Neurofeedback equipment is not that hard to operate, but it requires expertise to use it well.

If you’re searching for a provider, you of course want someone who has expertise, not just a rudimentary understanding of how to operate their system. The trouble is that it can be a challenge to find the right person, because there is a lot of noise about what makes for a good brain trainer.

The reality is that people from all walks of life learn to do neurofeedback. From my perspective, the largest segment of providers are mental health providers—psychologists, counselors, and social workers. Next in line are lay persons and health-care providers like chiropractors and occupational therapists. The fewest number of practitioners are MDs or DOs—and they’re usually psychiatrists, but not always. Teachers and tutors are somewhere in the mix, too. Neuroscientists in laboratories are increasingly active in researching neurofeedback, but I am only aware of a few who run neurofeedback clinics associated with their universities.

With such a diversity of people from many professional backgrounds involved, it can be confusing for someone who wants to do neurofeedback to find someone who has a solid track record of producing positive outcomes. There is no such thing as a degree in neurofeedback at this time. Looking for licensure is not possible, because no license is required to do neurofeedback. The reason for this is that neurofeedback is a tool to provide biofeedback for the brain. It is not a separate profession.

Moreover, brain training with neurofeedback is safe. The FDA determined that neurofeedback is safe enough to be considered a relaxation tool, so devices do not even need to be registered. There is no safety reason to restrict access to the tool or control who can use the tool. (There is, of course, restriction on who can practice medicine or psychology, so if one is making medical/curative claims, that person should be operating within what is called their scope of practice.)

Over the past several decades, guild organizations have stepped into the breach and tried to assert themselves as the foremost authority and gatekeeper of who is competent at neurofeedback. Associations have morphed over time, as have certification boards. Some groups have even tried to limit who is allowed to do neurofeedback, going so far as to take legal action against people and organizations. It has been a messy battle for power and control.

Sorting through this can be frustrating as a potential trainee, and it can be frustrating on the provider side, too. For example, I acquired certification by completing a 500-hour residency, completing 50 hours of supervision, and passing an examination. After all that work, the certification board folded, so I can claim to once have had that certification, but it does not exist anymore.

Now, my certification comes from a company that only certifies those who use its philosophical approach. It’s nice to have outside affirmation of my training, but at this point in my career, I do not think certification matters very much in terms of my expertise or effectiveness.

Several years ago, an individual who had been called upon as an expert witness in some of the internecine battles over neurofeedback asserted that fewer than 30% of all neurofeedback practitioners sought out certification. Most felt it didn’t add to their expertise and that it was more of a marketing tool than a sign of competence. I agree with that perspective (especially after having clients come to me in the wake of disappointment from working with certified but unskilled providers).

So, what does someone do when looking for a provider? What are the signs of competence? How does one discern and decide? I would argue that the following things matter:

• Years of experience. Look for someone who has primarily been doing neurofeedback—not merely dabbling with a few clients here and there—for a length of time that convinces you they know what they’re doing. If it’s a new practitioner, that is NOT necessarily a problem, as long as they are working under supervision with someone more experienced. Sometimes, new people have a zeal that makes them more attentive than someone for whom neurofeedback has become routine. BUT, someone new who is working on his or her own, without regular check-ins with a mentor or supervisor, is a riskier situation. Again, a license or degree in any field does not confer expertise in neurofeedback. It sounds a bit silly to say, but only training and experience in neurofeedback provide expertise in neurofeedback.

• Instructor status. If someone teaches others how to do neurofeedback, then it is highly likely that they have enough expertise to work with you. Just be sure that the person teaches more than just theory or brain science; they need to know how to DO neurofeedback, not just talk about it.

• Learning background. Ask about where and how a person received their neurofeedback training. Going to a one-week seminar is in no way enough training to be an indicator of competence. There is a steep learning curve with neurofeedback, and although It’s possible to hang out a shingle and do business after a quick seminar, it’s not wise.  That said, don’t be alarmed by people who say that they initially learned through private training. Very few universities in the United States teach neurofeedback. This means that learning is left to private companies, who often do training in hotel conference rooms and online. That is okay and not a sign of a problem. Excellent learning can happen in these environments.

• Substance, not marketing fluff. If someone has a website that makes bold sales promises without much meat in the content, it’s probably best to ask some pointed questions. Advertising (you know the sort—claiming to be the only cutting-edge organization, or the only place that has X credential or skill, or that they’re the largest and best) is not equivalent to expertise. Look for someone who is willing to share their knowledge, not just try to baffle you with superlatives.

• Your intuition about fit. I’ve written in earlier blog posts that I believe the relationship between trainer and trainee is important to outcome. If you feel like you cannot connect with your practitioner, or you’re just a number, or something else just isn’t right, then look elsewhere. There are enough practitioners in the DMV to find the right person for anyone.

I feel that because I’ve just made strong statements about how to determine who may and may not be a good provider, I should re-share my credentials:

I, like most practitioners, did not learn neurofeedback in my graduate counseling program. In the early 2000s, I had almost a month of full-time trainings with more than one organization. In addition, I studied under a clinical psychologist, and I studied under a someone who himself was a protégé of one the research pioneers for the field. I had a 500-hour residency and had over 50 hours of supervision during that time. I once had two certifications but now have one (and I have no intention of acquiring any more certifications). I practiced neurofeedback exclusively for most of my years in practice and only in the past few years added hypnosis. I teach others how to do neurofeedback, primarily through online instruction but sometimes in person. This is sometimes through a company that sells equipment and sometimes private clients who seek my help. I consult with one of my long-time mentors on complicated situations, just to remain sharp and include different perspectives.

The bottom line when you’re looking for a provider is to find someone who has solid training in neurofeedback, is seasoned or seeks guidance from a seasoned person, and is a person with whom you feel you can work. Don’t rely on credentials like degrees (MA vs PhD vs MD/DO doesn’t equate to neurofeedback training) or certifications.

If you think I might be a good fit for you, please reach out. If you’re not in the Northern Virginia area and are reading this, I can either help you with home training or may be able to help you choose a practitioner in your area.