Have you been hearing about Neurofeedback and wondering what all the hype is about? Are you interested in optimizing your brain but finding it hard to schedule regular appointments? Are you wanting help with your overall mental health but not wanting to be given a diagnosis? NeurOptimal® may be a good option for you.
NeurOptimal® was developed in 2000 by clinical psychologists as the world’s first and only dynamical neurofeedback system. It can be used to train your brain to peak performance. It is considered a wellness device that can be used with a provider or at home.
Difference between NeurOptimal® and other Neurofeedback Systems
Other neurofeedback systems (considered linear systems) typically require expensive qEEG scans to be completed to measure and analyze electrical brain activity before treatment can begin. As interesting as this can be to see, it is only a snapshot of what your brain was doing. A neurofeedback practitioner then creates a treatment plan and the client schedules appointments in the office for treatments. During treatments, the neurofeedback machine monitors brainwave activity and rewards the brain for certain brainwave states, encouraging or pushing it to increase specific activity. These changes are made indiscriminately and although they can be beneficial in one setting, they can also cause other side effects as different brain wave states are optimal for different situations or settings.
In contrast, NeurOptimal® does not require any brain mapping or scans to be done prior to use. Since it is not being used to treat a specific disorder, but instead to train the brain, there are no protocols or treatment plans. NeurOptimal® relies on its software to train the brain by providing it with feedback 256 times per second. Instead of rewarding the brain for certain states or activity, it just communicates with the brain about what it is doing. Your brain can then decide for itself if that is what it is wanting or needing at that moment.
This would be similar to how the rumble strips on the side of a highway work. They provide feedback to the driver that they are beginning to drift off the road. If the driver is not intending to do so, they are able to correct their steering, but if they are trying to pull over, they are able to decide to still do so. In this way, NeurOptimal® trains your brain to be more aware of its actions and to optimize itself.
What is a NeurOptimal® session like?
A NeurOptimal® session lasts 33 minutes. You will use conducting paste to attach electrodes to your scalp and ears. The electrodes detect the brainwaves and send them to the system for analyzing. You will listen to music through the system during your session. The feedback to your brain from the system is delivered via pauses in the music. You can choose to watch the screen during the session, read a book, meditate, take a nap, or do any other number of activities. Most people find doing a session to be relaxing.
Cost and Ease
Since there are no protocols for NeurOptimal®, it can be done in the comfort of your own home, on your own schedule. At Brevard Family Wellness Center, we have a NeurOptimal® system that can be rented for one flat fee for monthly use, even if you want to use it with multiple users in your household. This can make brain training that much more affordable and accessible!
Traditional neurofeedback typically costs between $100-$200 per session with the qEEG costing substantially more. With 20-40 sessions typically being needed for traditional neurofeedback, it can easily add up to $5,000 per person or more! At $1000 per month, you can fit in daily brain training sessions with NeurOptimal® for everyone in your household.
Benefits of Training
NeurOptimal® offers a simple, non-invasive way of training your brain that is suitable for children, teens, and adults. Unlike traditional approaches which try to “fix” specific issues, NeurOptimal® synchronizes with your brain’s natural rhythms, encouraging it to self-regulate and adapt better—whatever your personal goals may be.
🧠 Emotional and Mental Well-Being
NeurOptimal® can assist people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or PTSD. People experience increased relaxation and nervous system balance, which leads to better emotional regulation, reduced reactivity, and a greater ability to meet life’s challenges. People also commonly report better and more restorative sleep.
💡 Sharper Thinking and Mental Agility
NeurOptimal® can help improve concentration, ability to follow instructions, to multi-task, and increase problem solving potential. It can be especially effective for those diagnosed with ADHD as users have reported significant increases in focus, motivation, productivity and self-confidence in daily activities.
🎯 Elevated Performance in Sports, Arts, and Academics
Training your brain with NeurOptimal® can help reduce performance anxiety, promote sustained attention, and unblock creativity. As your brain becomes more efficient, it allows for enhanced decision-making and decreased reaction times. The benefits of NeurOptimal® can give you an edge in sports, business, academics, and creative endeavors.
Think of It Like a Workout—for Your Brain
Just as we visit the gym to stay physically fit and resilient, NeurOptimal® helps you keep your mind strong and flexible. Instead of training for a specific diagnosis or condition, this neurofeedback approach supports overall mental agility and balance—helping you show up as your best self every day.
Reach out now to find out more about renting the NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback system here in Brevard County.
For more information on NeurOptimal® you can visit www.NeurOptimal.com
