Frequently Asked Questions About NeurOptimal and Our Services
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback (EEG biofeedback).
Neurofeedback machines respond to a user’s brain activity by mirroring it back to the central nervous system (CNS) via a pattern of auditory signals. When the CNS receives this information, it then decides whether to continue operating in the same way or to operate in a more efficient manner.
Over time, through repeated training sessions, the CNS tends to opt to run more efficiently. This results in increased self-regulation of the brain and helps it run optimally. Many people who experience anxiety, depression, insomnia, PTSD, and chronic stress find long-term total relief or significant relief from their symptoms after training with neurofeedback.
What is dynamical or non-linear neurofeedback?
The first generation of neurofeedback machines incorporated linear or protocol-based feedback, which required a user to complete a brain map (QEEG test) prior to sessions in order to identify the issue or area of the brain that was to be targeted. While somewhat effective, an expert trainer was also needed in order to monitor and administer the feedback during a session and only one area of the brain could be trained at a time.
Dynamical neurofeedback (NeurOptimal neurofeedback) is the newest generation of neurofeedback technology. It is able to incorporate brain map functioning into the system due to advancements in computer processing speeds and does not require a QEEG test or an expert trainer to administer a session. Additionally, NeurOptimal dynamical neurofeedback software monitors the largest range of brainwave frequencies (past 60 Hz) compared with other systems. Because the NeurOptimal® dynamical system trains the brain as a whole, rather than targeting specific areas, improvements in many areas/functions are generally experienced by users.
Who is neurofeedback for?
Anyone who is experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic stress, overstimulation, brain fog, chronic fatigue, and/or sleeplessness (insonmia) will likely find significant long-term relief by using a neurofeedback system.
NeurOptimal’s dynamical neurofeedback will benefit those who are seeking to optimize their mind’s performance. It is non-invasive and safe for children and adults alike. Adults with chronic conditions, children with learning challenges, busy professionals, students, academics, and trauma survivors are some of the groups of people that are seeing amazing results from training with NeurOptimal neurofeedback.
What is a neurofeedback session and how does it work?
A neurofeedback session is an approximately thirty-three minute period of training with the NeurOptimal machine.
During a session, one attaches clips to the ears and two sensors to the scalp. These pick up the intricate electrical activity of the brain to be read by NeurOptimal’s state-of-the-art software. While that happens, the user is free to relax and listen to music accompanied by visual effects or to watch a movie.
When the software detects instability in the brain signals, the song or movie briefly pauses. The pauses are feedback, which over time teach the brain to organize itself more efficiently and perform optimally.
Is NeurOptimal neurofeedback safe?
Yes.
NeurOptimal’s website says it best:
“When you are listening to NeurOptimal you will hear brief micro-pauses in the sound. Once you are settled in to a session, you might hardly even notice the. If listening to pauses in music were risky, our founder Dr. Val Brown jokes that you would have to hold the record companies liable for damages from old scratchy records! Certainly playing records in their hey-day did not seem to adversely affect millions of music lovers.
There is another reason though, that NeurOptimal is completely safe. Unlike other systems, NeurOptimal does not train states of consciousness. Indeed, it does not do anything to influence any outcome. Instead it is up to your brain to use the mathematical information it receives, or not—as it will. For this reason NeurOptimal is an extraordinarily safe tool for self-optimization. In fact, history of its use world-wide as revealed in two extensive surveys of our users indicate that we have now well over three million hours of safe usage under all our belts. And that number is growing exponentially.”
How many neurofeedback sessions should I have? Is there a neurofeedback maintenance routine?
The amount of sessions that one needs for training varies. You may not see the same results as someone else by completing the same number of training sessions. That being said, most people achieve the results they are looking for with 40-60 sessions.
While the results tend to be long-lasting, if one feels a little “rusty” at some point or life throws a curveball, a few sessions are often all that are needed to get back on track.
What is the cost of in-office neurofeedback sessions vs. renting a neurofeedback system vs. purchasing a neurofeedback system?
In-office/-person neurofeedback sessions: In-office NeurOptimal neurofeedback sessions typically cost $100 - $200 per session, with most clients purchasing a minimum of 20 sessions. This means a total cost of at least $2,000 for only 20 sessions.
California Neurofeedback NeurOptimal Rental: Renting a system from us and training at home can save you thousands of dollars compared to in-office sessions. Our rentals are a flat fee and include unlimited sessions. Each user can safely do up to two neurofeedback sessions per day for the duration of the rental.
1 month, unlimited sessions: $749
2 months, unlimited sessions: $699 per month
3+ months, unlimited sessions: $677 per month
NeurOptimal 3.5 neurofeedback system purchase price (ships worldwide):
Limited Sessions License System: $7,995
Unlimited Sessions License System: $10,995
Please send us a message if you are interested in purchasing a system.
What is the the rental process?
Customers may rent systems from us either through our online storefront or by emailing us. If a system is needed for a future date, please send us a message and we will work to accommodate you.
Upon completion of your payment, we will email you a rental agreement and renter guidelines. Please read, complete, sign, and return the contract to us and make sure to thoroughly read the renter guidelines. Your order will be shipped promptly via FedEx ground service within 24 hours of receiving the signed agreement and normally arrives to you within 3-5 days, though shipping can take longer than 5 days to certain locations and in certain circumstances, such as the holiday season. We will provide you with a tracking number.
When your rental period is over, simply repackage the system the same way you received it and drop it off to FedEx. We provide you with a pre-paid shipping label. FedEx also offers free package pick-up from your home, which you may use for your convenience.