When you’ve gone to so many consultations, tried interventions you cannot count anymore, or received heaps of conflicting advice from professionals, it may feel easy to give in to helplessness and overwhelm.
Your child won’t be a child forever and they need the right support and a clear path to improvement, before the potential long-term consequences of a dysregulated brain sets in.
As a parent of neurodivergent kids myself, I understand how hard it is to manage untamed behaviors, especially when you’re a working mom or dad. The fatigue of keeping structure at home and constantly reminding your child to stay calm can lead to burnout and make us feel that we are failing as parents.
We just wish that someone could lay out specific, effective tools and a clear strategy to help our children regulate their emotions and not struggle so much. Well, that’s exactly what neurofeedback is able to provide.
Neurofeedback is a safe, evidence-based, and non-invasive therapy that helps the brain function at its best by teaching it how to self-regulate. This cutting-edge, drug-free approach provides lasting improvements for children struggling with focus, emotional regulation, and behavioral challenges.
Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on symptom management, neurofeedback helps retrain the brain by addressing the root causes of dysregulation. By gently guiding the brain toward healthier patterns, neurofeedback empowers your child to improve attention, reduce anxiety, and achieve emotional balance—all without medication.
The History of Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback has been transforming lives since its introduction in the 1960s. Initially used in research settings, advancements in computer technology made it more accessible, especially as personal computers became widely available in the late 1980s.
Today, neurofeedback is a well-established therapeutic approach that helps individuals rewire their brains for improved mental health and cognitive function.
With more than 3,000 peer-reviewed studies supporting its effectiveness (Hammond et al., 2016), neurofeedback has been shown to improve attention, reduce anxiety, and help regulate emotions.
Growing Acceptance of Neurofeedback in Mental Health Treatment
In the past, those seeking to improve their mental health only had two options: medication or psychotherapy. Neurofeedback, however, has emerged as a viable third option for mental health treatment.
Decades of research continue to reinforce that neurofeedback is a powerful, natural tool for children struggling with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
Parents like you seeking a science-backed, drug-free solution for their child’s well-being can confidently turn to neurofeedback as a proven method for long-term brain optimization.
What is Neurofeedback and How Does it Work?
Neurofeedback is a cutting-edge, non-invasive brain training technique designed to help regulate brain function. By providing real-time feedback on brainwave activity, neurofeedback teaches the brain how to function more optimally—leading to improved focus, emotional balance, and cognitive performance.
Neurofeedback works by harnessing the power of neuroplasticity, the brain’s natural ability to create new connections and adapt. Through consistent training, the brain learns to enhance beneficial brainwave patterns while minimizing those that contribute to dysregulation.
Dr. David Kaiser, a recognized clinical neuroscientist and leading innovator of EEG tools, states, “Neurofeedback is a powerful tool for self-regulation. It offers a non-invasive approach to improving brain function by reinforcing optimal neural patterns.”
How Does Your Child’s Brain Learn During Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is primarily based on operant conditioning. This mechanism involves:
Reinforcing desired brainwave patterns by providing immediate feedback
Positive consequences like visual or auditory rewards enhance the likelihood of a desired behavior
Negative consequences reduce the likelihood of a desired behavior
This approach helps individuals learn to self-regulate their brain activity effectively.
We measure improvements in brain activity during neurofeedback sessions through various metrics, including:
The absolute values of amplitude/power
The percentage of time spent with positive feedback
A combination of the time spent in the desired brain state and mean level of amplitude
For neurofeedback training to be effective, a few key factors need to be in place:
The part of the brain to be trained must be clearly linked to your child’s mental issue.
The brain must be able to change and improve
It should be reinforced with other complementary lifestyle changes including establishing a robust support system at home.
The therapy aids in teaching patients to shift their brains into healthier functioning patterns, leading to long-term symptom improvements. This learning process underscores the potential of neurofeedback to bring about lasting changes in brain function and mental health.
What to Expect During a Neurofeedback Session
Neurofeedback training involves placing a cap with electrodes on the scalp to measure brainwave activity. These signals are then processed by specialized software that provides visual or auditory feedback to guide the brain toward optimal functioning.
A typical neurofeedback session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
A study published in Clinical EEG and Neuroscience found that neurofeedback training induces significant structural changes in white and gray matter, which correlates with improved cognitive and emotional function (Ghaziri et al., 2013).
During a session, individuals might watch a movie, play a game, or listen to music, where the experience is subtly modified based on their brainwave activity. Once the brain produces the desired patterns, the reward system in the software reinforces the positive change, allowing the individual to gradually self-regulate their brain function.
What is Neurofeedback Therapy and the Conditions it Treats
Neurofeedback has been widely used for decades to help children and adults overcome a variety of neurological and emotional challenges. Research shows that it is highly effective in addressing conditions such as ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, concussion recovery, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), OCD, and sleep disturbances. These conditions often stem from dysregulation in the central nervous system, an area where neurofeedback excels in providing relief.
Studies consistently demonstrate the powerful impact of neurofeedback. In fact, research by Marzbani et al. (2016) found that over 90% of individuals who undergo neurofeedback report significant reductions in symptom severity and noticeable improvements in daily life.
This natural approach helps balance brainwaves, regulate neurotransmitters, and move the brain away from a constant “fight or flight” response—allowing kids to focus, think clearly, and develop stronger emotional resilience.
Most of the parents I work with turn to neurofeedback after exhausting other treatment options with little to no success.
Unlike medications that may only mask symptoms, neurofeedback helps address the underlying neurological imbalances.
When your child is still struggling despite various interventions, it’s often beneficial to assess medical, nutritional, or environmental factors that may be contributing to their challenges. Neurofeedback offers a highly personalized and adaptive approach, helping your child and the rest of your family find real, lasting relief.
What Does Neurofeedback Therapy Do?
During a neurofeedback session, a trained practitioner uses reinforcement techniques to guide the brain toward healthier patterns. This process helps the brain learn how to self-regulate, which can improve focus, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional balance.
By identifying and strengthening specific brainwave patterns, neurofeedback helps calm an overactive brain or stimulate an underactive one. This makes it an invaluable tool for children who struggle with attention, mood regulation, or sensory processing challenges.
Brain waves are the foundation of cognitive and emotional functioning. They are identified by their amplitudes and frequencies, which indicate various mental states. These distinct patterns of electrical activity oscillate at different rates, measured in hertz (Hz), and their power is measured in microvolts (μV).
Each type of brainwave plays a crucial role in daily functioning. When there is too much or too little activity in certain brain regions, issues like inattention, anxiety, or mood dysregulation can arise.
For example, insufficient alert brain waves in the frontal lobes are commonly associated with focus difficulties.
Neurofeedback addresses these imbalances, so your child can achieve greater cognitive clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being.
Types of Neurofeedback Training
Neurofeedback is a highly adaptable approach that can be used in different ways depending on an individual’s unique neurological and emotional needs. It is not a one-size-fits-all therapy, but rather a personalized brain training method that fosters long-term growth and self-regulation.
There are three primary types of neurofeedback training: slow cortical potentials (SCPs), coherence training, and frequency training. Each type targets different aspects of brain function and connectivity, offering unique benefits depending on the individual’s needs.
Slow Cortical Potentials (SCPs)
Slow cortical potentials (SCPs) targets slow brain waves that can be self-regulated through neurofeedback training.
It focuses on the slow shifts in brain activity that affect attention and arousal. Studies suggest that SCP training enhances self-regulation and reduces hyperactivity (Strehl et al., 2017) so it is particularly effective for individuals with ADHD and epilepsy.
The primary goal of SCP training is to improve the brain’s ability to regulate cortical excitability. This is achieved by practicing the generation of SCPs, which can lead to better control over neurophysiological parameters and improved cognitive functions. SCP training has shown significant efficacy, especially in children with ADHD, by enhancing their ability to regulate brain activity.
Coherence Training
Dr. Joel Lubar, a pioneer in the field of neurofeedback in the 1970s, emphasizes, “Decades of research support the effectiveness of neurofeedback in modulating brain function. The technique has evolved into a valuable clinical tool for treating neuropsychological disorders”
With Coherence Training, this method improves communication between different areas of the brain by strengthening connectivity patterns. It is especially useful for individuals with anxiety, depression, and learning or developmental disorders. By enhancing brainwave synchronization, coherence training promotes better cognitive function, emotional balance, and self-regulation, making it an effective approach to improving overall brain health.
Frequency Training
Frequency training is one of the most common types of neurofeedback training, aimed at altering brain wave frequencies to improve brain function. This type of training targets specific brain wave frequencies including:
1. Delta Waves
The brain's delta waves, which oscillate between 0.2Hz and 4Hz, are related to deep and dreamless sleep. While in the delta state, the body releases anti-aging hormones like melatonin and DHEA. It also stimulates the pituitary gland to produce human growth hormone (HGH). Delta waves are crucial for memory formation and can be influenced by brain damage, seizures, and toxicity.
2. Theta Waves
Theta waves oscillate between 4Hz and 8Hz and are linked to our subconscious, awake state. Such a state is often experienced during light sleep, daydreaming, meditation, and creative pursuits. While delta waves are associated with sleep and deep unconsciousness, theta waves are related to sleepiness or creativity.
3. Alpha Waves
Alpha waves between 8Hz and 12Hz induce mental and physical relaxation. This brainwave state is linked to increased feel-good neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine, and beta-endorphin, a peptide hormone. Mood and pain levels can be affected by alpha wave imbalance, whether too few or too many.
4. Beta Waves
Beta waves, oscillating between 12Hz and 27Hz, are essential for focused and alert brain states. This brainwave state helps with logic, reasoning, concentration, critical thinking, and alertness. It effectively enables the brain to perform tasks that require focus and concentration.
5. Gamma Waves
Gamma waves, with a frequency of 27Hz and above (the fastest brain waves), play a vital role in higher consciousness. Intense gamma levels are associated with intelligence, mind-body connection, sensory awareness, happiness, compassion, self-regulation, self-control, idea formation, memory processing, language, and various types of learning. Meditation practitioners and people with well-regulated nervous systems often exhibit higher gamma wave levels.
Frequency training, with its diverse protocols, is tailored to individual needs, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, or cognitive enhancement. For example, the fm-theta protocol includes an eight-session training program aimed at investigating the trainability of fm-theta and assessing its effects on executive functions.
Frequency training’s versatility makes it a valuable tool in neurofeedback therapy. By targeting specific brain wave frequencies, it can help individuals achieve various cognitive and emotional improvements, including:
- reducing anxiety
- improving focus and attention
- enhancing memory and learning
- promoting relaxation and stress reduction
- improving sleep quality
Difference Between Biofeedback and Neurofeedback
Children with mental health issues can benefit from both biofeedback and neurofeedback. While these two non-invasive therapies are closely related, they differ in terms of what they target.
Biofeedback focuses on autonomic functions like heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension. It teaches your child to consciously control these physiological responses using relaxation and breathing techniques. It's commonly used for stress, anxiety, and chronic pain management.
Neurofeedback, however, operates on a subconscious level, targeting brainwave activity through EEG monitoring. By training the brain to optimize its patterns, it helps improve focus, emotional regulation, and cognitive function.
While biofeedback engages conscious control over body functions, neurofeedback fine-tunes the brain’s electrical activity for better neurological performance. Combining biofeedback and neurofeedback therapies in a professionally guided care plan is possible, depending on your child’s condition and his/her ability to engage with the therapy processes.
Safety and Side Effects of Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is generally considered safe and effective for treating various neurophysical disorders. It is well-tolerated by both children and adults, making it a versatile option for different age groups.
Some individuals may experience temporary fatigue or mild headaches after sessions, but these effects typically subside quickly. Unlike pharmaceutical interventions, neurofeedback trains the brain naturally, making it a sustainable and long-term solution for many conditions.
A systematic review in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback reports that neurofeedback therapy has a favorable risk-benefit ratio, with minimal adverse effects (Arns et al., 2017).
Ensuring that neurofeedback therapy is conducted by a well-trained and certified clinical professional is crucial to minimizing risks. One must have a license in order to be certified, so make sure you are getting support from a licensed and certified professional with expertise in the area your child needs.
When your child’s neurofeedback sessions are administered by a licensed professional, the likelihood of adverse effects is significantly reduced.
Why is Neurofeedback Recommended for Children and Teens?
Neurofeedback therapy is a natural and pleasant option for parents looking for an alternative to psychiatric medications or stimulants for their children and teens. It has been extensively researched and scientifically proven to effectively treat a wide range of clinical conditions that many young people face today.
The best part? Neurofeedback therapy has no notable adverse side effects, making it a safe and gentle way to support your child's mental health.
Unlike medications, which can have unwanted side effects and often only treat symptoms, neurofeedback therapy addresses the root cause of these issues by teaching your child's brain how to regulate itself. And because it is a natural treatment option, you can feel good about supporting your child's mental health without exposing them to harmful chemicals or substances.
Why More Parents Are Turning to Neurofeedback
Backed by decades of research, neurofeedback is becoming a trusted solution for parents looking for natural, effective ways to support their child’s development. With a tailored, science-backed approach, neurofeedback provides hope and real change for families seeking an alternative to traditional interventions.
If you're a parent who wants the best for your child's mental and emotional well-being, you need to learn more about how our BrainBehaviorReset™ Program can help. We offer top-quality neurofeedback therapy for kids and teens at our Ridgefield clinic and virtually at home for families across the US and worldwide.
Our personalized approach combines neurofeedback therapy with other evidence-based modalities like PEMF, nutrition and supplementation, and cognitive behavior therapy, among others, to create a comprehensive care plan that meets the needs of each child.
We work with families to support common clinical issues facing children, teens, and their families, including ADHD, anxiety, autism, executive functioning, learning disability and dyslexia, PANS/PANDAS, Lyme Disease, OCD, and mood and behavior dysregulation. You can learn more about our client successes by reading our case studies.
So don't wait any longer to support your child's behavior and mental health. Contact us today to learn more about our BrainBehaviorReset™ Program and how neurofeedback therapy can help your child reach their full potential.
With its proven track record of success and lack of adverse side effects, it's a treatment option that you and your child can feel good about.
What Can I Expect From a Neurofeedback Session?
In our BrainBehaviorReset™ Program, neurofeedback begins with a quantitative EEG brain map to assess brain activity. I will then design a customized treatment plan founded on my decades of clinical experience helping dysregulated kids.
Once I establish the protocol , sessions begin—typically 40 to 50, conducted two to three times per week.
During each session thereafter, sensors will be placed on the scalp and ears of your child, providing brainwave reinforcement while they watch a movie. Over time, the brain learns to self-regulate, improving focus, calmness, and processing abilities.
Is Neurofeedback the Same as Biofeedback?
Neurofeedback and biofeedback are related but distinct therapies. Biofeedback focuses on conscious control of bodily functions like heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature using sensors and real-time feedback. It is often used to manage stress and chronic pain.
Neurofeedback, on the other hand, works at the subconscious level to retrain brainwave patterns, helping individuals regulate emotions, focus, and overall cognitive function. While both approaches can complement each other, neurofeedback is specifically designed to enhance brain function and self-regulation.
How is Neurofeedback Different From TMS and TENS?
TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, which uses magnets to alter brain activity. It mainly treats depression in adults and involves wearing a special helmet where magnetic activity travels through the scalp.
On the other hand, TENS means Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator. This device uses low-voltage electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves. But unlike both methods, neurofeedback doesn't get anything through the wires to change brain functioning. Instead, it uses a process of reinforcement and measurement.
What conditions can neurofeedback therapy treat?
Neurofeedback therapy can treat conditions such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, depression, substance abuse, and sleep disorders, while also offering cognitive enhancement benefits for healthy individuals.
How safe is neurofeedback therapy?
Neurofeedback therapy is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with rare and transient side effects such as headaches and fatigue.
What should I expect during a neurofeedback session?
You should expect to sit comfortably with electrode sensors on your scalp, engaging in activities like watching movies or playing games, while receiving real-time feedback to help regulate brain activity during a neurofeedback session. This can help monitor brainwave activity to regulate brain activity, improving focus and reducing anxiety.
How do I find a qualified neurofeedback provider?
Look for licensed clinicians or therapists with certification from organizations like BCIA or ISNR, and ensure they have post-degree training in neurofeedback, using professional directories for reference, or contact our Ridgefield Clinic!
Citations
Arns, M., Heinrich, H., & Strehl, U. (2014). Evaluation of neurofeedback in ADHD: The long and winding road. Biological Psychology, 95, 108–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.11.013
Ghaziri, J., Tucholka, A., Larue, V., Blanchette-Sylvestre, M., Reyburn, G., Gilbert, G., Lévesque, J., & Beauregard, M. (2013). Neurofeedback Training Induces Changes in White and Gray Matter. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 44(4), 265–272. https://doi.org/10.1177/1550059413476031
Hammond, D. C., Novian, D. A., & Duffy, F. H. (2016, November 11). Comprehensive Bibliography of Neurofeedback Research. ISNR. https://isnr.org/isnr-comprehensive-bibliography
Marzbani, H., Marateb, H., & Mansourian, M. (2016). Methodological Note: Neurofeedback: A Comprehensive Review on System Design, Methodology and Clinical Applications. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Journal, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.15412/j.bcn.03070208
Strehl, U., Aggensteiner, P., Wachtlin, D., Brandeis, D., Albrecht, B., Arana, M., Bach, C., Banaschewski, T., Bogen, T., Flaig-Röhr, A., Freitag, C. M., Fuchsenberger, Y., Gest, S., Gevensleben, H., Herde, L., Hohmann, S., Legenbauer, T., Marx, A. M., Millenet, S., Pniewski, B., Rothenberger, A., Ruckes, C., Wörz, S., & Holtmann, M. (2017). Neurofeedback of slow cortical potentials in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A multicenter randomized trial controlling for unspecific effects. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 11, 135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00135
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in Self-Regulation who frequently is in the media:
- Healthline Understanding Self-Regulation Skills
- Scary Mommy What Is Self-Regulation In Children, And How Can You Help Improve It?
- The Warrior Parent Podcast It's Gonna Be OK! Changing Behaviors and Responses (And The Magic of Magnesium)In Your Family with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
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.
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Dr. Roseann is a Children’s Mental Health Expert and Licensed Therapist who has been featured in/on hundreds of media outlets including The Mel Robbins Show, CBS, NBC, PIX11 NYC, Today, FORBES, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Business Insider, Women’s Day, Healthline, CNET, Parade Magazine and PARENTS. FORBES called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health.”
She coined the terms, “Re-entry panic syndrome” and “eco-anxiety” and is a frequent contributor to media on mental health.
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge has three decades of experience in working with children, teens and their families with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, concussion, dyslexia and learning disability, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression and mood disorder, Lyme Disease, and PANS/PANDAS using science-backed natural mental health solutions such as supplements, magnesium, nutrition, QEEG Brain maps, neurofeedback, PEMF, psychotherapy and other non-medication approaches.
She is the author of three bestselling books, It’s Gonna Be OK!: Proven Ways to Improve Your Child's Mental Health, The Teletherapy Toolkit, and Brain Under Attack. Dr. Roseann is known for offering a message of hope through science-endorsed methods that promote a calm brain.
Her trademarked BrainBehaviorResetⓇ Program and It’s Gonna be OK!Ⓡ Podcast has been a cornerstone for thousands of parents facing mental health, behavioral or neurodevelopmental challenges.
She is the founder and director of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, Neurotastic™Brain Formulas 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).
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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.
