Frequently Asked Questions

No. Neurofeedback is brain training. It can complement therapy, medical care, coaching, or educational support, but it does not replace care from a licensed medical or mental health provider.

It depends on your brain map, symptoms, goals, and consistency. Most clients need a series of 40 sessions completed close together for best results.

Just as the body needs repeated, consistent practice to build strength and coordination, the brain needs repetition to build new regulation patterns. While result-times vary, the brain needs more than a few sessions to see the benefit of training.

Each session typically lasts 30 minutes.

It may be helpful for children who struggle with focus, emotional regulation, stress, sleep, or readiness to learn. We begin with an assessment and brain map to determine whether training appears appropriate. Neurofeedback has shown to be safe and effective for people from age 5 to well into their 90s.

No. qEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback at PCCR are used to support brain regulation and wellness. We do not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Research shows that people who suffer from emotional dysregulation or focus issues have irregular brainwaves. For example, a person with ADD may show slower Beta brainwaves that make it harder to sustain focus and attention. A person with anxiety may show patterns of overarousal, such as elevated high-beta activity, which can be associated with worry, tension, racing thoughts, or difficulty settling down.

Training the brain can change these brainwaves over time, speeding them up or slowing them down where needed. Neurofeedback can improve alertness, attention, emotional regulation, behavior, cognitive function, and mental flexibility. When brainwaves are running at the right speed, users will often see a reduction in symptoms.

A brain map helps identify patterns in brainwave activity that may be connected to areas such as:

• Attention and focus
• Emotional regulation
• Stress response
• Sleep patterns
• Mental clarity
• Cognitive flexibility
• Rumination or overthinking
• Under-arousal or low motivation
• Hypervigilance or high internal alertness

The brain map does not diagnose you. It gives us data. And because the same symptoms can come from different regions of the brain or different brain wave patterns, that data helps us create a more personalized neurofeedback plan instead of guessing where to begin.

Neurofeedback may be worth exploring if you or your child:

• Feel stuck in stress, rumination, or overwhelm
• Have tried other supports but still feel dysregulated
• Want a non-medication-based option to support brain regulation
• Struggle with focus, sleep, emotional reactivity, or mental clarity
• Want data before deciding on a plan

To help us get the most accurate reading possible, please:

• Schedule your mapping to be within 6 hours of the time you wake up
• Avoid consuming alcohol the day before
• Get a good night’s sleep (ideally 8 hours)
• Wash your hair the day of your appointment
• Do not use conditioner, oils, gels, or styling products
• Remove earrings
• Avoid caffeine for 2–3 hours beforehand
• Eat a protein-rich meal before arriving
• Avoid makeup on your forehead
• Continue prescribed medications unless your provider has told you otherwise

During a training session, sensors read brainwave activity from the scalp. The sensors do not put electricity into the brain. Instead, your brain receives visual or auditory feedback that helps it recognize and shift its own patterns.

Neurofeedback has been around since the 1950’s. It is only in the last decade and with the advancement of computer technology that Neurofeedback has been able to move from laboratory research to a system that can be administered in an office setting.

Yes you can start neurofeedback while on your medications. As you progress your physician might suggest that you slowly reduce or eliminate certain medications related to the condition that you are addressing with neurofeedback. Since every patient is unique, the decision to reduce medication will be up to your physician. More research is needed on this, but a common theory is that the same dosage seems to have a stronger effect on a more efficient brain.

If used improperly, it is possible to see problems. That is to be expected from a system that can produce such positive changes. It all comes down to training and proper use. And, why we use a brain map to guide training protocol. Fortunately, each session is designed to create small changes in brainwave activity, meaning that problems can be spotted and corrected before they become bigger. Our center is committed to tracking symptoms and progress so we are aware of any side effects immediately.

We are conveniently located in Wexford, PA. PCCR serves clients throughout Pittsburgh’s North Hills and surrounding communities, including Wexford, Cranberry Township, Gibsonia, Mars, McCandless, Allison Park and Pine Township.

Driving further? Ask about our home training programs.