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Your First Six Sessions

If you're starting with Peak Brain's Remote Program, you'll begin with a Virtual Intensive - six guided training sessions over two weeks. These sessions teach you everything you need to train independently at home.

🎯 Overview

Purpose: Learn to use your neurofeedback equipment confidently and independently

Format: - 6 sessions over 2 weeks - Via Zoom + screen sharing (AnyDesk) - Optional recording for review - 45-60 minutes per session

By the end, you'll be able to: - ✅ Find and place electrodes correctly - ✅ Set up and run neurofeedback sessions - ✅ Troubleshoot basic signal issues - ✅ Track your progress via surveys - ✅ Know when to check in with coaches

📅 Session 1: Getting Started

What You'll Learn

Neurofeedback Basics: - How neurofeedback works (passive process, operant conditioning) - What a "protocol" is (brainwave frequencies + scalp locations) - Why progress takes weeks/months (building traits, not temporary states) - Training restrictions (timing, frequency)

Practical Skills: - Logging into your portal (Noggin) - Finding your assigned protocol - Basic electrode placement (usually C4-A1 to start) - Running your first neurofeedback session - Understanding the game/feedback

Key Restrictions: - ❌ Don't train 3 days in a row - ❌ Train at least 2 hours before bedtime - ❌ Don't train before recreational substances or HBOT (same day)

What Happens

  1. Your coach screen-shares your computer
  2. You practice logging into the portal together
  3. Coach guides you through electrode placement
  4. You run your first training session (usually C4-A1)
  5. Learn the importance of surveys for tracking

Key Message: "Passive process - doesn't matter how hard you try! Just watch the game and let your brain learn."

📅 Session 2: Placements & Iteration

What You'll Learn

The 10-20 System: - What the numbers and letters mean (C = central, ¾ = left/right) - Finding key landmarks (nasion, inion, preauricular notch) - Essential sites: C3, Cz, C4, Fz, Pz

Peak Brain's Approach: - We're iterative - protocols adjust based on YOUR feedback - Surveys drive decisions - "We're brain readers, not mind readers" - tell us what you notice!

Practical Skills: - Finding C4, Cz, and other common sites - Using anatomical landmarks - Verifying placement

What Happens

  1. Review effects from Session 1
  2. Learn about the 10-20 positioning system
  3. Practice finding electrode locations
  4. Emphasis on symmetry and accuracy
  5. Introduction to scaling and thresholding

Homework: Start thinking about making ropes for Session 3

📅 Session 3: Rope Making & Segmented Training

What You'll Learn

Rope Method: - Front-to-back rope (Nasion to Inion with 5 knots) - Side-to-side rope (Ear to ear with 7 knots) - Using ropes to find "corner" sites quickly

Segmented Training: - What segmented protocols are (multiple mini-sessions in one) - How to set up segment blocks - Understanding autogoals - When segments are used

Practical Skills: - Making your measurement ropes - Finding all common sites using ropes - Setting up segmented training sessions - More detailed scaling and thresholding

What Happens

  1. Check in on progress so far
  2. Make ropes together (you'll use these ongoing!)
  3. Practice finding placements with ropes
  4. Learn segmented session setup
  5. Optional: Second monitor setup for more games

Tip: Take photos of your placements - create a reference library on your phone!

📅 Session 4: DUAL Training & Alpha-Theta

What You'll Learn

DUAL Training: - Uses TWO channels simultaneously (4 scalp electrodes + ears) - Trains both hemispheres at once - More challenging (game moves slower) - Used after you're comfortable with single-channel

Alpha-Theta Training: - Eyes-closed deep relaxation training - Different tones for alpha (brook/chime) and theta (ocean/gong) - All sounds are good! - Best done free from distractions

Practical Skills: - How to set up DUAL layouts (5 electrodes) - When Alpha-Theta is appropriate - Setting raw threshold higher for AT (3x average) - What to expect from eyes-closed training

What Happens

  1. Review recent sessions and effects
  2. Demo DUAL training setup
  3. Demo Alpha-Theta (may use recorded EEG demo)
  4. Learn about different client IDs (1ch, 2ch, AT)
  5. Practice with more complex layouts

Note: You won't use these immediately - foundation first!

📅 Session 5: Training Trajectory

What You'll Learn

Long-term Planning: - Typical training timeline (sessions 1-10, 10-20, 20-40, 40+) - When to get follow-up QEEGs - Training frequency best practices - How to know if it's working

Your Training Schedule: - 3-4x per week optimal - Every other day ideal - OK to train 2 days in a row, then take days off - NOT OK: 3 days in row, more than 4x/week

DOWN Training: - What it means to "train down" a frequency - When it's used - How it works (inhibit instead of reward)

Full 10-20 Coverage: - "Quiz" time - can you find all the sites? - Finding corner sites (F3, F4, P3, P4) - Temporal sites (T3, T4, T5, T6) - Oz, Fpz, and other less-common locations

What Happens

  1. Plan your independent training schedule
  2. Discuss follow-up QEEG timing (~20 sessions)
  3. Full 10-20 system review and practice
  4. Learn about training trajectory expectations
  5. When to check in with coaches

Key Planning: - Schedule follow-up QEEG for ~1 month from now - Commit to 3-4 sessions per week - Plan your schedule around the restrictions

📅 Session 6: Biohacking & Independence

What You'll Learn

Biohacking Basics: - Rule 1: Not WHAT you eat, but WHEN (stop eating 3+ hours before bed) - Rule 2: Protect your wake time, not bedtime (same wake time daily) - Rule 3: Fasted exercise (2-3x/week before eating)

Additional Topics: - Stress management techniques (breath timing, panoramic gaze) - Sleep optimization strategies - Circadian rhythm entrainment

Other Biofeedback: - HRV training (if you have emWave) - HEG training (if you have pirHEG headset) - When and how to use them

Final Review: - Any remaining questions - Placement practice - Troubleshooting common issues - Building confidence for independent training

What Happens

  1. Final questions and concerns
  2. Biohacking and wellness optimization
  3. Verify you're comfortable training independently
  4. Remind about Slack support (always available!)
  5. Schedule "Remote Refresh" call for 1-2 weeks out (optional check-in)

Graduation: You're ready to train on your own with Slack support!

📊 After the Intensive

You're Now Ready To:

  • ✅ Train independently 3-4x per week
  • ✅ Find and place common electrode locations
  • ✅ Set up and run standard sessions
  • ✅ Set up segmented, DUAL, and AT sessions (when assigned)
  • ✅ Troubleshoot basic signal issues
  • ✅ Know when to check in with coaches

Ongoing Support

Slack Channel: - Post questions anytime - Share placement photos for verification - Report effects and get protocol recommendations - M-F 7am-7pm PT, Weekends 7am-5pm PT

Remote Refresh (Optional): - Scheduled 1-2 weeks after intensive - Review anything you're uncertain about - Practice complicated protocols - Sharpen skills

Check-Ins: - After trying a protocol 2-4 times - Immediately if negative effects - When you want a new protocol - Any equipment or placement questions

What to Expect Next

Weeks 3-4 (Sessions 7-14): - Independent training with Slack support - Building foundation with core protocols - Sleep improvements often emerge first - Fill out surveys consistently!

Week 5-8 (Sessions 15-20): - More noticeable changes in focus, mood, energy - May add DUAL or AT training - Schedule follow-up QEEG around session 15-20 - Discuss renewal options if continuing

Beyond: - Typical program: 2-6 months for lasting changes - Follow-up QEEGs track progress - Protocol adjustments based on your response - Continued refinement toward your goals

💡 Tips for Success

During the Intensive

  1. Take notes - Write down key placements and tips
  2. Take photos - Build your own placement reference library
  3. Ask questions - No question is too simple!
  4. Practice - The more you do it, the easier it gets
  5. Be patient - It's a lot to learn in 2 weeks, that's normal

After the Intensive

  1. Stay consistent - 3-4x/week is key
  2. Fill out surveys - We need data to guide protocols
  3. Report changes - Even "not much" is valuable info
  4. Don't hesitate to ask - Slack is there for support!
  5. Trust the process - Changes take time (weeks/months)

🆘 Common Concerns

"This feels like a lot to learn!"

Normal! Most clients feel overwhelmed during the intensive. By session 3-4 it starts clicking, and by session 6 you'll feel confident. Remember: - You'll have Slack support always - You don't need to memorize everything - You can review recordings if needed - Your coach expects you'll need help at first

"What if I forget how to find a placement?"

  • Check your photos
  • Review the Electrode Placement Guide
  • Post a photo in Slack - we'll guide you
  • Use your ropes - they make it easy!

"What if the signal looks bad?"

  • Check the Signal Quality Guide
  • Screenshot and post in Slack
  • Common fixes: more paste, better contact, move amp away from power
  • Your coach can usually diagnose from a photo

"Can I train independently before finishing all 6 sessions?"

Yes, if you're comfortable! Some clients start independent training after session 3-4. Just let your coach know and they'll support you via Slack.

Remember: These 6 sessions are designed to make you confident and independent. Your coach is there to support you every step of the way, and Slack support continues indefinitely. You've got this! 🧠✨