Yes. An assessment is required before beginning EEG neurofeedback training at Providence, and this is a clinical standard we hold for good reason. Neurofeedback without proper assessment is a generalized approach that may or may not address what is actually driving your symptoms. Our assessment process, whether you choose the interview-style evaluation or the comprehensive QEEG brain mapping, ensures that your training protocols are built around your brain's specific patterns. This is what makes the difference between neurofeedback that produces meaningful change and neurofeedback that simply passes time.

You sit comfortably while sensors are attached to your scalp to monitor brainwave activity. The sensors read your brain's electrical output but do not deliver any stimulation or current to the brain. You then engage in a task or exercise, often watching a screen or listening to audio, while receiving real-time feedback that reflects what your brain is doing moment to moment. The feedback rewards the brain for moving toward targeted patterns, and the brain learns through that reward process. Sessions are generally relaxed and many clients find them enjoyable. The duration of each session varies depending on your protocol.

Neurofeedback is a training process rather than a one-session intervention, and the number of sessions required varies depending on the nature and complexity of the presenting concerns, the brain patterns identified in your assessment, and how your individual system responds to training. Some clients notice meaningful shifts within the first several sessions. Others experience more gradual change that accumulates over a longer course of treatment. Your provider will discuss realistic expectations with you based on your assessment findings and will check in on progress regularly throughout the process.

EEG neurofeedback is considered safe and non-invasive for the vast majority of people. The most commonly reported side effects are mild and temporary, including occasional fatigue or a brief sense of mental tiredness following a session, particularly in the earlier stages of training. For some clients, especially those with a history of trauma or a highly sensitized nervous system, it is not uncommon to feel temporarily more activated or unsettled before the training begins to produce a more settled baseline. This is a recognized part of the process rather than a cause for alarm, and your provider will monitor your response carefully and adjust protocols as needed.

EEG biofeedback, also called active neurofeedback, is an engaged training process in which the client participates actively through tasks and exercises while receiving feedback about their brainwave activity. LENS, or Low Energy Neurofeedback System, is a distinct approach in which a very low-power signal is delivered to the brain to interrupt stuck patterns and support reorganization, often with very brief session contact times. Both are available at Providence's Brain Bar and can be appropriate for different presentations and preferences. Your provider will help you understand which approach is the better fit based on your assessment and clinical picture.

Neurofeedback can be beneficial for a wide range of presentations including anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, trauma, insomnia, chronic pain, and cognitive concerns. It is particularly valuable for those who have not found sufficient relief through talk therapy alone, those who prefer or require a non-pharmaceutical approach, and those who want to address the neurological dimensions of their symptoms directly. It can be used as a primary treatment or as a powerful adjunct to other therapeutic work. During your assessment, your provider will discuss whether neurofeedback is a strong fit for your specific situation and goals.