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Neurofeedback 101: Rewiring the Brain for ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and Beyond
You really CAN change your brain without medication. Maybe you’ve struggled for years with anxiety, depression, ADHD, migraines, PTSD, obsessive thinking, sleep issues or other unwanted conditions. You’ve tried medication, psychotherapy, breathing techniques, yoga, exercise or dietary changes—with no permanent relief. Neurofeedback is an emerging technology that’s helped thousands of people feel better—without medication. It allows you to gently nudge your brain along through training until it learns to operate in a healthier manner. Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that’s like a gym for your brain. The training improves your brain’s timing which, in turn, improves its functioning. When your brain works better, you feel better. It’s like heavy-duty weight training for the brain, even though you do it while relaxing in a chair. Once you’ve done sufficient training, these improvements are often long-term. Neurofeedback 101 explains how you change your brain--in clear, simple terms. It’s full of real cases of how training has helped children and adults with their symptoms. There’s a section that offers a thorough discussion of important questions and issues about neurofeedback – designed both for professionals and consumers. Author Michael P. Cohen is Director and Chief of Neurotechnology at the Center for Brain Training in Jupiter, Florida, one of the largest neurofeedback practices in South Florida. He’s specialized in neurofeedback and helping individuals improve their brain function since 1996. He’s taught more than 2,500 health professionals how to utilize neurofeedback in a clinical practice. If you want to explore how the brain can rewire and retrain itself, Neurofeedback 101 will give you the answers and resources you need.
Please This book is NOT a manual or textbook on how to conduct neurofeedback. It provides general information on what neurofeedback is, how it works, and what neurofeedback can do. Those wishing to learn how to do neurofeedback should seek out books designed for that purpose.
Please This book is NOT a manual or textbook on how to conduct neurofeedback. It provides general information on what neurofeedback is, how it works, and what neurofeedback can do. Those wishing to learn how to do neurofeedback should seek out books designed for that purpose.
167 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2020
311 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 12, 2021
Helpful as an introduction, but did wish for more in-depth information rather than an overview. Sources were provided but limited to first and third parts.
September 29, 2025
Quick and easy to understand
Neurofeedback doesn’t do anything to your brain. It provides feedback to help your brain learn how to change its firing pattern (re-wire itself).
In simplest terms, neurofeedback technology measures a specified brain pattern at a particular site or area. In some situations, you want your brain to make more of a certain pattern. In other situations, you want your brain to make less of a certain pattern. In both cases, the neurofeedback equipment instantly gives you feedback whenever your brain accomplishes your particular goal.
Neurofeedback is like “heavy-duty weight training” for the brain. It allows you to target and strengthen key brain circuits with real-time feedback.
Neurofeedback works by harnessing the brain’s amazing capacity to change, re-pattern, reprogram, reorganize or rehab itself. Neurofeedback is neuroplasticity in action.
As your brain receives feedback that it’s producing a desired pattern, it typically starts making more of that pattern. Automatically.
The brain is, in essence, a pattern-learning machine. Neurofeedback takes advantage of this and helps the brain practice reinforcing or changing key patterns.
Take the case of someone who suffers from anxiety. Their neurofeedback goal could be to produce more of a calm brain pattern. The brain hears or sees the feedback (visual or auditory) and starts “tapping along” automatically, trying to make more of that calm pattern. With practice, you get much better at it. What’s important for the provider is picking the right brain patterns to reinforce (train). In addition, not everyone responds the same way. Carefully observing the impact of training helps the provider make any necessary adjustments. Sometimes the impact of training is obvious. Sometimes it’s subtle and takes longer or is harder to notice. In theory, neurofeedback professionals should help guide you through this process.
Note: The bars in the illustration above represent EEG activity in your brain. Each bar shows groups of neurons firing at different speeds. The higher the bar, the more groups of neurons there are that are firing together. Often, you want all the bars to be smaller, which tends to represent a more efficient pattern. This graph is called a spectral display
Every neuron is connected to up to 10,000 other neurons in vast networks that crisscross the brain. Changes in one area of the brain can cause reverberations throughout other areas.
Brain timing: If too many neurons in your brain are firing faster, or more slowly than they should be, or aren’t passing messages to other neurons quickly enough, it will impact how well your brain functions. Neurofeedback appears to help change the firing rate and messaging of neurons across brain networks.
Reference:
A good history of neurofeedback is contained in the book A Symphony in the Brain by Jim Robbins. You can read more history of biofeedback and neurofeedback published online in Biofeedback by Peper and Shaffer2.
A major advantage of neurofeedback over medications is that once your brain learns new patterns, it tends to stick.
Over time your brain will get in better shape. Changing brain patterns can have benefits, including improvements in: Sleep patterns Racing mind Mood Listening capacity Speech Speed of learning Sensory processing Chronic pain Migraines Neurological issues Emotional triggers
Note: Not everyone with a migraine responds as well as he did, but most migraineurs receive significant benefit. My experience, the experience of other clinicians and reports in two published studies indicate that at least 80% of chronic migraines are reduced and sometimes eliminated with neuro-feedback.
When doing neurofeedback, your brain identifies the feedback as a pattern. Whenever the pattern changes or is interrupted, the brain works to correct it and complete the pattern. As your brain hears the feedback, it “taps along” by making more of that activity.
Here are some observations about expectations of the process:
- Don’t expect to feel like you’re better after every single neurofeedback session.
- Look for little changes, not big ones.
- It takes time and practice to gain resilience.
- Look for positive trends or fewer negative symptoms. For example: (a) fewer bad days; (b) symptoms that are less intense or shorter; or (c) faster improvement than you’d expect, given your history.
- Be patient, be patient, be patient. Everyone learns at a different rate.
Where and how to train—a complicated question It would be fantastic if one spot on the head correlated to anxiety or ADHD or depression or worry, but the brain is FAR MORE COMPLEX than that. Everyone’s brain is unique. Two people with the same symptoms may respond differently to training on the same spot. That’s why it’s critical to adapt training for the needs of each individual. This is where your practitioner’s level of training or experience can be important.
reviewing cases seems to provide the most insight into the implications of brain training.
Most experienced clinicians tell me that 75-85% of migraineurs gain significant benefit from neurofeedback.
Neurofeedback is particularly good for hyper-sensitives because it can be exquisitely fine-tuned for each individual.
More References on Neurofeedback:
You can find research on the NIH PubMed site (search “neurofeedback”) or look on www.ISNR.org under resources (or just Google the term “ISNR Comprehensive Research14”). ISNR is a professional membership organization for neuro-feedback. I’ve also provided a condensed list of some of the most readable research15 at www.CenterForBrain.com along with links. Click on Learn, then click Research Papers.
Noticeable improvement in executive function issues like ADHD, attention, decision-making, staying on task and organizing generally takes longer and is more subtle.
We’ve seen people resolve their target issues in 7-15 sessions, particularly those with “lighter” or more short-term problems. It’s more common to need 25-40 sessions for benefits to hold well.
Tune-ups are also helpful for people who are aging and are concerned about staying sharp.
Could neurofeedback make me worse? In my 20-plus years of doing neurofeedback, I personally haven’t seen anyone doing neurofeedback who experienced long-term worsening of symptoms.
Are there environmental factors that can impact training success? Yes. Here are some common ones: Chronic use of alcohol and drugs, including pot and vaping Exposure to mold Chronic exposure to paints, chemicals or pesticides, which can impact neurological functioning Internet addiction Too much cell phone use; sleeping too close to cell phones. There’s emerging evidence that microwave frequencies from cell phones and Wi-Fi routers may affect your brain, particularly during sleep when your brain is supposed to recover and recharge Poor diet/nutrition
Do I have to want to participate in the training for neurofeedback to work? No. Even adolescents, who are sometimes dragged to their neurofeedback sessions with extreme opposition, respond to training.
On the other hand, there are situations where a home system might be worth considering: you’re far from a provider or you need neurofeedback sessions over a long period of time, or several times per week, because of complex issues. The problem is that most people don’t know how much neurofeedback they will need nor how to do it correctly. The best way to do training at home is with the guidance of an experienced practitioner.
Another factor is that training protocols may occasionally need to be adjusted. Choosing the adjustments is best done with input from someone experienced (this can also be managed remotely).
Some systems provide what could be described as self-adjustments. These help, but in my experience, it’s hard to completely automate all decisions about training, particularly for people with complex brain issues. While I’ve been successful in supporting home users remotely, my success rate is significantly lower than what I see in my office face-to-face.
More things can get in the way at home, like interruptions or lack of support for what you’re doing. It can be easier for the client to get frustrated—or not follow through—or be inconsistent. Sometimes not everyone in the process stays calm or patient, and that can interfere with success. Purchasing a home unit could end up costing as much as or more than what you would pay doing sessions in a clinical office. You may also incur costs to pay a neurofeedback provider to supervise or direct you.
There are many types of brain maps, also called brain scans. The most common are EEG, MRI, PET and SPECT. All maps are designed to give information about the brain and compare it to some type of group norm or average. The brain map that neurofeedback practitioners most often use to determine training targets is the qEEG (quantitative EEG), which documents the brain’s timing and processing speed.
Two important patterns qEEGs may identify are: Groups of neurons firing too fast or too slowly compared to the average (norms); where in the brain that “misfiring” occurs; and patterns of excessive fast or slow EEG activity. (All of these contribute to the brain working inefficiently).
If you want a qEEG map, you’ll need to find a provider to rely on who is experienced with brain mapping and its use to help guide neurofeedback.
Over the past seven years I’ve recommended two supplements that work for 65-70 percent of those who take them consistently for 30-45 days. They’re primarily for clients with mood issues, obsessive thinking, anxiety, worry or ADHD: Total Amino Solutions by Genesa Living18 Hardy Nutritionals Daily Essential Nutrients19
Although each supplement can be effective on its own, together they seem to have a synergistic effect,
General diet advice Even the best supplements can’t overcome the harm done by an unhealthy diet, no matter how much neurofeedback you do. (That’s like going to the gym daily and eating dinner every night at a fast food restaurant.)
Dr. Ornish has developed the Ornish Diet, aimed at improving heart and brain health. His book, Undo It!: How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases, is a good tool for improving brain health.
Dr. Perlmutter is a neurologist and author of the book Brain Maker. Brain Maker does a good job of explaining the relationship between the gut and the brain and provides detailed, simple explanations of things you can do to protect your brain and improve your gut.
Other experts who focus on healthy eating whom I particularly like are Dhru Purohit (Broken Brain podcast), Mark Hyman, M.D., Daniel Amen M.D, and Michael Greger, M.D.
Michael P. “Mike” Cohen is Director and Chief of Neurotechnology at the Center for Brain Training in Jupiter, Florida, one of the largest neurofeedback practices in South Florida.
He has specialized in neurofeedback and helping individuals regulate brain function since 1996.
A high percentage of children and adults who train their temporal lobe activity with neurofeedback report managing their emotions better.
Training the left temporal lobe tends to impact anger, irrita-tion, depression, self-esteem and emotional resilience. It also plays a role in language, such as how we find words, and in auditory processing. The right temporal lobe impacts anxiety, including social anxiety and other functions.
Frontal/pre-frontal lobes The frontal lobe is important in mood, motivation and attention. It can play a role as a control center for emotions and for self-control. The pre-frontal lobe affects issues such as managing attention, organizing, planning, decision-making, staying on task, short-term memory and impulse control. Together they are often associated with ADD/ADHD, short-term memory and executive function issues. Anterior cingulate Issues in this “frontal midline” area often relate to being “stuck,” having difficulty transitioning, and tendencies to an obsessive or racing mind. It plays an important role in shifting into and out of “overwhelm.” It also affects the flexibility of attention. Parietal lobe The parietal lobe can affect sensory integration and contribute to being overwhelmed with too much stimulation or information. Difficulty with “overwhelm” often looks like anxiety. This area can affect processing speed, thereby impacting school, work and life. The parietal lobe can also play a role in feeling safe in your body and experiencing a greater sense of self. It is often used in training clients with anxiety and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Occipital lobe The occipital lobe plays a role in visual processing. It can impact reading, sports performance (such as catching or hitting a ball), light sensitivity, tracking movement and much more. Motor cortex The motor cortex influences coordination, gross and fine motor skills and the acquisition and performance of skilled move-ment. It contributes to how good you are at sports.
Neurofeedback doesn’t do anything to your brain. It provides feedback to help your brain learn how to change its firing pattern (re-wire itself).
In simplest terms, neurofeedback technology measures a specified brain pattern at a particular site or area. In some situations, you want your brain to make more of a certain pattern. In other situations, you want your brain to make less of a certain pattern. In both cases, the neurofeedback equipment instantly gives you feedback whenever your brain accomplishes your particular goal.
Neurofeedback is like “heavy-duty weight training” for the brain. It allows you to target and strengthen key brain circuits with real-time feedback.
Neurofeedback works by harnessing the brain’s amazing capacity to change, re-pattern, reprogram, reorganize or rehab itself. Neurofeedback is neuroplasticity in action.
As your brain receives feedback that it’s producing a desired pattern, it typically starts making more of that pattern. Automatically.
The brain is, in essence, a pattern-learning machine. Neurofeedback takes advantage of this and helps the brain practice reinforcing or changing key patterns.
Take the case of someone who suffers from anxiety. Their neurofeedback goal could be to produce more of a calm brain pattern. The brain hears or sees the feedback (visual or auditory) and starts “tapping along” automatically, trying to make more of that calm pattern. With practice, you get much better at it. What’s important for the provider is picking the right brain patterns to reinforce (train). In addition, not everyone responds the same way. Carefully observing the impact of training helps the provider make any necessary adjustments. Sometimes the impact of training is obvious. Sometimes it’s subtle and takes longer or is harder to notice. In theory, neurofeedback professionals should help guide you through this process.
Note: The bars in the illustration above represent EEG activity in your brain. Each bar shows groups of neurons firing at different speeds. The higher the bar, the more groups of neurons there are that are firing together. Often, you want all the bars to be smaller, which tends to represent a more efficient pattern. This graph is called a spectral display
Every neuron is connected to up to 10,000 other neurons in vast networks that crisscross the brain. Changes in one area of the brain can cause reverberations throughout other areas.
Brain timing: If too many neurons in your brain are firing faster, or more slowly than they should be, or aren’t passing messages to other neurons quickly enough, it will impact how well your brain functions. Neurofeedback appears to help change the firing rate and messaging of neurons across brain networks.
Reference:
A good history of neurofeedback is contained in the book A Symphony in the Brain by Jim Robbins. You can read more history of biofeedback and neurofeedback published online in Biofeedback by Peper and Shaffer2.
A major advantage of neurofeedback over medications is that once your brain learns new patterns, it tends to stick.
Over time your brain will get in better shape. Changing brain patterns can have benefits, including improvements in: Sleep patterns Racing mind Mood Listening capacity Speech Speed of learning Sensory processing Chronic pain Migraines Neurological issues Emotional triggers
Note: Not everyone with a migraine responds as well as he did, but most migraineurs receive significant benefit. My experience, the experience of other clinicians and reports in two published studies indicate that at least 80% of chronic migraines are reduced and sometimes eliminated with neuro-feedback.
When doing neurofeedback, your brain identifies the feedback as a pattern. Whenever the pattern changes or is interrupted, the brain works to correct it and complete the pattern. As your brain hears the feedback, it “taps along” by making more of that activity.
Here are some observations about expectations of the process:
- Don’t expect to feel like you’re better after every single neurofeedback session.
- Look for little changes, not big ones.
- It takes time and practice to gain resilience.
- Look for positive trends or fewer negative symptoms. For example: (a) fewer bad days; (b) symptoms that are less intense or shorter; or (c) faster improvement than you’d expect, given your history.
- Be patient, be patient, be patient. Everyone learns at a different rate.
Where and how to train—a complicated question It would be fantastic if one spot on the head correlated to anxiety or ADHD or depression or worry, but the brain is FAR MORE COMPLEX than that. Everyone’s brain is unique. Two people with the same symptoms may respond differently to training on the same spot. That’s why it’s critical to adapt training for the needs of each individual. This is where your practitioner’s level of training or experience can be important.
reviewing cases seems to provide the most insight into the implications of brain training.
Most experienced clinicians tell me that 75-85% of migraineurs gain significant benefit from neurofeedback.
Neurofeedback is particularly good for hyper-sensitives because it can be exquisitely fine-tuned for each individual.
More References on Neurofeedback:
You can find research on the NIH PubMed site (search “neurofeedback”) or look on www.ISNR.org under resources (or just Google the term “ISNR Comprehensive Research14”). ISNR is a professional membership organization for neuro-feedback. I’ve also provided a condensed list of some of the most readable research15 at www.CenterForBrain.com along with links. Click on Learn, then click Research Papers.
Noticeable improvement in executive function issues like ADHD, attention, decision-making, staying on task and organizing generally takes longer and is more subtle.
We’ve seen people resolve their target issues in 7-15 sessions, particularly those with “lighter” or more short-term problems. It’s more common to need 25-40 sessions for benefits to hold well.
Tune-ups are also helpful for people who are aging and are concerned about staying sharp.
Could neurofeedback make me worse? In my 20-plus years of doing neurofeedback, I personally haven’t seen anyone doing neurofeedback who experienced long-term worsening of symptoms.
Are there environmental factors that can impact training success? Yes. Here are some common ones: Chronic use of alcohol and drugs, including pot and vaping Exposure to mold Chronic exposure to paints, chemicals or pesticides, which can impact neurological functioning Internet addiction Too much cell phone use; sleeping too close to cell phones. There’s emerging evidence that microwave frequencies from cell phones and Wi-Fi routers may affect your brain, particularly during sleep when your brain is supposed to recover and recharge Poor diet/nutrition
Do I have to want to participate in the training for neurofeedback to work? No. Even adolescents, who are sometimes dragged to their neurofeedback sessions with extreme opposition, respond to training.
On the other hand, there are situations where a home system might be worth considering: you’re far from a provider or you need neurofeedback sessions over a long period of time, or several times per week, because of complex issues. The problem is that most people don’t know how much neurofeedback they will need nor how to do it correctly. The best way to do training at home is with the guidance of an experienced practitioner.
Another factor is that training protocols may occasionally need to be adjusted. Choosing the adjustments is best done with input from someone experienced (this can also be managed remotely).
Some systems provide what could be described as self-adjustments. These help, but in my experience, it’s hard to completely automate all decisions about training, particularly for people with complex brain issues. While I’ve been successful in supporting home users remotely, my success rate is significantly lower than what I see in my office face-to-face.
More things can get in the way at home, like interruptions or lack of support for what you’re doing. It can be easier for the client to get frustrated—or not follow through—or be inconsistent. Sometimes not everyone in the process stays calm or patient, and that can interfere with success. Purchasing a home unit could end up costing as much as or more than what you would pay doing sessions in a clinical office. You may also incur costs to pay a neurofeedback provider to supervise or direct you.
There are many types of brain maps, also called brain scans. The most common are EEG, MRI, PET and SPECT. All maps are designed to give information about the brain and compare it to some type of group norm or average. The brain map that neurofeedback practitioners most often use to determine training targets is the qEEG (quantitative EEG), which documents the brain’s timing and processing speed.
Two important patterns qEEGs may identify are: Groups of neurons firing too fast or too slowly compared to the average (norms); where in the brain that “misfiring” occurs; and patterns of excessive fast or slow EEG activity. (All of these contribute to the brain working inefficiently).
If you want a qEEG map, you’ll need to find a provider to rely on who is experienced with brain mapping and its use to help guide neurofeedback.
Over the past seven years I’ve recommended two supplements that work for 65-70 percent of those who take them consistently for 30-45 days. They’re primarily for clients with mood issues, obsessive thinking, anxiety, worry or ADHD: Total Amino Solutions by Genesa Living18 Hardy Nutritionals Daily Essential Nutrients19
Although each supplement can be effective on its own, together they seem to have a synergistic effect,
General diet advice Even the best supplements can’t overcome the harm done by an unhealthy diet, no matter how much neurofeedback you do. (That’s like going to the gym daily and eating dinner every night at a fast food restaurant.)
Dr. Ornish has developed the Ornish Diet, aimed at improving heart and brain health. His book, Undo It!: How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases, is a good tool for improving brain health.
Dr. Perlmutter is a neurologist and author of the book Brain Maker. Brain Maker does a good job of explaining the relationship between the gut and the brain and provides detailed, simple explanations of things you can do to protect your brain and improve your gut.
Other experts who focus on healthy eating whom I particularly like are Dhru Purohit (Broken Brain podcast), Mark Hyman, M.D., Daniel Amen M.D, and Michael Greger, M.D.
Michael P. “Mike” Cohen is Director and Chief of Neurotechnology at the Center for Brain Training in Jupiter, Florida, one of the largest neurofeedback practices in South Florida.
He has specialized in neurofeedback and helping individuals regulate brain function since 1996.
A high percentage of children and adults who train their temporal lobe activity with neurofeedback report managing their emotions better.
Training the left temporal lobe tends to impact anger, irrita-tion, depression, self-esteem and emotional resilience. It also plays a role in language, such as how we find words, and in auditory processing. The right temporal lobe impacts anxiety, including social anxiety and other functions.
Frontal/pre-frontal lobes The frontal lobe is important in mood, motivation and attention. It can play a role as a control center for emotions and for self-control. The pre-frontal lobe affects issues such as managing attention, organizing, planning, decision-making, staying on task, short-term memory and impulse control. Together they are often associated with ADD/ADHD, short-term memory and executive function issues. Anterior cingulate Issues in this “frontal midline” area often relate to being “stuck,” having difficulty transitioning, and tendencies to an obsessive or racing mind. It plays an important role in shifting into and out of “overwhelm.” It also affects the flexibility of attention. Parietal lobe The parietal lobe can affect sensory integration and contribute to being overwhelmed with too much stimulation or information. Difficulty with “overwhelm” often looks like anxiety. This area can affect processing speed, thereby impacting school, work and life. The parietal lobe can also play a role in feeling safe in your body and experiencing a greater sense of self. It is often used in training clients with anxiety and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Occipital lobe The occipital lobe plays a role in visual processing. It can impact reading, sports performance (such as catching or hitting a ball), light sensitivity, tracking movement and much more. Motor cortex The motor cortex influences coordination, gross and fine motor skills and the acquisition and performance of skilled move-ment. It contributes to how good you are at sports.
April 16, 2024
I thought this was brilliant. A great all rounder for those newly qualified in neurofeedback to help consolidate new knowledge, ideas for how best to approach frequently asked questions by those interested in the therapy, and some signposting to further learning and research.
I also feel this would be a really helpful guide for those seeking Neurofeedback to help them understand the process.
What you will not get from this is in depth information on how to do Neurofeedback, set protocols or anything like that, it is very much an introduction as the title suggests!
I also feel this would be a really helpful guide for those seeking Neurofeedback to help them understand the process.
What you will not get from this is in depth information on how to do Neurofeedback, set protocols or anything like that, it is very much an introduction as the title suggests!
April 14, 2023
This was FASCINATING. Being a Neurofeedback therapy technician, I just administer the therapy and don't get to see (I guess I see all the results but I don't really know how to comprehend qEEGs so I don't understand) the results of the therapy. I also don't pick the protocol or treatment plan. Hoping to move up to case manager at my year mark I wanted to learn more about Neurofeedback and get to understanding more of the science behind it so I bought some books on it. (When in doubt, go to the library) Unfortunately, because it is more of a new biofeedback technic there aren't very many resources on it. I found three scholarly textbooks and this book. So I started with this one and it was a great choice. Cohen breaks neurofeedback down into the simplest terms so that anyone can understand what it is and how it works. And it's pretty legit. It almost seems too good to be true, which is probably why some people are skeptical about it. He also references some other forms of biofeedback and also other resources that could be of help to people learning about neurofeedback or people that are using neurofeedback that want to try other options as well. He talks a lot about other factors that impact the brain functioning - gut health, supplements, technology, hormones, medical and metabolic factors, drug/alcohol use, etc. and discusses that neurofeedback is most effective under the healthiest of circumstances.
Some things I learned:
- Neurofeedback research has been going on since at least 1966, which is not as new/recent as I thought. This isn't necessarily when biofeedback research started though.
- "Some providers train clients while engaged in a cognitive task (reading, studying, even therapy)." (pg. 90)
- You don't have to consciously be paying attention for the therapy to be effective
- It's common for the person training with neurofeedback to not notice any changes, but have other people around them notice the changes. This shows how neurofeedback is more of a subconscious therapy and there's nothing a person can do to make it "work" or "not work" anymore than the next.
- "Neurofeedback training doesn't directly target symptoms, nor does it resolve all issues. Neurofeedback simply assists you in improving your brain timing - which in turn helps improve brain function or symptoms. It's exercise that helps your brain "do better" or be more efficient." (pg. 10) THIS is why neurofeedback can work for everyone. There's no such thing as a perfect brain, meaning everyone could benefit from some sort of neurofeedback.
- "Neurofeedback is nothing more than a powerful tool for brain workouts. Because neurofeedback in essence "builds up" or strengthens key brain patters, it improves cortical timing and communication. Better timing enables different areas of your brain to perform more efficiently." (pg. 11)
- Neurofeedback is essentially harnessing neuroplasticity, and using it in a way that's beneficial to the patient. "Neuroplasticity is the brain's lifelong ability to grow, change and heal." (pg. ix)
Resources:
- Cohen's youtube video "What Is Neurofeedback?"
https://youtu.be/HxHR7InSQ1c
- A Symphony in the Brain by Jim Robbins (published online in Biofeedback by Peper and Shaffer)
A Symphony in the Brain: The Evolution of the New Brain Wave Biofeedback
- NIH PubMed site
- www.ISNR.org (or search ISNR Comprehensive Research)
- www.CenterForBrain.com
- The Mind-Gut Connection by Emeran Mayer
The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Astonishing Dialogue Taking Place in Our Bodies Impacts Health, Weight, and Mood
- other training tools like neuroregulation tools, heart coherence training (at my company we use heart coherence simultaneously with neurofeedback) or "breathing tools, audio-visual entrainment (AVE), sound stimulation technologies, infrared or red-light simulation and pulsed magnetic field (PEMF) devices." (pg. 114)
- for finding potential providers:
isnr.org/member-list
bcia.org
qeegcertificationboard.org
AAPB.org
- The Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
- Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma: Calming the Fear-Driven Brain by Sebern Fisher
Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma: Calming the Fear-Driven Brain
- Brain Maker by Perlmutter
Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain for Life
Some things I learned:
- Neurofeedback research has been going on since at least 1966, which is not as new/recent as I thought. This isn't necessarily when biofeedback research started though.
- "Some providers train clients while engaged in a cognitive task (reading, studying, even therapy)." (pg. 90)
- You don't have to consciously be paying attention for the therapy to be effective
- It's common for the person training with neurofeedback to not notice any changes, but have other people around them notice the changes. This shows how neurofeedback is more of a subconscious therapy and there's nothing a person can do to make it "work" or "not work" anymore than the next.
- "Neurofeedback training doesn't directly target symptoms, nor does it resolve all issues. Neurofeedback simply assists you in improving your brain timing - which in turn helps improve brain function or symptoms. It's exercise that helps your brain "do better" or be more efficient." (pg. 10) THIS is why neurofeedback can work for everyone. There's no such thing as a perfect brain, meaning everyone could benefit from some sort of neurofeedback.
- "Neurofeedback is nothing more than a powerful tool for brain workouts. Because neurofeedback in essence "builds up" or strengthens key brain patters, it improves cortical timing and communication. Better timing enables different areas of your brain to perform more efficiently." (pg. 11)
- Neurofeedback is essentially harnessing neuroplasticity, and using it in a way that's beneficial to the patient. "Neuroplasticity is the brain's lifelong ability to grow, change and heal." (pg. ix)
Resources:
- Cohen's youtube video "What Is Neurofeedback?"
https://youtu.be/HxHR7InSQ1c
- A Symphony in the Brain by Jim Robbins (published online in Biofeedback by Peper and Shaffer)
A Symphony in the Brain: The Evolution of the New Brain Wave Biofeedback
- NIH PubMed site
- www.ISNR.org (or search ISNR Comprehensive Research)
- www.CenterForBrain.com
- The Mind-Gut Connection by Emeran Mayer
The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Astonishing Dialogue Taking Place in Our Bodies Impacts Health, Weight, and Mood
- other training tools like neuroregulation tools, heart coherence training (at my company we use heart coherence simultaneously with neurofeedback) or "breathing tools, audio-visual entrainment (AVE), sound stimulation technologies, infrared or red-light simulation and pulsed magnetic field (PEMF) devices." (pg. 114)
- for finding potential providers:
isnr.org/member-list
bcia.org
qeegcertificationboard.org
AAPB.org
- The Body Keeps Score by Bessel van der Kolk
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
- Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma: Calming the Fear-Driven Brain by Sebern Fisher
Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma: Calming the Fear-Driven Brain
- Brain Maker by Perlmutter
Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain for Life
January 3, 2022
As a clinician training to provide Neurofeedback, this was a great and simple explanation of the principles and what Neurofeedback can do. It is not very clinical and the language is simple to understand.
December 12, 2020
2.5: I'm not sure why this book had such good reviews where I purchased it. It's simple. Perhaps that's why. But it is simple to the point of redundancy. The bulk of the book could be a reasonably long article, the question and answer section another portion. But the Q&A reiterate much of what's already stated.... I ended up skimming a chunk of it because I'd read it before (in the first section). Nonetheless, it did give the gist of neurofeedback such that I can explain it (simply, oversimplified) in my own words.
November 4, 2023
My wife is undergoing neurofeedback as treatment for TBI. This was a very helpful primer. 130 pages written in 14 or so font. Easy and quick to read. I started it after dinner and finished it during breakfast.
Author covered the basics and devoted many pages to case examples. I would have loved an in-depth description of how pattern continuation and pattern interruption works for the neurotypical or for everyday life so that I could understand better how it addresses neurodivergent properties and behaviors. Lacking that, the book may sound “sales-y” to some.
That said, helpful book.
Author covered the basics and devoted many pages to case examples. I would have loved an in-depth description of how pattern continuation and pattern interruption works for the neurotypical or for everyday life so that I could understand better how it addresses neurodivergent properties and behaviors. Lacking that, the book may sound “sales-y” to some.
That said, helpful book.
June 20, 2025
Extremely repetitive, extremely surface level information. Really more of a pep talk than a book.
I kid you not, literally 30-40% of the book is some version of "x came in with a problem. (describes problem). it was treated with neurofeedback, and x got better" without any additional details. Most of the rest is some version of "it works, you don't need to do anything" while repeating the same 3 analogies over and over.
You can learn more about neurofeedback from a quick google search than reading this entire book.
I kid you not, literally 30-40% of the book is some version of "x came in with a problem. (describes problem). it was treated with neurofeedback, and x got better" without any additional details. Most of the rest is some version of "it works, you don't need to do anything" while repeating the same 3 analogies over and over.
You can learn more about neurofeedback from a quick google search than reading this entire book.
February 10, 2023
Love getting to learn more about my brain
I have adhd and have had seizures in the past and am in the process of exploring neurofeedback to improve some cognitive functions. Having met Michael Cohen, I can tell that he is very passionate and Knowledgeable about the space and I hope others can benefit from this type of “gym” membership for the brain.
I have adhd and have had seizures in the past and am in the process of exploring neurofeedback to improve some cognitive functions. Having met Michael Cohen, I can tell that he is very passionate and Knowledgeable about the space and I hope others can benefit from this type of “gym” membership for the brain.
August 18, 2024
“Neurofeedback 101" is an informative and engaging read; easy to grasp and written in a friendly tone. The case studies and real-life examples really helped me get what neurofeedback is all about, and what to expect. It’s a great book if you’re curious and want to learn about neurofeedback in a way that’s easy to understand.
December 7, 2021
Great intro to neurofeedback
This book provides a great intro to neurofeedback. It covers any general question one may have, and further explains the finer details. If you are new to Neurofeedback and would like an overview of everything, I highly recommend reading this book.
This book provides a great intro to neurofeedback. It covers any general question one may have, and further explains the finer details. If you are new to Neurofeedback and would like an overview of everything, I highly recommend reading this book.
December 13, 2021
Leading to additional Learning
Great book! I’ve heard little of neurofeedback and thought this would be the book to read to help with anxiety. This book is a good introduction to the field, only wish there was a little more detail.
Great book! I’ve heard little of neurofeedback and thought this would be the book to read to help with anxiety. This book is a good introduction to the field, only wish there was a little more detail.
April 10, 2025
Super interesting. Could’ve used fewer repetitive case study examples, and focused more on details regarding the anatomy, physiology, and overall way the brain works and functions when undergoing neurofeedback.
February 20, 2022
I loved this book! I ended up buying the equipment and going to his seminar as a result of the book. I have used neurofeedback with several clients and all but one found improvement!
July 17, 2022
Simple, clear explanation of neurofeedback. If you are looking for an introduction with almost no prior knowledge of neurofeedback this is book for you.
November 3, 2024
Great book
Very informative and useful information on rewiring your brain without medication. Thank you. 💙 great book. Will recommend to others.
Very informative and useful information on rewiring your brain without medication. Thank you. 💙 great book. Will recommend to others.
December 17, 2024
Very good to a basic into to the world of neurofeedback.
March 20, 2025
This is a great intro, a 101 course. I appreciate that he lists other books for more info and other specialists. This book gives me a place to start in trying to help my kids.
December 30, 2024
Great, quick introduction to neurofeedback therapy. Some points are repeated but gives a good overview with lots of case studies.
June 1, 2023
Easy read, doesn't go into the weeds of the science (in a way that makes it not feel scientific even though I do trust that it is), wish it went over more about the risks of neurofeedback (not that I think neurofeedback is risky, but as someone who is risk-averse, I would have greatly appreciated it)
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