What is Neurofeedback? A Parent’s Guide to Brain Training Therapy

As a parent in Edmond, you’ve likely heard about various therapy approaches for helping teens and children with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other challenges. One approach that’s gaining recognition for its unique, science-based method is neurofeedback—also known as brain training therapy. If you’re wondering “what is neurofeedback” and whether it might benefit your child, this comprehensive guide will help you understand this innovative approach to improving brain function.

Neurofeedback represents a fundamentally different approach to addressing mental health and behavioral challenges. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms or behaviors, neurofeedback works directly with your child’s brain patterns to promote optimal functioning. As someone who specializes in neurofeedback in Edmond, I’ve seen firsthand how this personalized approach can help children and teens develop better self-regulation, focus, and emotional stability.

What makes neurofeedback particularly appealing to many parents is that it’s a non-invasive, medication-free approach that teaches the brain to function more efficiently. Instead of managing symptoms, we’re actually training the brain to work better on its own—creating lasting changes that can benefit your child throughout their life.

Understanding Neurofeedback: The Science Behind Brain Training

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that focuses specifically on brainwave activity. To understand how it works, it’s helpful to know that your child’s brain is constantly producing electrical activity in the form of brainwaves. These brainwaves operate at different frequencies and correspond to different states of consciousness, attention, and emotional regulation.

When your child is focused and alert, their brain produces certain patterns of activity. When they’re relaxed, the patterns change. When they’re anxious or having difficulty concentrating, the brainwave patterns reflect these states as well. Sometimes, due to various factors including genetics, stress, or developmental differences, the brain develops patterns that aren’t optimal for daily functioning.

Neurofeedback works by monitoring these brainwave patterns in real-time and providing immediate feedback to help the brain learn more efficient patterns. Think of it like learning to ride a bicycle—through practice and feedback, the brain develops new, more effective ways of functioning that become automatic over time.

The process is completely painless and non-invasive. During a neurofeedback session, sensors are placed on your child’s scalp to monitor brainwave activity. This information is fed into a computer system that provides feedback through visual or auditory cues. When your child’s brain produces the desired patterns, they receive positive feedback. Over time, the brain learns to produce these optimal patterns more consistently.

The Role of QEEG in Personalizing Brain Training

One of the most important aspects of effective neurofeedback is personalization. Since every brain is unique, it’s crucial to understand your child’s specific brainwave patterns before beginning training. This is where QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalography) comes in—a sophisticated brain scan that I use before starting any neurofeedback protocol.

A QEEG is essentially a detailed map of your child’s brain activity. During this process, I record your child’s brainwaves and compare them to a database of typical patterns for their age group. This comparison reveals areas where your child’s brain might be over-active, under-active, or poorly regulated compared to what we’d expect for optimal functioning.

The QEEG results provide a roadmap for creating an individualized brain training plan. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, I can see exactly which areas of your child’s brain would benefit from training and design protocols specifically tailored to their unique needs. This personalized approach is what makes neurofeedback so effective—we’re not guessing about what your child’s brain needs; we’re using objective data to guide our training.

Conditions That May Benefit from Neurofeedback

Parents often ask me which conditions respond well to neurofeedback. The beauty of brain training is that it addresses underlying brain function rather than specific diagnoses, which means it can be helpful for a wide range of challenges that Edmond families commonly face.

Attention and Focus Difficulties

Many children and teens struggle with attention and focus, whether or not they have a formal ADHD diagnosis. Neurofeedback can be particularly effective for these challenges because it directly trains the brain regions responsible for sustained attention and executive functioning. Children who complete neurofeedback training often show improvements in their ability to focus on schoolwork, follow through on tasks, and manage their attention more effectively.

Parents frequently notice that their child can sit still for longer periods, complete homework with less struggle, and seem more organized in their daily activities. Teachers may also report improvements in classroom behavior and academic performance as the child’s brain develops better self-regulation patterns.

Anxiety and Emotional Regulation

Anxiety in children and teens often stems from overactive brain patterns in areas responsible for threat detection and emotional reactivity. Through neurofeedback, we can train these areas to function more calmly and efficiently. Children learn to maintain more balanced emotional states and develop better resilience to stress.

This training can be especially beneficial for children who experience school anxiety, social anxiety, or generalized worry. As their brain learns more regulated patterns, many children find that they feel calmer overall and are better able to handle challenging situations without becoming overwhelmed.

Sleep Difficulties

Many parents in Edmond struggle with children who have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative sleep. Poor sleep can significantly impact a child’s mood, attention, and academic performance. Neurofeedback can help train brain patterns associated with healthy sleep cycles, often leading to more consistent and restful sleep.

When children sleep better, parents often notice improvements in multiple areas—better mood, increased focus during the day, and improved ability to handle stress and challenges.

Mood Regulation and Depression

Depression in children and teens often involves specific brainwave patterns that can be addressed through neurofeedback training. By helping the brain develop more balanced patterns, children may experience improved mood stability, increased motivation, and better overall emotional wellbeing.

It’s important to note that neurofeedback doesn’t replace other forms of treatment for depression, but it can be a valuable component of a comprehensive approach to supporting your child’s mental health.

What Makes Neurofeedback Different from Other Approaches

Parents often wonder how neurofeedback compares to other therapeutic approaches they may have heard about. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about what might work best for your child.

Direct Brain Training vs. Symptom Management

Traditional therapy approaches often focus on teaching coping strategies or managing symptoms. While these approaches can be very valuable, neurofeedback works at a different level by actually training the brain to function more efficiently. Instead of learning to cope with anxiety, for example, the brain learns to produce patterns associated with calm, focused states.

This doesn’t mean that other therapeutic approaches aren’t valuable—many families find that combining neurofeedback with other forms of support provides the most comprehensive care for their child.

Medication-Free Approach

Many parents appreciate that neurofeedback offers a medication-free option for addressing their child’s challenges. While medication can be helpful for some children, neurofeedback provides an alternative or complementary approach that works by teaching the brain new patterns rather than chemically altering brain function.

The changes that occur through neurofeedback training are learned by the brain and tend to be lasting, unlike medication effects that only last as long as the medication is taken.

Individualized Protocols

One of the most important differences in my approach to neurofeedback in Edmond is the emphasis on individualization. Since our brains are different, it’s important that your child receives brain training that’s custom-designed for their specific brain patterns and needs.

The QEEG brain map I conduct before beginning training ensures that your child’s protocol is based on objective data about their brain function rather than generalized assumptions. This personalized approach is what makes the difference between effective brain training and a one-size-fits-all method that may not address your child’s specific needs.

The Neurofeedback Process: What to Expect

Understanding what the neurofeedback process looks like can help both you and your child feel more comfortable about beginning brain training. The process is designed to be thorough, personalized, and supportive for families.

Initial Consultation and Intake

During our first session together, we’ll complete an intake process that includes conducting a comprehensive brain map (QEEG). This session serves multiple purposes: I get to know you and your child, understand what challenges you’re hoping to address, and gather the objective brain data that will guide our training approach.

The brain mapping process itself is completely painless and non-invasive. Your child simply sits comfortably while I place sensors on their scalp to record their brainwave activity. Most children find this process interesting rather than concerning, and it typically takes about 20 minutes to complete.

During this same session, we’ll discuss what you and your child would like to improve through brain training. This might include better focus at school, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, better emotional regulation, or other goals that are important to your family. These goals become the foundation for designing your child’s individualized training plan.

Results Review and Treatment Planning

In our second session, we’ll review the results of your child’s brain map together. I’ll explain what the QEEG revealed about your child’s brain patterns, highlighting areas that are functioning well and identifying areas that could benefit from training. This information is presented in a way that’s easy to understand, and I encourage questions so that you feel fully informed about your child’s brain function.

Based on these results, we’ll develop a personalized brain training plan that targets the specific areas most likely to help your child achieve their goals. This plan outlines which brain regions we’ll focus on, what training protocols we’ll use, and what kind of progress we might expect to see over time.

We’ll also discuss the practical aspects of brain training, including how often your child will need to attend sessions and what the overall timeline might look like. This planning session ensures that everyone understands the process and feels confident about moving forward.

Brain Training Sessions

Once we begin active brain training, your child will attend regular sessions where they’ll engage in neurofeedback protocols designed specifically for their brain. During these sessions, your child sits comfortably while sensors monitor their brainwave activity in real-time.

The feedback your child receives during training might come in the form of visual displays on a computer screen, audio tones, or even interactive games that respond to their brain activity. When their brain produces the desired patterns, they receive positive feedback through these systems. Over time, their brain learns to produce these optimal patterns more consistently.

Each session lasts about 30 minutes, and most children find the process engaging rather than tedious. Many children look forward to their brain training sessions because they can see their progress and feel proud of their brain’s improvements.

Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment

Throughout the brain training process, I continuously monitor your child’s progress and adjust protocols as needed. Since every brain responds differently to training, this flexibility ensures that your child receives the most effective approach for their unique needs.

We’ll regularly discuss what changes you’re noticing at home and school, and I’ll share observations about how your child’s brain patterns are changing during training. This ongoing communication helps ensure that the training remains focused on your family’s goals and priorities.

The Ideal Brain Training Schedule

Parents often ask about the time commitment involved in neurofeedback training. While every child’s needs are different, there are some general guidelines that tend to be most effective for achieving lasting changes in brain function.

Ideally, children attend brain training sessions at least twice per week for approximately 10 weeks. This schedule allows the brain to build on learning from one session to the next while providing enough repetition for new patterns to become established. Some children may need more or fewer sessions depending on their individual response to training and the complexity of their goals.

The consistency of this schedule is important because the brain learns through repetition. Just like learning to play a musical instrument or developing athletic skills, regular practice helps the brain develop and maintain new patterns more effectively than sporadic training sessions.

I offer in-person neurofeedback sessions only, as the precision required for effective brain training is best achieved through direct, hands-on monitoring of the equipment and your child’s response to training. This ensures that your child receives the highest quality brain training experience.

Supporting Your Child’s Brain Training Journey

While the neurofeedback sessions themselves are the core of brain training, there are ways that families can support their child’s progress and maximize the benefits of the training.

Maintaining Consistent Sleep and Nutrition

The brain learns most effectively when it’s well-rested and properly nourished. Encouraging consistent sleep schedules and nutritious eating habits can help your child’s brain be more receptive to training and better able to integrate the new patterns being learned.

Minimizing Screen Time Before Sessions

Excessive screen time can affect brainwave patterns in ways that might interfere with training effectiveness. When possible, limiting screen time before neurofeedback sessions can help ensure that your child’s brain is in an optimal state for learning.

Staying Hydrated

Proper hydration is important for optimal brain function and can enhance the effectiveness of neurofeedback training. Encouraging your child to drink water throughout the day, especially before sessions, supports their brain’s ability to respond to training.

Celebrating Progress

Acknowledging improvements, even small ones, can help motivate your child and reinforce the positive changes occurring through brain training. Whether it’s better focus on homework, improved sleep, or calmer responses to stress, celebrating these victories helps maintain momentum throughout the training process.

Understanding the Science: Why Neurofeedback Works

For parents who want to understand the scientific foundation behind neurofeedback, it’s helpful to know that this approach is based on decades of research into neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life.

Neuroplasticity means that your child’s brain is constantly forming new neural pathways and strengthening existing ones based on experience and practice. Neurofeedback harnesses this natural ability by providing the brain with specific feedback that encourages the development of more efficient neural pathways.

The immediate feedback provided during neurofeedback sessions helps the brain learn much faster than it would through natural experience alone. When the brain receives instant feedback about its activity, it can quickly adjust and learn to produce more optimal patterns.

Research has shown that the changes produced through neurofeedback training can be lasting because they represent actual learning by the brain, similar to how your child learns to ride a bike or play an instrument. Once the brain has learned these new patterns, they tend to become the new “default” way of functioning.

Neurofeedback for Different Age Groups

Parents often wonder whether neurofeedback is appropriate for their child’s age. The good news is that neurofeedback can be effective for children, teens, and adults, though the approach may be adapted based on developmental considerations.

Young Children (Ages 6-10)

Younger children often respond very well to neurofeedback because their brains are naturally more plastic and adaptable. The training can be presented in game-like formats that keep young children engaged and motivated. Many parents notice improvements in attention, emotional regulation, and sleep patterns relatively quickly in this age group.

Preteens and Teens (Ages 11-18)

Adolescents can benefit tremendously from neurofeedback, especially during this period of significant brain development. Teen brains are still developing executive function and emotional regulation skills, making it an ideal time for brain training. Many teens appreciate understanding how their brain works and feeling empowered to influence their own brain function.

For teens dealing with academic pressure, social anxiety, or mood challenges, neurofeedback can provide tools for better self-regulation that serve them well throughout high school and beyond.

Integration with Other Therapeutic Approaches

Neurofeedback doesn’t have to be an either/or choice when it comes to supporting your child’s wellbeing. Many families find that brain training works well alongside other therapeutic approaches, creating a comprehensive support system for their child.

For example, some children benefit from combining neurofeedback with traditional counseling, occupational therapy, or educational support. The improved brain function achieved through neurofeedback can actually enhance your child’s ability to benefit from other interventions by improving their attention, emotional regulation, and overall brain efficiency.

If your child is currently receiving other forms of therapy or support, we can discuss how neurofeedback might complement these approaches and work together to create the most effective overall plan for your child’s needs.

Long-Term Benefits and Outcomes

One of the most appealing aspects of neurofeedback for many parents is that the benefits tend to be lasting. Unlike approaches that require ongoing management, the brain patterns learned through neurofeedback training typically become permanent improvements in how your child’s brain functions.

Children who complete neurofeedback training often continue to show improvements long after their sessions have ended. Parents frequently report that their child maintains better focus, emotional regulation, and overall functioning months or even years after completing brain training.

This lasting effect occurs because neurofeedback teaches the brain new ways of functioning rather than simply managing symptoms. Once these new patterns are established, they become the brain’s new normal way of operating.

Practical Considerations for Edmond Families

As a parent considering neurofeedback for your child, you likely have practical questions about how this fits into your family’s life and schedule.

I accept private pay and we can attempt to bill out-of-network for neurofeedback, but most insurances will not reimburse for treatment. While neurofeedback has been around for over fifty years, clinicians are just now able to generate large enough studies for the insurances to notice. So, for now, billing insurance for neurofeedback is very limited.  For specific information about pricing and scheduling, I encourage you to reach out directly so we can discuss options that work for your family’s situation.

The twice-weekly session schedule does require a commitment from families, but many parents find that the improvements they see in their child make this investment of time well worthwhile. The sessions are scheduled to fit around school and other activities as much as possible.

Since I offer in-person neurofeedback sessions only, families need to be able to come to my Edmond location regularly. This hands-on approach ensures that your child receives the most precise and effective brain training possible.

Taking the Next Step

If you’re wondering whether neurofeedback might benefit your child, the best first step is to schedule a consultation where we can discuss your child’s specific needs and challenges. During this initial meeting, we can explore whether your child might be a good candidate for brain training and answer any questions you have about the process.

Every child’s brain is unique, which means that neurofeedback isn’t the right approach for every situation. However, for children who are good candidates for brain training, the results can be transformative. Many parents wish they had discovered neurofeedback sooner after seeing the positive changes in their child’s functioning and overall wellbeing.

The decision to pursue neurofeedback represents an investment in your child’s long-term brain health and functioning. Unlike quick fixes or temporary solutions, brain training creates lasting improvements that can benefit your child throughout their academic years and into adulthood.

If you’re ready to learn more about how neurofeedback might help your child achieve better focus, emotional regulation, sleep, or overall brain function, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can explore whether this innovative approach to brain training might be the key to helping your child reach their full potential.

Neurofeedback represents hope for many families who have been searching for effective, lasting solutions to their child’s challenges. By working directly with your child’s brain patterns and creating individualized training protocols, we can help your child develop the brain function they need to thrive in school, relationships, and life.