Getting Started with Neurofeedback¶
Welcome to Peak Brain! This section will help you understand what neurofeedback is and what to expect as you begin your training journey.
Essential Reading¶
Start with these guides to get oriented:
📖 Frequently Asked Questions¶
Answers to the most common questions about neurofeedback, training, and programs.
Topics covered: - What is neurofeedback? - How long does it take to work? - Training frequency and schedule - What to do during sessions - Equipment and technical questions - QEEG brain mapping - Program questions
🎯 What to Expect¶
What happens during a typical neurofeedback session.
You'll learn: - Session structure - What you'll do - What the coach does - How to know if it's working - Common experiences
📅 Training Schedule & Best Practices¶
When and how often to train for best results.
Key information: - Optimal training frequency (3-4x/week) - Best times of day to train - Important restrictions - What to avoid before training - Scheduling around events
🚀 Your First Six Sessions¶
A detailed look at what you'll learn in your Virtual Intensive or first in-office visits.
Session-by-session breakdown: - Session 1: Foundations - Session 2: Placements - Session 3: Ropes & Segments - Session 4: DUAL & Alpha-Theta - Session 5: Training Trajectory - Session 6: Biohacking & Independence
Understanding the Process¶
How Neurofeedback Training Works¶
Neurofeedback is operant conditioning for your brain. Here's the simple version:
- Sensors on your scalp measure brainwaves (EEG)
- Software analyzes your brainwave patterns in real-time
- Games or tones provide feedback—rewards when your brain produces desired patterns
- Your brain learns to produce more of the rewarded patterns through neuroplasticity
Important: This is a passive process. You don't need to "try" or "do" anything. Just watch the game or listen to the tones, and let your brain learn naturally.
Realistic Timeline¶
Neurofeedback takes time—think of it like exercise for your brain.
| Milestone | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Sessions 1-10 | Subtle shifts, may not notice much. Dream changes often first sign. |
| Sessions 10-20 | Sleep often improves—falling asleep faster, fewer wake-ups, feeling more rested |
| Sessions 20-40 | More obvious cognitive/emotional changes—focus, mood, stress resilience |
| Sessions 40+ | Continued refinement and stability of gains |
Recommended: 3-4 sessions per week for 3+ months (40-52 total sessions) for long-lasting results.
Why so long? You're training trait-level changes in brain function, not temporary states. These changes are long-lasting because your brain has learned new patterns.
What "Success" Looks Like¶
Focus on changes in the 24 hours after a session, not during it:
Common Early Changes¶
- 😴 Sleep: Falling asleep faster, fewer wake-ups, feeling more rested
- ⚡ Energy: Less foggy, more sustained energy through the day
- 🧘 Stress: Things bother you less, more resilient
- 🎯 Focus: Easier to concentrate, less distractible
- 😊 Mood: More even, more buoyant, less reactive
Changes are often subtle at first—you may notice you're handling things differently before you notice "feeling different."
Your Role in the Process¶
What you DO need to do: 1. ✅ Show up consistently (3-4x/week) 2. ✅ Fill out surveys (helps us track patterns) 3. ✅ Report changes—even "not much" is useful data 4. ✅ Follow training restrictions (timing, frequency) 5. ✅ Contact your coach with questions or concerns
What you DON'T need to do: 1. ❌ Try to control your brainwaves 2. ❌ Focus or concentrate during sessions 3. ❌ "Get good" at the games (you never will—they adjust!) 4. ❌ Think specific thoughts or visualize 5. ❌ Worry if you don't notice immediate changes
Important Training Restrictions¶
These aren't arbitrary—they're based on how neuroplasticity works:
| Restriction | Reason |
|---|---|
| At least 2 hours before bedtime | Training can be activating; brain needs time to settle |
| No more than 4x per week | Over-training can slow progress or cause side effects |
| Avoid 3 days in a row | Brain needs rest to consolidate learning |
| Don't train before important events | Need 36+ hours for changes to stabilize |
| Don't train day before QEEG | We want to see your baseline, not recent training effects |
Next Steps¶
If You're Brand New¶
- Read the FAQ
- Learn about brainwaves
- Review your first six sessions
- Understand training best practices
If You're Starting Remote Training¶
- Complete your intake form
- Join your dedicated Slack channel
- Schedule your QEEG (brain map)
- Review electrode placement basics
- Schedule your Virtual Intensive (6 sessions)
If You're In-Office¶
- Schedule your initial QEEG at your location
- Book your QEEG Review with Dr. Hill
- Begin regular training sessions with your coach
- Fill out AM/PM surveys to track progress
Questions?¶
- Remote clients: Post in your Slack channel
- In-office clients: Ask your coach at your next session
- General questions: See the FAQ or Troubleshooting section
Ready to learn more? Continue to Understanding Neurofeedback to dive deeper into the science.