Swarthout Functional Health is pleased to offer BrainPaint® Neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) to Fresno, Clovis, and the entire Central Valley.


What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback or brainwave biofeedback, is a non-invasive therapy where the brain’s electrical activity is relayed to a computer program through electrodes that are placed on the client’s ears and scalp. The neurofeedback system displays this brain activity in real time and provides audio and visual feedback to help clients learn to control their own brainwaves and therefore improve self-regulation. EEG stands for electroencephalography; it is a method of measuring the electrical activity in the brain. No electrical current is sent to the brain; the system only reads the brain’s electrical activity and provides feedback to the client.

When we improve our self-regulation, we can function more optimally in many ways. Neurofeedback is most commonly used to improve attention, regulate sleep patterns, relieve post-traumatic stress symptoms, and decrease anxiety and fears. It is also a popular tool for increasing motivation and creativity as well as achieving peak performance.

Our office uses BrainPaint® neurofeedback, which is an evidence-based, research-supported, non-invasive treatment system. It relies on the principles of operant conditioning to retrain brainwave patterns associated with concentration and relaxation.

 

Who Can Benefit From Neurofeedback?

The young, the elderly, and all ages in between can benefit from neurofeedback. All that is required is your ability to focus on auditory and visual stimulation. Neurofeedback does not target conditions or symptoms directly; rather, it corrects the irregularities in brainwave patterns. It can be an effective standalone tool for improving issues such as those listed below. 

  • Attentional Issues

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Sleep Issues

  • Motivation

  • Autism & Aspergers

  • Tantrums

  • Fears & Phobias

  • Chronic Pain

  • Migraines & Headaches

  • Post-Traumatic Stress

  • Emotional Control

  • Brain Injuries

  • Achieving Flow State

  • OCD

Most clients who struggle with these issues will experience some improvement in 5 - 8 sessions with lasting and significant improvement in 20 - 30 sessions. At least 2 sessions (lasting approximately 45 to 55 minutes) per week are required. 

For issues like addictions, eating disorders, smoking cessation, abusive relationships, character disorders, and those related to one’s discipline for or resistance to change, it serves as a powerful adjunct to other effective healing modalities.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has announced that Biofeedback is a "Level 1 - Best Support" intervention for Attention and Hyperactivity Behavioral issues. The AAP determines the levels of evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents as a guide for physicians and practitioners.   

How Does it Work?

We can learn to alter our brain activity in a similar fashion to how we learn every other skill: feedback and practice. Normally, we do not have the opportunity to be aware of and influence our brainwaves. With neurofeedback, the client sees their brainwaves in real-time. Positive feedback in the form of sounds and/or video images is used to indicate when the desired brain activity is achieved. With repeated and consistent training sessions, clients become aware of and learn to control their brain waves. This process of operant conditioning does not require great effort; in fact, it becomes automatic. Clients witness themselves learning rather than having to exert themselves. Over time, this process results in improved neuro-regulation, which, in turn, affects positive behavioral changes.

Again, the neurofeedback system only reads and amplifies the client’s brainwaves so that they can be presented on the computer screen; no electrical current is transferred to the brain.

What Happens in a Session?

During the first session, the neurofeedback technician will ask you 90 questions. Your responses are entered directly into the BrainPaint® program, which creates your individualized protocols. You will also identify 3 - 4 quantifiable growth areas. You will report your progress in these areas at the beginning of each training session.

During training sessions, the technician will place sensors on your ears and scalp. These sensors pick up the electrical activity coming from your brainwaves and feed this information into the program. The resulting EEG signal is displayed in real-time on a computer screen. There are simple tasks to complete, and the images and sounds provide immediate feedback to guide you in the process of self-regulation.

Nothing goes into your brain. The sensor placement may be changed up to 3 times during a session, or they may stay the same during a total of about 25 - 30 minutes of feedback. Depending on your individualized protocol, you may either keep your eyes open or closed during each session.

Results

  • 80% of BrainPaint® clients report that their symptoms are “better” or “resolved” by only their twentieth session.

  • Typically, clients report improvement in 5 to 8 sessions.

  • In fifty years of research, no adverse side effects have been associated with BrainPaint®.

How Can Neurofeedback Help You?

To find out how neurofeedback can help you or to schedule an appointment, call our office at (559) 435-9505.