When people come to my office for consultations, they often have three key concerns.  Let’s explore those one by one:

1-  It’ll change your personality. 

Neurofeedback is about calming your body’s autonomic nervous system so that it can regulate itself better.  Obviously, many of us behave in ways we would prefer not to when we’re keyed up too much.  When we feel calmer, we likely also feel better about ourselves because we are treating ourselves and those around us better.  Increased calmness and sense of well-being is not, however, a change in personality.  Neurofeedback does not change the core of who you are as a person.

2-  It’s dangerous.

Nothing in the scientific literature has ever shown that brain training using neurofeedback is harmful.  On the contrary, many people find that they like the so-called “side effects.”  Being calmer and more relaxed can start a cascade of positive changes in one’s life.  It is true, however, that when people first start out doing brain training, they may feel a bit tired after sessions, but that generally lifts within a short period afterward.  The worst things, in my view, that can happen are no change at all or working with a practitioner who doesn’t quite know what she is doing and therefore wastes your time.  Of course, if you have a mental health disorder, it is wise to speak with your psychiatrist and/or primary care physician before starting any new self-care plan.

3-  It’s too expensive.

This myth needlessly stops a lot of people.  The overall cost of doing an average of 40 sessions of brain training with me is less than the cost of braces, and I try to keep my clients’ costs low by keeping my overhead as low as I can.  That said, it can feel expensive for some people because it requires coming in for training at least twice a week.  Sometimes, too, it’s a matter of priorities—not wanting to spend money on something as opposed to not being able to do so.  That said, I don’t turn away clients for financial reasons—for those with true need, we usually work out a payment plan, and I do keep one slot open for a sliding scale (though that slot is usually taken).  In the end, you know your personal circumstances and how badly you want to pursue training, and only you can decide whether it’s something worth your time and money.  If you’re really committed, we can find a way to make it happen.

These are the three biggest misconceptions that people come in to my office and ask about.  If you have questions that aren’t addressed here, please feel free to contact me for a free and no-obligation consultation.