Because there are different “brands” of neurofeedback, there are various methods. Pneuma Counseling offers the traditional EEG-style method of Neurofeedback using Othmer software, and we also offer the NeurOptimal® Systems.
Both methods are powerful training tools for the brain, but the way they are administered is different. In the EEG (Othmer) method, there are various protocols, and it is only administered by a clinician in the office. This method involves a more hands-on client/clinician interaction.
Both systems are incredibly healing, but some people prefer to have more of a clinical in‑office experience with a clinician administering a taylor-made protocol based on symptoms as opposed to the NeurOptimal® system, where each training is also unique, but the protocols are determined by the automated software instead of the clinician.
So, the Othmer Method requires the clinician's expertise to make some choices for the neurofeedback protocols, whereas the NeurOptimal® Method (link) is a fully automated feedback system with a universal protocol for all brains that can be administered in office or in home.
In the Othmer method, the clinician assesses the client to to determine the placement of the electrodes, the frequency of the feedback and the duration of the session based on an extensive questionnaire and professional assessment of brain functioning.
The software used in the Othmer Neurofeedback is a system of direct training of brain function, by which the brain learns to function more efficiently. Based on the clinician's settings, the software observes the brain in action from moment to moment and then shows that information back to the person through sight, sound and touch. The brain is rewarded for changing its own activity to more appropriate patterns and ultimately corrects dysfunctional activity.
All neurofeedback is a learning process. It applies to any aspect of brain function that we can measure. Neurofeedback is also called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity, the electroencephalogram, or EEG. Neurofeedback is training in self-regulation. It is simply biofeedback applied to the brain directly.
EEG Neurofeedback addresses problems of brain dysregulation. These happen to be numerous. They include the anxiety-depression spectrum, attention deficits, behavior disorders, various sleep disorders, headaches and migraines, PMS and emotional disturbances. It is also useful for organic brain conditions such as seizures, the autism spectrum, and cerebral palsy.
