How does it improve mental health?

Our mental health is based on how networks of brain cells work together. When these networks don’t communicate well or are overworked we simply don’t operate at our best. To improve mental health using Neurofeedback: First: We assess the current brain state using two cognitive tasks, a clinical interview and standardized psychological tests and Brain Map. A Brain Map objectively measures electrical brain wave activity throughout the brain. Each brain wave indicates something different. Second: Based on the assessment results we create your training program. It may include one or more these tried and true protocols: Graph: attention, sleep, relaxation, etc

How long has this therapy been used?

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback, which is the action of measuring physiological activity such as heart rate or body temperature. Neurofeedback measures activity of the brain. This somatic (body focused) psychotherapy has been used since the late 1950s. The most famous early application was done at NASA in the 1970s to successfully train their astronauts in controlling their brain waves to prevent seizures, hallucinations and other symptoms they could suffer when exposed to rocket fuel. To this day it is still used in their astronaut training program.

Why haven’t I heard of this before?

There are 3 factors: During the 80s, although psychologists were still conducting research to treat neurological conditions, Neurofeedback began being used for meditation and gained reputation as more of a spiritual practice rather than as a medical treatment. Neurofeedback didn’t fit the antiquated medical view of how the brain was supposed to work. This view has only changed in the last 20 years with the acceptance of the concept of Neuroplasticity. So most medical professionals are simply not exposed to the research. In addition, the equipment and software needed had always been bulky, unfriendly and prohibitively expensive.

Traditional Neurofeedback

An effective, non-invasive, and non-drug treatment that clinically improves mental health for the long term.

The Insight Clinic offers this science backed, reward based training program for all of Ontario and Canada.

Neurofeedback is a powerful non-invasive strategy to alter brain function, alleviate certain psychological symptoms, and enhance cognitive performance. It has been around for more than 50 years, with hundreds of neurofeedback research studies supporting its efficacy.

Many mental health professionals use it as a stand-alone therapy and as a complementary approach to counseling or medication as a way to provide comprehensive care. According to neurofeedback studies, due to its usability advantages, anyone can benefit from it, including clients with severe symptoms and resistance to other treatments.

Program Benefits

Long lasting changes and symptom relief.
Treat the root cause of problems.
Reduce baseline anxiety.
Improve daily function and ability to use coping skills.
Improve ability to relax.
Improve mood stability and emotional regulation/control.
Reduce reactivity to environmental triggers.
Reduce frequency and duration of depressive episodes.
Improve cognitive performance: attention, memory, problem solving, reaction time, among others.

Program Features

Natural, drug free, non - invasive treatment.
Ownership of your headband to use for a lifetime and share with family members.
Training app on your phone or tablet.
Unlimited training sessions.
Effortless mental exercise through games or by watching your favourite videos on familiar platforms.
Unlimited technical support, so you’re confident in the use of your equipment.
Assessment and training plan created and supervised by a licensed psychotherapist.
Weekly check-ins to keep you on track, answer your questions and discuss your progress with our Neurofeedback Technician.
Credible and validated technology and programs used by 1000s of clinicians worldwide.

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What to Expect

Phase 1

Intake and On-boarding

Phase 2

Assessment and Introduction to Treatment

Brain map
Clinical interview
Assessment questionnaires

Phase 3

Training, Monitoring and Improving

Program Fees

Neurofeedback + Talk Therapy Program

Includes:

Equipment (yours to keep)
Brain Mapping and Assessment
Treatment Planning and Monitoring
6 Biweekly 50 min talk therapy sessions

Price:

Provided by Reg. Social Worker: $2,770.00
Provided by Reg. Psychotherapist: $2,997.00

Payment:
Program must be paid in full at the start.

Forms of payment:
E-transfer, cash, financing is available through Medicard.
Credit card payments will be subject to a 3% processing fee.

Insurance Coverage:
Once paid in full, each week you will receive an individual receipt for a single psychotherapy session at a time adding up to the program’s total. These are receipts for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement of psychotherapy services.

Neurofeedback Only Program

Includes:

Equipment (yours to keep)
Brain Mapping and Assessment
Treatment Planning and Monitoring
3 follow up sessions of 25 mins each

Price:

Provided by Reg. Social Worker: $1,665.00
Provided by Reg. Psychotherapist: $1,749.00

What Does Science Say About Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback for Addictive Disorders

One of the main challenges of addictive disorders is regulating temptation and cravings for substances in individuals. Neurofeedback research studies have shown that neurofeedback decreases cravings and improves general mental health.

Specifically, EEG neurofeedback demonstrated positive outcomes in well-controlled intervention studies, good adherence, reduced addiction severity, and psychological benefits.

Neurofeedback for Cognitive Decline

Certain EEG features have been linked to symptoms such as poor cognitive performance, atrophy of thalamus, hippocampus, and basal ganglia, as well as the formation of amyloid-beta plaques.

According to neurofeedback research studies, there's a demonstrated evidence of improving cognitive function and reducing cognitive decline for conditions such as stroke, and multiple sclerosis, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a pre-dementia condition.

Neurofeedback for Depression

When there is an imbalance in brain wave activity, such as increased left frontal alpha (8-12 Hz), suggesting less activation and inability to regulate the subcortical regions that underlie depression, a physiological predisposition for depression occurs.

According to research, two neurofeedback protocols (alpha asymmetry protocol and enhancing beta and inhibiting theta or alpha at C3) can modify this suboptimal brain state.

Neurofeedback for Peak Performance

For 'peak' or 'optimal' performance, EEG neurofeedback focuses on enhancing brain activity in healthy individuals to attain maximum brain functioning and memory improvement. Peak performance neurofeedback protocols are specifically designed to manage levels of arousal, attention, and motivation while maximizing autonomic control and the ability to shift states.

Specifically, neurofeedback may optimize cognitive processing and learning by altering the white matter and gray matter volumes and speeding up neural network conduction.

Neurofeedback for Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is frequently associated with decreased alpha waves and increased beta waves. It also alters brain function by weakening the connections between the amygdala and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex.

According to studies, neurofeedback may improve the communication between the amygdala and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. When the connection is established again, the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex is better able to respond appropriately to possible threats, which reduces the impulsive, hyperactive behaviors commonly linked to anxiety.

Neurofeedback for PTSD

In those with PTSD, the regions of the brain that detect danger are constantly on high alert, and even the smallest hint of a threat can set off an acute stress response. As a result, individuals may experience memory loss, lose control over their impulses, and run the danger of becoming stuck in a protracted state of intense emotional sensitivity.

With alpha-theta neurofeedback training, individuals can reach a state of deep relaxation, where memories can safely resurface and, as a result, be processed. This way, traumatic events may be safely re-experienced, and new associations fostered.

Neurofeedback for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurobehavioral condition characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsivity and/or hyperactivity.

In certain studies, neurofeedback has been proven to be as effective as medication in addressing the symptoms of inattention and impulsivity. It may be used with other forms of therapy, such as medication or behavioral therapy.

Neurofeedback can be effective with:

Feeling sad and depressed, My trouble focusing, I’m dealing with substance use/addiction, A traumatic event(s), I’ve been feeling anxious or panicky, I have some obsessions that I just can’t stop, I need to stop procrastinating and gain motivation, I need to control intense emotions

Neurofeedback Therapists

Shelley Jones

Reg. Psychotherapist
Ages: 0-7, 8-11, 12-15, 16-17, 18-25, 26+
Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Before 3:00 pm, Between 3:00 - 6:00 pm, After 6:00 pm

Cindy Kwok

Reg. Psychotherapist
Ages: 26+
Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Before 3:00 pm, Between 3:00 - 6:00 pm, After 6:00 pm

Rachel Wakaluk

Reg. Social Worker
Ages: 16-17, 18-25, 26+
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Between 3:00 - 6:00 pm, After 6:00 pm

Zahra Kolahdouz

Reg. Psychotherapist
Ages: 18-25, 26+
Availability: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Before 3:00 pm, Between 3:00 - 6:00 pm, After 6:00 pm

Sharmila Jaihindraj

Reg. Social Worker
Ages: 26+
Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Before 3:00 pm, Between 3:00 - 6:00 pm

Vielka Almanzar

Reg. Psychotherapist
Ages: 16-17, 18-25, 26+
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Before 3:00 pm