are, and medications negatively reinforce avoidant behaviors instead of learning how to deal with stress and uncomfortable feelings.
Neurofeedback has demonstrated promising effectiveness in addressing anxiety disorder patients by offering a unique therapeutic approach centered on the brain’s electrical activity. Research consistently supports that psychotherapy, particularly CBT, is more effective in the long term (Eichberger & Desmon, 2014). The investment of time in working with a psychotherapist to address faulty thinking and behaviors results in improved quality of life, increased productivity, and long-term feelings of wellness – a feedback we consistently get at our center from many of our patients and their families.
Get The Ultimate Guide to Boosting Neurotransmitters Naturally
How Many Neurofeedback Sessions for Anxiety?
The number of neurofeedback sessions required for anxiety treatment can vary based on individual factors such as the severity of symptoms, personal response to the therapy, and the specific approach used by the practitioner.
Generally, neurofeedback is administered in a series of sessions that can range from 20 to 40 or more, with each session lasting around 30 to 60 minutes.
Some individuals may begin to experience benefits after a few sessions, while others might require more extended treatment plans for sustained improvement. The frequency of sessions can also influence the overall duration of the neurofeedback intervention.
Parents considering neurofeedback for anxiety for their child should discuss their specific needs and expectations with a qualified practitioner who can provide a personalized assessment and recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on their unique circumstances.
What Happens During Neurofeedback Sessions?
Neurofeedback begins with a QEEG brain map, a painless process where your child sits comfortably with a sensor cap that records brain activity. The brainwave patterns we get helps us identify areas of overactivity or underactivity linked to anxiety, such as excessive beta waves that cause racing thoughts.
How Neurofeedback Works
- QEEG Brain Mapping – We initially assess your child’s brainwave patterns and compare them to a reference database.
- Customized Protocol – I create a tailored plan that will encourage healthy brain functioning.
- Training Sessions – During your kid’s training sessions with my team, your child will undergo neurofeedback wherein their brain receives visual and auditory feedback (like a sound cue or a movie) until their brainwaves show healthy, regulated patterns.
- Session Frequency – We usually start with two sessions per week and reduce them as we see gradual improvements over time.
With over 45 years of research, neurofeedback offers a safe, drug-free way to support your child’s anxiety. If you’re looking for an effective, holistic approach, this therapy may be the solution.
How to Make Neurofeedback for Anxiety Work for Your Child
The work to alleviate your child’s anxiety doesn’t stop at our clinic and my team. Neurofeedback is strengthened through a collaborative effort, which means, you as a parent also play a crucial role.
Once you decide to seek professional help, these are the things you need to remember:
Choose a Qualified Practitioner
Select a neurofeedback practitioner who specializes in working with children and has experience in treating anxiety and depression in this age group. Verify their credentials, training, and expertise.
Establish Realistic Expectations
Set realistic expectations for the child's progress. Neurofeedback may take time, and improvements can be gradual. Openly communicate with the practitioner about expectations and timelines.
Ensure Comfort and Trust
Create a comfortable and trusting environment for the child during neurofeedback sessions. Establishing a positive rapport with the practitioner is crucial for the child to feel at ease.
Involve the Child in the Process
Depending on the child's age, involve them in discussions about neurofeedback. Explain the process in an age-appropriate manner, emphasizing the potential benefits and addressing any concerns they may have.
Consistent Attendance
Ensure regular and consistent attendance at neurofeedback sessions. Consistency is key for the effectiveness of the therapy, and missed sessions can disrupt progress.
Reinforce Positive Changes
Acknowledge and reinforce your child every time they experience an improvement. Celebrate small victories to motivate and encourage ongoing engagement in the neurofeedback process.
Address Concerns Promptly
If any concerns or questions arise during neurofeedback, address them promptly with your practitioner. Clear communication ensures that any necessary adjustments can be made.
Lifestyle Factors
Lastly, how your child lives and the environment they are exposed to outside our center is important. Pay attention to lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, and physical activity, as these can significantly impact a child's overall well-being. A holistic approach can complement neurofeedback therapy.
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
☐ Find a neurofeedback practitioner specializing in child anxiety and depression
☐ Learn about neurofeedback, explain it to your child, and address any concerns.
☐ Set realistic expectations and understand that improvements may be gradual.
☐ Ensure sessions are in a child-friendly space.
☐ Foster a positive relationship between your child and the practitioner.
☐ Ensure regular attendance at neurofeedback sessions.
☐ Coordinate with healthcare professionals if your child is receiving other treatments.
☐ Keep track of your child's responses and communicate changes promptly.
☐ Acknowledge and celebrate small victories for motivation.
☐ Promptly address any concerns or questions with the practitioner.
☐ Consider lifestyle factors like sleep and nutrition.
☐ Listen to the webinar 3 Natural Solutions for ADHD, Anxiety, and Mood
Citations
Chen, C., Xiao, X., Belkacem, A. N., Lu, L., Wang, X., Yi, W., Li, P., Wang, C., Sha, S., Zhao, X., & Ming, D. (2021). Efficacy evaluation of neurofeedback-based anxiety relief. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 15, Article 758068. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.758068
Cheon, E.-J., Koo, B.-H., & Choi, J.-H. (2015). The Efficacy of Neurofeedback in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: An Open Labeled Prospective Study. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 41(1), 103–110. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-015-9315-8
Eichberger , J., & Desmon, S. (2014, September 25). Talk Therapy – Not Medication – Best for Social Anxiety Disorder, Large Study Finds | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Publichealth.jhu.edu. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2014/talk-therapy-not-medication-best-for-social-anxiety-disorder-large-study-finds
Fallah, F., Rezapour-Mirsaleh, Y., Behjati, F., Hatamian, F., and Akbari, M. (2024). The effectiveness of neurofeedback on the behavioral performance of children with Social Anxiety Disorder: a time series study. J. of Practice in Clinical Psychology 12(3): 253-262. http://doi.org/10.32598/jpcp.12.3.961.1
Hammond, D. C., Novian, D. A., & Duffy, F. H. (2020). Comprehensive Bibliography of Neurofeedback Research. ISNR. https://isnr.org/isnr-comprehensive-bibliography
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: a Review of Meta-Analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
Merikangas, K. R., He, J., Burstein, M., Swendsen, J., Avenevoli, S., Case, B., Georgiades, K., Heaton, L., Swanson, S., & Olfson, M. (2011). Service Utilization for Lifetime Mental Disorders in U.S. Adolescents: Results of the National Comorbidity Survey–Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 50(1), 32–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2010.10.006
Van Doren, J., Arns, M., Heinrich, H., Vollebregt, M. A., Strehl, U., & K. Loo, S. (2018). Sustained effects of neurofeedback in ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 28(3), 293–305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-018-1121-4
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Dr. Roseann is a Children’s Mental Health Expert and Therapist who has been featured in/on hundreds of media outlets including, CBS, NBC, FOX News, PIX11 NYC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Business Insider, USA Today, CNET, Marth Stewart, and PARENTS. FORBES called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health.”
She is the founder and director of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC. Dr. Roseann is a Board Certified Neurofeedback (BCN) Practitioner, a Board Member of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society (NRBS), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) and an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach. She is also a member of The International Lyme Disease and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The American Psychological Association (APA), Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) and The Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB).
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