Before most people contact me, they’ve worked hard to acquire some information on neurofeedback. Some quiz friends or colleagues about their previous experiences with neurofeedback. A few speak with a therapist or physician for guidance. Most, though, spend at least some time researching on the internet to learn as much as they can before they meet with me for a consultation.

As a result of the variety of approaches to getting started, I am never quite sure what kinds of questions people will ask when we meet for the first time. I expect questions about how neurofeedback works, both technically and logistically. I expect questions about whether I think my tools can help the person achieve their goals. I expect questions about timing and cost.

I am often surprised, though, by the people who have done just enough research online to think they know what they’re talking about when they ask me if I use a certain tool or a certain EEG amplifier.  They are seeking what they think is the best form of neurofeedback.

Usually, such individuals think they’re doing due diligence, but their questions are usually off the mark.  Here’s why.

Many clinics or practitioners advertise themselves as practicing the only truly effective, truly scientific, or truly cutting-edge form of the art.  Such claims can be convincing and can be a good magnet to attract people, but they are untrue.

Any honest practitioner will tell you that pretty much every form of neurofeedback works at least some of the time. Claiming exclusivity in tools or technique is simply that—opinion.

I will admit that even the forms of neurofeedback I don’t like because I think they involve a one-size-fits-all technique, use false numeric precision (kind of like saying the room air temperature is 72.54968 degrees—it may be true, but does it matter?), or use unvalidated methods actually do work well for a some people.

In fact, I have had the good fortune to witness phenomenal results from a practitioner who was using equipment that was from the 1970s.  It was humbling to see clunky old gear used in such amazing ways.

This experience taught me that the argument of what is best is quite often beside the point, because the best neurofeedback does not necessarily come from using the best tool.

Far more important is having the right practitioner.  The right practitioners know how to use their tool and use it well. They’ve studied hard and continue to learn. They don’t dabble in neurofeedback while actually doing something else the majority of their work day. Even if they’re new at it, they can be excellent if they are humble and seek guidance and supervision from more experienced practitioners.

The best neurofeedback trainers also know how to interact with their clients and connect with them in ways that accelerate the process.  Top-notch brain trainers don’t subscribe to a medical model of cramming in as many trainees into as short of a time span as possible during their work day, thereby resulting in clients who don’t receive the kind of attention and care they deserve. The best practitioners pay attention during brain training sessions to ensure nothing is going amiss, because sometimes people pull leads loose, have cap connections go dry, or need their settings adjusted.

So, finding the best practitioner isn’t about discerning the best technology or tool. It’s about the person. May you find the best person for you.