This morning, I was fortunate to get to host Peter Van Deusen of Brain Trainer International as he presented a webinar on trauma and neurofeedback. In it, he explains, in a way that we can all understand, how brain structure is affected in both physical and emotional trauma.  At almost exactly two hours long, this is a fairly long listen, but I invite you to grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage as well as paper and pen for taking a note or two so you can settle in and hear what he has to say.  The link is here.

I am not an employee of Brain Trainer International, but I am affiliated with them as one of their master trainers, so I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.  Feel free to reach out to me at Tamera@BrainShapeLLC.com.

One of the things I wish most often in my work is that some of the people who need to do brain-training the most could afford to do so, because the reality is that many can barely afford to keep a roof over their heads.  This is why, despite many business coaches saying that it’s a bad plan, I do offer sliding scales when someone reaches out to me.

So, it’s exciting for me when programs are established to meet the most vulnerable in our population. This 12-minute video from the Salvation Army is an introduction to several success stories from a clinic that was set up in a homeless shelter in Los Angeles. It was done with the help of a local neurofeedback provider with a great reputation, and the non-profit they established called Homecoming4Veterans. I am in no way affiliated with the Salvation Army project or EEGInfo, but I am proud to have been listed as a provider for Homecoming for Veterans for over a dozen years.

If you’re interested in learning more about neurofeedback, please reach out and contact me. If you wish to learn more about the good work that Homecoming4Veterans offers, homecoming4veterans.org has several videos on their website.

Neurofeedback is an excellent investment.  In exchange for only about 40 hours of brain training sessions, you get the possibility of improving your entire life by making long-lasting and significant changes in how your brain functions for you.  Those changes might show up as feeling calmer and less angry, getting better grades at school, performing better at work, simply feeling better in your own skin, or a myriad of other results.

Despite the wide range of potential benefits of neurofeedback, however, some people who explore neurofeedback feel that it is too expensive for them to pursue.  I get that and may be able to help.

First, though, it is important to remember that with most practitioners, you are getting a one-on-one service, and personal service means paying for the time and expertise of that person.  You’re not being treated like the next number in a long, anonymous line; you are being treated like the unique person with unique brain that you are.  And, because neurofeedback happens generally twice a week (sometimes even more, if you want to move more quickly), that one-on-one time starts to add up financially.  It’s important to keep the end goal in mind and remember that if training your brain to be different is a priority to you, it is a priority worth finding a way to afford.

For some, though, it isn’t a matter of making neurofeedback a financial priority so much as it is paying for it at all.  Because my intention as a practitioner is to help as many people as I can, I try never to turn anyone away who wants to do neurofeedback but struggles to see a way forward financially.  I have three options for such people:

• Payment Plans. The benefit of running my own practice is that I can adjust payment arrangements to match your needs. I am willing to stretch out the cost of neurofeedback payments to the point that they are affordable, and I have never charged interest to do this.  If you want a payment plan, just ask. This is my most popular option.
• Discounts. When you have multiple people in the same family who wish to do neurofeedback, I will offer sessions at a reduced rate.
• Sliding Scale. I am willing to do a sliding scale for those who, even with a payment plan, could not manage a cost that is about equivalent to paying for braces. Right now, my sliding scale spot is taken, but if you want me to consider sliding scale, I will explore it with you. Also keep in mind that I offer this for those who cannot afford neurofeedback, not for those who do not wish to pay for it.
• Home training. Learning to do neurofeedback for yourself at home is also an option. It has its own costs in terms of education and investment of time to master the process, but training yourself or a family member is absolutely do-able. I teach people to home train, and it is an excellent option for those who want multiple family members to do neurofeedback or who have brains that may require far more than 40 sessions.

If neurofeedback is something you want to pursue, but the cost is daunting, don’t hesitate to reach out.  It’s likely that, together, we can find a way forward for you.