Neurofeedback FAQs
What is LENS Neurofeedback?
LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System) is a type of neurofeedback therapy that uses very low-level electromagnetic frequencies to stimulate the brain. Unlike traditional neurofeedback, which involves training the brain to change its activity patterns through conscious effort, LENS works by providing feedback to the brain in the form of electromagnetic signals that are specific to each patient. These signals help the brain "reset" itself, leading to improvements in a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
What should I expect from LENS Neurofeedback?
LENS Neurofeedback is a very relaxing and non-invasive form of treatment. During a session, your provider will place a series of electrodes onto different sites (each one correlating to different functions of the brain). The electrodes reflect your brain's activity and send those signals back to your brain for processing. These signals interrupt the dysfunctional patterns in your brain that are contributing to your current challenges and allow the brain to reorganize to create healthier, more adaptive patterns and pathways. Think of it like a frozen computer and "rebooting" the computer system makes it run more effectively and more efficiently. Majority of people report better emotion regulation, better more positive moods, feeling more relaxed, better sleep quality, and overall enhanced functioning physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some people will notice changes while engaging in the session, but others experience changes within the first few hours up to 48 hours following their neurofeedback session. Majority of people do not experience side effects, but most common side effects are headaches or feeling tired or wired (think of caffeine effects if you are sensitive to caffeine).
What are the benefits of Neurofeedback?
Reduced emotional reactivity, Relaxation, Reduced anxiety, Improved mood, Improve concentration and focus, Reduced distractibility, Greater sense of confidence, Improved sleep, Increased energy and mental clarity, Reduced frequency and severity of nightmares, Enhanced cognitive function, Refined Motor skills
Why choose Neurofeedback?
LENS offers relief that goes beyond the power of traditional talk therapy. While we believe that talk therapy can be helpful, you will only get as far as your brain allows you to do so. LENS resets brainwave patterns with ZERO effort from you and promotes deep, lifelong healing. If you have a brain, you can benefit from neurofeedback in some way.
How many LENS sessions will I need?
There are many factors that go into how the brain will respond to neurofeedback like age, trauma history, symptoms, etc but the majority of people can expect around 15-20 sessions total. Most people experience changes in symptoms following the initial session and start to notice significant, lasting changes in symptoms around 7-12 sessions. Your provider will continuously check in with your symptoms before every session and ask that you keep track following every session to help with treatment. It is recommended to come at least once per week for the first few weeks of treatment, then your provider may determine that you can come biweekly. Patients may come twice a week to speed up results as long as the patient allows 48 hours in between sessions.
How safe is Neurofeedback?
The LENS was created by Len Ochs in the 1980s and has been used on more than 75,000 clients (children and adults), and to this date, there are no known reports of lasting negative effects. Studies have shown that about 85% of people who tried LENS have benefitted from it. Results are often apparent after the first sessions and create lasting changes.
Can I use insurance for Neurofeedback?
Currently neurofeedback is considered "natural alternative medicine" and is not covered by most insurance companies. However, we recommend sending in your superbills to your insurance company for a possible reimbursement. It is rare to be covered, but it all depends on your insurance company and insurance plan.
Is Neurofeedback therapy?
Neurofeedback is not the same as psychotherapy and psychotherapy is not provided during neurofeedback appointments. It can be beneficial to be engaged in both modalities and if you are interested, you may see one of our psychotherapists or receive outside referrals.