FAQ
What are key factors between NeurOptimal® from other systems?
There are a few key factors that distinguish NeurOptimal® from other neurofeedback systems:
1. NeurOptimal® is effective because it is designed to work best with your individual brain. It does not attempt to “fix” predetermined conditions or pin down specific problems. This was a limitation in many earlier neurofeedback systems. Often, resolving one problem in one area could cause problems elsewhere. The heart of the NeurOptimal® system -Dynamical Neurofeedback®- is a proprietary technology based in neuroscience and specifically designed with the naturally non-linear function of the human brain in mind. NeurOptimal® is built to harness the incredibly dynamic nature of your brain in a way other systems simply cannot match. As a result, this neurofeedback system can be used effectively to address a wide array of complaints without specifically “targeting” them from the outset of the training.
2. NeurOptimal® neurofeedback is extremely safe. Research shows your own brain “knows best” and therefore the NeurOptimal® brain training system does not force or “push” the brain in any one direction. Basically, Dynamical Neurofeedback® provides your brain with the information it needs to correct itself and function at its most optimal. NeurOptimal® simply enables your own brain’s natural process of self-correction.
3. NeurOptimal® requires no effort on the user’s part. Some brain training systems require the user to “interact” by playing games or solve puzzles during sessions. This additional level of interaction is unnecessary with the NeurOptimal® neurofeedback system. During a training session, you can simply relax and enjoy!
WHAT HAPPENS IN A SESSION?
When you come into our office, you will sit in a comfortable recliner chair and simply relax. Our trainers will place two tiny sensors to your scalp and earclips to your ears. These sensors allow NeurOptimal® to read the delicate electrical activity of your brain, much like an EKG reads your heart. You then listen to music and can choose to close your eyes if you wish too. Children sometimes like to play a quiet game or read a book.
There are very brief pauses in the music indicating NeurOptimal® is at work, invisibly guiding you through a complex mathematical dance during which the challenge to your brain is varied.
Despite the complexity “under the hood”, no effort is required from you during sessions, at all! Simply relax and enjoy the 33.5 minute session while your brain re-organizes itself.
*Your initial session will be 90 minutes and all subsequent sessions will be 60 minutes
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
Because everyone’s central nervous system is different, it is not possible to predict exactly how your brain will respond to the information NeurOptimal® provides.Just as in how long it takes to learn to read, it is a process and everyone learns differently.
We have clients who have trained 20-40+ times and who have made brain training a regular part of their self-care routine, and others who have felt they accomplished their training goals in 10 sessions or less. It is up to you as a client as you start training how many sessions you want to do and how often you want to do them. The good thing is you can stop at any time and always pick it up again later if you so choose. Any training you have done in the past will always serve you well should you do more sessions in the future — no session is ever wasted.
But in the end, it is always up to you, their is no right or wrong number of sessions, because it is YOUR brain that is doing the training and it knows what it needs.
IS IT SAFE? ARE THERE ANY SIDE-EFFECTS?
NeurOptimal has no known unwanted side-effects. It is 100% Safe for all ages to use.
When you are training, no electricity, vibration or external signal is going into the brain. The sensors are simply monitoring electrical activity.
In addition, brain training with NeurOptimal® does not target specific areas of the brain nor does it push the brain in any direction by giving it goals to achieve. In this way, NeurOptimal® is globally effective while remarkably free of unwanted side effects.