As a neurofeedback practitioner, I’ve had the privilege of watching lives transform through the use of QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalography) neurofeedback. In this blog, I want to share not just the science behind this powerful therapy, but the personal testimonies of clients who have found healing, balance, and greater control over their mental health through their experiences with QEEG neurofeedback.
What is QEEG Neurofeedback?
QEEG neurofeedback is a brain training method that involves measuring the electrical activity of the brain and using this data to help individuals regulate their brainwaves. It is a personalized, non-invasive therapy that allows the brain to adjust its own electrical patterns in ways that promote healthier function, often reducing or eliminating symptoms related to anxiety, ADHD, depression, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other neurological or psychological issues.
Using a brain map obtained from QEEG technology, neurofeedback sessions provide real-time feedback to clients about their brain’s activity. Over time, this feedback helps individuals regulate their own brainwave activity and achieve optimal mental and emotional balance.
Testimony 1: Overcoming ADHD without Medication
One of my first clients, a young boy named Liam (pseudonym), had been struggling with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for years. His parents were hesitant to start him on stimulant medications and were searching for alternative treatments when they came across QEEG neurofeedback.
When we first started working with Liam, his QEEG scan showed a high level of theta wave activity—often associated with daydreaming and inattention—and a dysregulation in the beta waves responsible for focus. During his initial sessions, Liam had difficulty sitting still, but the brain training protocols we used were tailored specifically to improve his focus and self-regulation.
After several months of consistent neurofeedback sessions, the changes in Liam were profound. His teachers noticed that he was able to stay on task longer, his grades improved, and his frustration levels decreased significantly. Liam’s mother shared with me:
“We’ve seen such a shift in him. Before neurofeedback, he was always bouncing from one thing to another. Now, he can focus on his homework for a solid hour, and it’s made such a difference in his confidence. He doesn’t feel ‘different’ from other kids anymore.”
Liam’s case is a great example of how QEEG neurofeedback can be used as an effective, non-pharmaceutical intervention for ADHD, providing lasting results without the side effects commonly associated with medication.
Testimony 2: Relief from Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Maria (pseudonym), a 32-year-old professional, came to my clinic after suffering from anxiety and panic attacks for several years. Traditional therapy and medication had helped to an extent, but she was still experiencing debilitating panic episodes. Maria’s QEEG scan revealed an overactivity of high-beta brainwaves, especially in the frontal lobes, which is often correlated with excessive worry and hyperarousal.
Over the course of her neurofeedback sessions, we focused on training her brain to produce more alpha and theta waves, which are associated with relaxation and calm states. Initially, Maria was skeptical, as the improvements were subtle at first. However, after about ten sessions, she began to notice significant changes.
One afternoon, Maria came into my office with a smile, something I hadn’t seen much from her in previous sessions. She shared her experience:
“I had a situation at work that would normally trigger a panic attack, but this time, I was able to breathe through it. I didn’t feel the usual overwhelming fear, and that’s something I haven’t felt in years. Neurofeedback has given me tools I didn’t even know I needed.”
By the end of her treatment plan, Maria reported fewer and less intense panic attacks. Her overall anxiety had reduced to a manageable level, and she expressed a newfound sense of control over her emotional state. Her journey showed how neurofeedback can be a game-changer for individuals with anxiety disorders.
Testimony 3: Healing from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
One of the most rewarding cases I’ve had involved a middle-aged man named John (pseudonym), who had sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car accident. He was suffering from memory problems, severe headaches, mood swings, and an overall sense of mental fog. His neurologist had cleared him of any physical brain damage, but the lingering cognitive issues were affecting his ability to work and function normally in his daily life.
John’s QEEG scan revealed irregular brainwave patterns, with areas of both hyperactivity and hypoactivity in regions responsible for executive function and emotional regulation. His brain was, in essence, struggling to regulate itself after the trauma.
Neurofeedback allowed us to target these specific areas of dysregulation and retrain John’s brain to function more optimally. After a few months, John noticed that his headaches were less frequent, and his mental clarity was slowly returning. His ability to focus on tasks improved, and his emotional outbursts became less severe.
John told me:
“Before neurofeedback, it felt like my brain was in a constant fog, and I couldn’t get out of it. Now, it’s like someone opened the windows and let the fresh air in. I still have some bad days, but I feel like I’m getting my life back.”
John’s progress demonstrates how QEEG neurofeedback can be an invaluable tool in the rehabilitation process for individuals suffering from TBI, offering hope and recovery even when traditional approaches have reached their limits.
Testimony 4: Overcoming Depression and Low Energy
Sarah (pseudonym) was a 45-year-old woman who had struggled with chronic depression and fatigue for most of her adult life. She had tried various antidepressants, which helped for short periods, but the side effects and long-term dependence were not sustainable solutions for her.
Her QEEG scan showed a significant imbalance in the slow delta and theta waves in her frontal and central brain regions, which often correspond to depression, lethargy, and lack of motivation. We focused her neurofeedback sessions on increasing beta wave activity, associated with mental energy and alertness, and balancing her slower waves to reduce depressive symptoms.
After several weeks, Sarah noticed an increase in her energy levels. She began feeling more motivated to engage in her daily activities and reported a more positive outlook on life. After completing her neurofeedback program, she shared:
“It’s like the fog has lifted. I wake up with more energy, and I’m excited to start my day, which is something I haven’t felt in years. I didn’t realize how much my brain was holding me back until we started neurofeedback.”
Sarah’s experience highlights the power of QEEG neurofeedback in treating chronic depression, providing an alternative or supplement to pharmaceutical interventions.
The Takeaway
These testimonies represent just a fraction of the stories I’ve witnessed as a QEEG neurofeedback practitioner. While every brain is different, and results can vary, QEEG neurofeedback offers a unique, non-invasive way to improve brain function and emotional well-being by addressing the root causes of dysregulated brain activity.
The beauty of QEEG neurofeedback is its ability to offer personalized treatment plans based on the individual’s brain activity. Whether it’s ADHD, anxiety, depression, or recovery from a traumatic brain injury, neurofeedback empowers individuals to take control of their mental health and experience lasting change.
If you’re considering neurofeedback or are interested in how it could help you or a loved one, I encourage you to reach out to Shelson Natural Health. With a growing body of evidence and countless success stories, QEEG neurofeedback is not just a treatment option—it’s a path to healing and empowerment.
Here are several scientific studies and resources supporting the efficacy of QEEG neurofeedback across various conditions:
- ADHD and Neurofeedback:
- Title: “Neurofeedback and cognitive attention training for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in schools”
- Journal: The Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics
- Link: Study on ADHD and Neurofeedback
- Summary: This study showed that neurofeedback improved attention and reduced hyperactivity in children with ADHD when compared to a control group, showing sustained improvements after training.
- QEEG Neurofeedback and Anxiety:
- Title: “A Randomized Controlled Trial of Neurofeedback for Chronic PTSD”
- Journal: NeuroRegulation
- Link: Study on PTSD and Neurofeedback
- Summary: This study highlights how neurofeedback training significantly reduced PTSD symptoms, particularly in relation to anxiety and emotional regulation.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):
- Title: “EEG Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury”
- Journal: Clinical EEG and Neuroscience
- Link: Study on TBI and Neurofeedback
- Summary: This paper discusses how QEEG-guided neurofeedback can help improve cognitive functioning, memory, and emotional balance in individuals recovering from TBI.
- QEEG in Depression:
- Title: “The Role of QEEG in Neurofeedback for Treatment-Resistant Depression”
- Journal: Clinical EEG and Neuroscience
- Link: Study on Depression and Neurofeedback
- Summary: This study demonstrates how QEEG neurofeedback can serve as an effective tool in treating treatment-resistant depression by targeting specific dysregulated brainwaves associated with mood disorders.
- General Efficacy of Neurofeedback:
- Title: “Meta-Analysis of Neurofeedback in ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression”
- Journal: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Link: Meta-Analysis of Neurofeedback
- Summary: This meta-analysis compiles various studies showing the effectiveness of neurofeedback in treating ADHD, anxiety, and depression, with notable long-term improvements.
These studies provide evidence for the clinical benefits of QEEG neurofeedback and illustrate its growing acceptance in the scientific community as a viable treatment option for various psychological and neurological conditions.