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How Neurofeedback works (an example) 

The Therapist sets goals and monitors the client’s EEG (see explanation below picture).  This screen is designed with controls and adjustments for the therapist to see.  By looking at the EEG (in multiple ways) the therapist can gain clues about whether the client is learning, and how the client is responding to the training.   

In this example, the client is watching a game screen.  Over time, many therapists teach the client about the therapist screen and have them train on this screen also.  . 

Step 3:  The Therapist Screen

Unless you've been to a course, this screen probably doesn't make a lot of sense.  A good course helps you learn how to use this information.  In this example, the reward (Rwrd) training goal uses the threshold to encourage the client to make more amplitude (exceed the blue threshold lines) for 15-18 hz activity (reward band).   For the inhibit (Inhb) bands, the blue threshold lines are used to encourage less amplitude (smaller or shorter waves) for the 2-8 hz and 22-36 hz bands. The therapist has control over the thresholds, and can set how easy or hard it is for the client to achieve the goals. 

Most therapists, psychologists and MDs who have to learn about how to use EEG information for training - it's not something they learned in graduate or medical school.   Fortunately, you don't need to be an expert in EEG to do neurofeedback.  Learning the basics of EEG in a good course can get professionals started.  Having good people/therapy skills is probably more important than understanding the nuances of EEG.  To borrow a quote, "We are not training the EEG.  We are training the client."  You need the skills to interact with the client and help them understand the process - and the changes they experience.   

Some argue the client neurofeedback to learn.  This is true.  But it's felt that many clients may learn faster if they understand the process. There are many cases where the client had no connection with the process but rapid changes in response to the feedback.  Not all clients need extra learning information, but many seem to benefit. It's a clinical judgment. 

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