It occurred to me just a few days ago that I am now well into my 16th year of offering neurofeedback. Perhaps if I focused more on advertising and had to generate content to attract attention, I would’ve taken more notice of milestone anniversaries. Since I didn’t, I missed the opportunity to do any big, business-y celebration of the day I reached the 15-year mark. I’m a little sad about that, because it would’ve been fun to host an outdoor party or open house in my building’s courtyard.
Still, I am making time to reflect on what 15 years means to me. I am definitely slowing down to celebrate quietly the changes in people’s lives I’ve had the pleasure to facilitate over the years. It has been a gratifying journey.
Along the way, I’ve learned so much. Here are a few of the big lessons.
Neurofeedback is Pretty Cool.
I started out thinking that neurofeedback was the most remarkable tool I’d ever seen to help people optimize their well-being. In fact, I liked it so much that I stepped away from doing psychotherapy to focus exclusively on brain training. As I look back, I’m pleased with that decision. Developing expertise in the field, then keeping up with changes was and continues to be an effort that requires intense focus. I would not be the practitioner I am if I had dabbled in doing both counseling and neurofeedback.
Another thing I’ve learned is that my trust in the power of neurofeedback is well placed. Almost all of my clients who have been committed to making changes via neurofeedback have, in fact, made changes. Some people have had mind-blowingly positive shifts in their lives. These people changed fast, hard, and had amazing experiences that exceeded their, and my, expectations. I wish everyone could have what they have. The vast majority of people, though, have had satisfying changes that helped them reach their goals. They represent what I tell people to expect, and they are gratifying to be with on a daily basis. A few have more modest changes—pleasing, but small—usually due to additional challenges such as autism. Best of all have been the people who have reached out years later to share with me that their changes stuck and, in come cases, continued to improve.
And yes, I have had a few people over the years who have achieved almost no changes. In all but one—a lovely person from just a few years ago whose brain map did not match her outer experience at all—I could tell that there was a solid reason for the lack of change. Usually, it was someone who I should not have taken on as a client and did anyway. From them, I have learned to filter carefully who I agree to train. I know I cannot help everyone, and I will continue to do my best to make honest assessments of who should and should not become one of my clients.
Whew, How Brain Science Changes!
I’ve always been one who wants to keep learning, and it’s a good thing, because our knowledge of the brain has been growing exponentially since the Decade of the Brain (the 1990s). Looking back shows me that as I look forward to the next 5-10 years, I will have to continue to study and keep up with the parts of neuroscience that affect neurofeedback. Despite having what I believe is a level of expertise, there is and will continue to be so much more to know. I think that’s exciting!
People Drive the Technology.
The field of neurofeedback is a surprisingly snarky one. There are many methodologies and approaches to brain training, and some adherents to each philosophical or technological approach try to sell others on how theirs is the one true way to do things right. The sniping among practitioners over who has the best and most efficacious system is downright disheartening, and I think it holds back the field in general. Over the years, I have learned that most approaches work just fine, as long as the practitioner is skilled. I still have opinions about so-called “plug and play”’ devices that are simplified and don’t have the learning curve that other neurofeedback devices do, but even those work for many people. I now think it is important to be open-minded about how each practitioner approaches brain training, because it is the skill of the practitioner that makes the biggest difference.
Human Connection Shouldn’t Change that Much
As our understanding of technology changes, my understanding of people remains firmly grounded in the idea that people grow in competent and affirming environments. This means that I am likely to continue with a one-on-one model of brain training. I’ve been encouraged many times to build a clinic so that I can see more people. In reality, that means hiring technicians and NOT working one-on-one anymore. It’s a shift that I do not think would be beneficial for my clients, even if it is a financially more lucrative move. I will continue to stay small and serve in my little corner of the world.
It may sound a little hokey, but I end up being terribly fond of almost all my clients. I think they feel that, and it becomes part of the experience of brain training in my office. Realizing this may be one of the most important things I can take with me from my first 15 years into the future.
I Like What I Do and Will Stick Around
And speaking of the future, I hope to be a part of it.
When I first started doing neurofeedback, several of the big names kept working into their 80s and 90s. I know of many who continued working until their health prohibited it. Even now, I am aware that folks in their 70s are still practicing and teaching what they know. Because there are so many out there, it is obvious to me that they are doing it because they’re passionate about changing lives and helping others, and their example strongly influences me. I see myself retiring eventually, but not any time soon, because I like what I do, and I don’t feel called to stop. The bug that bit my ancestors in the field of neurofeedback also bit me. I get them. And, I hope this little reflection helps you know a little more about me, how I’ve grown over the past 15 years, and where I’m headed.
