Frequently Asked Questions

NeurOptimal® is a non-invasive, FDA-approved non-linear Dynamical Neurofeedback® system. It uses state of the art technology that reads the electrical activity of the brain 256 times per second through sensors placed on the scalp. The sensors collect realtime data to detect noticeable differences in the brain's electrical activity. The system provides this feedback to the central nervous system through micro-interruptions in music. The brain now has the information it needs to do what it inherently is designed to do - self correct - increasing flexibility and resiliency. It is natural and safe for everyone to use to optimize brain function.

Anyone!  Every brain can use NeurOptimal® dynamical neurofeedback brain training.  It is 100% noninvasive, non-medicinal, natural, and safe to use.  The brain is not being "pushed" in any direction and is allowed to self-regulate on its own, which means no side effects. NeurOptimal® is designed to train the brain to function at peak performance levels. This innovative form of neurofeedback is not a medical treatment, but rather a training for the brain.

• Enhanced mental clarity and cognitive functioning: NeurOptimal® can help improve instruction following in the classroom, increased concentration, and problem solving, as well as better aptitude for multi-tasking, resource management, logic, pattern-recognition, and eye-hand coordination, which can make it a great tool in helping to manage ADD/ADHD.  Some clients have reported feeling more productive and focused, as well as feeling more motivated and confident with an increase in self-esteem and confidence.
• Mental and emotional wellness: NeurOptimal® neurofeedback training can offer support to those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD by promoting a sense of calm and relaxation, and helping to manage stress. Those who have trained with NeurOptimal® have noted feeling less reactive to life’s challenges and have become more responsive.  Additionally, they have reported improved quality of sleep.
• Enhanced peak physical and mental performance: NeurOptimal® has been used by peak performing athletes and artists.  This advanced Dynamical Neurofeedack® helps to improve focus and clarity and maintain calm, which can help to reduce performance anxiety and help to excel in their chosen field.  Academic performance can also be enhanced by improving concentration and mental focus.

The road to recovery, performance, and transformation for each person using NeurOptimal® dynamical neurofeedback is going to be unique.  However, there are five aspects of this process that generally tend to overlap.

• First, the central nervous system will begin to stabilize.  The client will begin to feel more relaxed, and the mind will begin to quiet between each session.  They might begin to have sleep improvement, will become more responsive instead of reactive, with a sense of feeling more settled.
• Next, the client will begin to experience deep unconscious processing which will be seen with more improvements of the above benefits, as well as stability, occasional vivid dreaming for some, and life begins to feel easier.  They might begin to have an increase in energy and alertness, mood stability, and improvements in psyche and response times.
• Improved processing begins to occur which is experienced as improved stability and efficiency with an increase in attention, focus, mind/body and eye/hand coordination, and increased awareness.  Decision making becomes easier, response times are better, intuition increased, with better coping skills and a clearer sense of self.  There is improved stability and access to higher resources.  Clarity of thought is better, with improved identification of emotions without being overwhelmed.  These shifts can occur seamlessly with an increase in adaptability and flexibility.   
• The client will be able to easily continue to experience these benefits from session to session and will adapt to the increase in capacity, better functioning, and stronger positive sense of self.  The life they are experiencing is now adding to the growth and transformation process.  Confidence increases as the client becomes more familiar with this evolving and growing sense of self control.
• Once the central nervous system functions according to its inherent design and capacity, the beneficial growth will continue to happen independent of NeurOptimal®.  Most people are satisfied and happy with this level of improvement and stop training.  Others choose to return to NeurOptimal® for a session or two during times of high stress levels that are unhealthy.

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A NeurOptimal® dynamical neurofeedback session lasts 33 minutes but in total approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour from beginning to end, and the training is effortless.  A brief questionnaire is filled out that describes how the client is feeling and what they might be experiencing.  They sit in a comfortable chair, and using conductive paste, two sensors are placed on the scalp with three sensors on the ears.  The sensors read the electrical signals of your brain.  Through headphones, the client will listen to music, which is used as the platform for the neurofeedback.  NeurOptimal® picks up noticeable changes in the electrical activity of the brain, which is communicated back to the central nervous system via micro-interruptions in the music.  The brain uses this interruption as a way of bringing you back into the moment, allowing it to self-correct.  By the end of the session, clients often report a sense of feeling calmer and clearer.  Some clients might temporarily feel tired.

The amount of sessions needed for each person will be varied because every brain is unique. Neuroptimal brain training incrementally allows the brain to learn more about itself. Quite often, people will notice subtle shifts or changes in approximately 6 to 10 sessions. However, a report showing that 1.2 million neurofeedback sessions clients experience significant benefits after 11-20 sessions.  For some people, this might be enough. However, for more complex issues, several sessions might be needed. Like riding a bike, your brain will not forget what it has learned. Consequently, if you are in need of a break from sessions, your brain will pick up right where it left off. Also, if you find yourself dealing with challenging life situations, you can return for a few tune-up sessions to help your brain function optimally.

NeurOptimal® neurofeedback trainers do not diagnose or treat specific symptoms.  The system reads the electrical activity of the brain 256 times per second and shares this information with the central nervous system through micro-interruptions in the music. Consequently, a protocol is not needed nor created, so the brain is not being pushed or pulled in any direction.  The brain is doing what it inherently is designed to do - self correct - increasing flexibility and resiliency.  The client should be under the care of a physician for any medical or mental disorder. 

• The cost for each session is $110*.
• Package of 5 is $500* ($100 each).
• Package of 10 is $900* ($90 each).
• Military/First responders pay at a discounted rate of $70*.

*ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) recipients to include additional 2.5% service fee.

NeurOptimal® is not considered medical treatment; therefore, it is NOT covered by insurance.  However, because it is FDA-approved as a wellness product, it is often covered by Health Savings Account (HSA) or FSA (Flexible Savings Account) for wellness or training.