Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neurotherapy?
Neurotherapy, also known as EEG Biofeedback or neurofeedback involves exercising and training the brain, much like working out at a health center exercises and trains our muscles.

How does it work?
Our brain gives off electrical signals of different sizes and strengths. Some signals help us learn. Some help us relax. Some make us sleepy. Some make us excited. During neurotherapy, a person is provided with information about this electrical activity in the brain so that he or she can learn to enhance or inhibit targeted patterns of brain activity. The process leverages the brain’s natural plasticity to restructure brainwaves into the healthy patterns needed for cognitive functioning and emotional self-regulation.

During training, sensors are placed on the scalp with conductive paste. Clients are then invited to relax and watch one of our many computer animation screens as we monitor your brainwaves. As the brain moves toward a healthier state you are rewarded by having the computer animation move and the music play. Gradually through the process the brain “learns” a healthier brain pattern.

How is it done?
By responding to cues provided by a computer. A sensor picks up brain wave signals from your scalp and transforms them into images on the screen and tones. The client learns to move the images around by focusing on both the screen and the tones. In the process, the brain learns to work much better.

How long does the training take?
Because this is a learning process, it takes a number of sessions of practice so that it becomes second nature. The normal training takes 30 sessions lasting about 20 minutes each. Most people begin to notice improvement after only a few sessions. If they stop the training before it is complete, the improvement doesn’t last.

How long does the improvement last?
It is usually long-lasting or permanent. Persons below the age of 60 do not require more sessions later in order to keep the gains they have made. Older individuals can maintain the gains they have made by having a few “booster” sessions once or twice a year.

What about side effects?
There are normally no side effects, and people usually find the exercise pleasant. Occasionally, a few people have a mild, temporary headache after the training. Because the brain uses lots of energy during the training, it is not unusual for a person to feel physically tired after a session.

Does this computer read my thoughts?
No. It only reads the energy given off as the brain goes about its business. In other words, the computer reads how effectively the brain works. The computer then creates targets for your training. As you work at reaching those targets, the brain learns to work more effectively.

Can everybody do it?
Almost everyone can learn to respond to neurotherapy. However, there are some conditions that require special biofeedback. These include diabetes, epilepsy or seizures, and people taking certain types of medications.

Should I tell my doctor that I am doing neurotherapy?
We encourage you to do so. However, we do not require a doctor’s authorization for you to participate.

I’ve never heard of neurotherapy. If it is so good, why isn’t everybody doing it?
Many people haven’t heard of it because it has not been widely available, though it has been practiced for 30-40 years. There are many reasons it is not more widespread. It takes specialized training and equipment that most professionals don’t have.

Is neurotherapy covered by insurance?
While the vast majority of insurance companies do not cover neurotherapy we encourage all of our clients to check with their insurance company to make certain. There have been instances of insurance companies covering some or all of the services we provide. The Neurotherapy Center of Houston is happy to provide all the necessary documentation to our clients to file a claim.