Understanding Neurofeedback¶

Learn the science behind neurofeedback training, how it works, and what makes it effective.

Core Concepts¶

🧠 What is Neurofeedback?¶

A comprehensive introduction to neurofeedback training.

Topics covered: - Exercise for your brain - Operant conditioning explained - Why it works - History and research - Long-term benefits

⚙️ How Neurofeedback Works ¶

The mechanism behind neurofeedback training.

You'll learn: - What EEG measures - Real-time feedback loop - Why you don't need to "try" - Neuroplasticity and learning - Why consistency matters

🌊 Understanding Brainwaves ¶

A complete guide to Delta, Theta, Alpha, SMR, Beta, and Gamma brainwaves.

Comprehensive reference: - What each brainwave does - Associated mental states - Which are rewarded vs. inhibited - How they relate to symptoms - Frequency bands explained

🧪 QEEG Brain Mapping ¶

What a QEEG is and why it's important.

Key information: - What QEEG measures - How we use it - Z-scores explained - Why we remap - What brain maps show

⏱️ Timeline & Expectations ¶

Realistic expectations for your neurofeedback journey.

Milestone-by-milestone: - Early signs (sessions 1-10) - Common first changes (sessions 10-20) - Stability and gains (sessions 20-40) - Long-term training (40+ sessions) - What "finished" looks like

The Peak Brain Approach¶

QEEG-Guided Training¶

Unlike "protocol-based" neurofeedback where everyone with similar symptoms gets the same training, Peak Brain uses your unique brain map to create personalized protocols.

The process:

QEEG Assessment
19-21 electrode recording of your brain
Eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions
Compared to normative database
Pattern Recognition
Dr. Hill analyzes your brain map
Identifies endophenotypes (stable brain patterns)
Relates patterns to your goals/symptoms
Protocol Selection
Initial protocols chosen based on QEEG + goals
Conservative start (build foundation)
Iterate based on your response
Continuous Iteration
Track changes via surveys
Adjust protocols based on effects
Follow-up QEEGs show progress
Refine training over time

Why This Matters¶

Same protocol, different effects: The same training can produce completely different results in different people, depending on their baseline brain activity.

Example: - Person A with low SMR at C4 trains C4-A1 SMR → sleeps better, less anxious - Person B with high SMR at C4 trains C4-A1 SMR → more alert, better focus - Same protocol, different starting points = different outcomes

This is why QEEG-guided neurofeedback is more precise than symptom-based protocols alone.

Key Principles¶

1. Neuroplasticity¶

Your brain can change its structure and function through learning. Neurofeedback leverages neuroplasticity to create lasting changes in brain patterns.

Timeline: - Changes begin at the cellular level immediately - Noticeable functional changes: 6+ weeks - Stable trait-level changes: 3-6 months - Long-lasting: changes persist after training ends

2. Operant Conditioning¶

You learned to walk, talk, and ride a bike through operant conditioning. Neurofeedback uses the same mechanism to train your brain.

The loop: 1. Brain produces a pattern 2. Software detects it 3. Reward given (or withheld) 4. Brain adjusts 5. Repeat thousands of times per session

Result: Your brain learns to produce more of the rewarded patterns without conscious effort.

3. Individual Variation¶

No two brains are identical. Your training is customized to: - Your unique brain patterns - Your goals - Your response to training - Your lifestyle and context

4. Iteration and Feedback¶

We adjust your training based on: - Surveys: Your reported changes in sleep, mood, focus, energy - Session notes: What you notice during/after sessions - Follow-up QEEGs: Objective brain changes over time - Coach observations: Patterns across many clients

What Neurofeedback Can Help¶

Common Goals¶

Category	Examples
Sleep	Falling asleep faster, staying asleep, feeling rested
Attention	Focus, concentration, reducing distractibility
Stress & Anxiety	Resilience, rumination, worry, stress response
Mood	Emotional regulation, reactivity, depression
Energy	Mental clarity, reducing fog, sustained energy
Performance	Flow states, creativity, cognitive processing

Conditions Often Helped¶

Neurofeedback has been researched for: - ADHD - Anxiety disorders - Depression - PTSD and trauma - Sleep disorders - Migraines - Concussion/TBI - Peak performance - Autism spectrum - Epilepsy

Note: Neurofeedback is not a cure, and it doesn't work for everyone. It's a training method to optimize brain function.

What Neurofeedback Is NOT¶

Common Misconceptions¶

❌ Not meditation or mindfulness (though it can complement them)
❌ Not hypnosis or trance
❌ Not adding anything to your brain (no stimulation, just feedback)
❌ Not mind-reading (we measure electrical activity, not thoughts)
❌ Not instant (requires consistent training over weeks/months)
❌ Not a substitute for medication (consult your doctor about medications)

It Requires:¶

✅ Consistency (3-4x/week)
✅ Patience (6+ weeks for visible changes)
✅ Communication (reporting what you notice)
✅ Realistic expectations (subtle but significant changes)

Research & Evidence¶

Peak Brain's approach is grounded in decades of neurofeedback research.

Key Research Areas¶

SMR training for ADHD (Lubar, Sterman)
Alpha-Theta for addiction and PTSD (Peniston, Kulkosky)
Individualized training (Othmer, Collura)
QEEG-guided protocols (Johnstone, Hammond)

Learn More¶

Peak Brain Research Library: peakbraininstitute.com/research-library
ISNR Bibliography: isnr.org/isnr-comprehensive-bibliography

Next Steps¶

Continue Learning¶

Understanding Brainwaves - Detailed guide to each brainwave type
QEEG Brain Mapping - How we assess your brain
Timeline & Expectations - What to expect session by session

Ready to Start?¶

Getting Started - First steps and FAQs
Your First Six Sessions - Detailed walkthrough
Equipment Guide - Understanding your equipment

Questions? Check the FAQ or reach out to your coach.