Neurofeedback therapy explained

What is Neurofeedback?

A training method for self-regulation of unconscious processes in the brain

How does neurofeedback work?

The positive effect of neurofeedback has been proven for years in science and practice in a number of mental health conditions such as depression or ADHD. But also in competitive sports, music or in top management neurofeedback is increasingly used as a natural method for increasing concentration and coping with stress.

Various brain activities are measured with the aid of a computer-assisted EEG (electroencephalogram). These can be clearly assigned to certain states of mind at certain points of the head (e.g. concentration, relaxation), but also in certain patterns to individual diseases (e.g. ADHD, depression, burnout etc.).

During a training session – in a pleasant atmosphere – the patient watches a film or listens to music. Whenever the desired activity patterns occur, this is fed back to the patient by making the TV picture large and visible or the music audible (positive feedback). If unwanted activities are measured, however, the image becomes smaller and the music quieter (negative feedback). In this way patients learn to regulate their brain activity subconsciously and in a short time according to the situation. First changes usually occur after 5–7 training sessions, lasting effects from about 10 sessions.

We also offer the feedback in virtual reality, various games or even with your favourite film.

  • 50 min. per session

  • 1–2 sessions per week

  • lasting effects from about 10 sessions

  • individual training protocol

The basis of neurofeedback therapy - the quantitative EEG

The basis of neurofeedback training is an objective analysis of brain activities – Neurofeedback Munich

A qEEG (quantitative EEG), also known as brainmapping, is the computer-assisted evaluation of a 19-channel EEG. It records the “current activity” of the brain.

This measuring process is completely painless for the patient. The exact analysis of the raw EEG and the comparison with medical databases make deviating functional patterns of the brain visible. Above all, it leads to fast and cost-effective imaging and a comprehensive information base for further training.

Functional limitations of the brain, for example after a concussion or a multitude of mental illnesses, can be objectively detected with a qEEG.

What is the objective qEEG analysis?

A qEEG (quantitative EEG), also known as brainmapping, is the computer-assisted evaluation of a 19-channel EEG. It records the “current activity” of the brain.

This measuring process is completely painless for the patient. The exact analysis of the raw EEG and the comparison with medical databases make deviating functional patterns of the brain visible. Above all, it leads to fast and cost-effective imaging and a comprehensive information base for further training.

Functional limitations of the brain, for example after a concussion or a multitude of mental illnesses, can be objectively detected with a qEEG.

Neurofeedback qEEG
qEEG recording from the therapist's point of view

The qEEG is always the beginning of neurofeedback therapy. The aim is to guarantee an individual and optimal planning of the therapy. A graphical evaluation in the form of so-called “heatmaps” is created for each patient.

Brain activity data is normed. Comparisons can be made with medical databases and other qEEGs.

In addition to recording the quantitative EEG, the first consultation with the patient at the Heiler practice is a detailed medical anamnesis. Doctor and patient work together on the medical history, the current condition and the training goals.

Neurofeedback & qEEG-Brainmapping

The qEEG is always the beginning of neurofeedback therapy. The aim is to guarantee an individual and optimal planning of the therapy. A graphical evaluation in the form of so-called “heatmaps” is created for each patient.

Brain activity data is normed. Comparisons can be made with medical databases and other qEEGs.

In addition to recording the quantitative EEG, the first consultation with the patient at the Heiler practice is a detailed medical anamnesis. Doctor and patient work together on the medical history, the current condition and the training goals.

qEEG - Neurofeedback Munich
Visualization of a qEEG analysis using heatmaps
Neurofeedback Munich Epilepsy
Seizure disorders (e.g. epilepsy)
Neurofeedback Munich Depression
Concentration disorders (e.g. ADD / ADHD)
Neurofeedback Munich ADHD
Affective disorders / sleep disorders (e.g. depression)

Neurofeedback Training

The basis is the qEEG described above – based on this a neurofeedback training takes place according to the following steps

Neurofeedback Training

1) EEG real-time measurement

In neurofeedback training, electrodes, connected to a comfortable cap, are first attached to fixed points on the head. By measuring brain activity, the therapist records an EEG (electroencephalogram). The patient does not feel the EEG recording at all. The EEG measures all relevant brain waves and transmits them to a computer. A special computer program divides the brain waves into frequency ranges and subjects them to analysis. All important data is measured in real time (with only 30 milliseconds delay) and 50 times per second.

The EEG is a medical technology established since the 1930s. The equipment used by Philipp Heiler today meets the highest technical standards. This ensures optimum data quality. While brain activity is being recorded, the patient simply sits in a comfortable lounge chair and relaxes. The electrodes only measure signals. The brain itself is not influenced or stimulated by electrical signals.

1) EEG real-time measurement

In neurofeedback training, electrodes, connected to a comfortable cap, are first attached to fixed points on the head. By measuring brain activity, the therapist records an EEG (electroencephalogram). The patient does not feel the EEG recording at all. The EEG measures all relevant brain waves and transmits them to a computer. A special computer program divides the brain waves into frequency ranges and subjects them to analysis. All important data is measured in real time (with only 30 milliseconds delay) and 50 times per second.

The EEG is a medical technology established since the 1930s. The equipment used by Philipp Heiler today meets the highest technical standards. This ensures optimum data quality. While brain activity is being recorded, the patient simply sits in a comfortable lounge chair and relaxes. The electrodes only measure signals. The brain itself is not influenced or stimulated by electrical signals.

Therapist placing EEG electrodes on a patient's head
Electrodes are placed on relevant brain areas

2) Data analysis and feedback

The data analysis described above can then be communicated to the patient in a simple form as feedback. There are many different ways to provide feedback to the patient. These include virtual reality environments, movies, music/sounds, games (often interesting for children to maintain motivation during training) and many other options.

The feedback is based on the principle of so-called operant conditioning. This means that the feedback provided to the patient is a reward if the patient succeeds in activating certain areas of the brain in such a way that it generates the required brain activity. In concrete terms, the reward means that the film, for example, appears bright and clearly visible. The “punishment” shows a dark and hardly visible film. These processes work analogously with music. It is either loud and well audible or quiet and almost incomprehensible.

Our brain wants to be rewarded as often as possible. It tries to permanently recognize and understand the patterns hidden in the feedback in order to receive a reward as often as possible. This process is completely unconscious, without the patient’s active involvement and without medication.

Neurofeedback Games & Virtual Reality
2) Data analysis and feedback

The data analysis described above can then be communicated to the patient in a simple form as feedback. There are many different ways to provide feedback to the patient. These include virtual reality environments, movies, music/sounds, games (often interesting for children to maintain motivation during training) and many other options.

The feedback is based on the principle of so-called operant conditioning. This means that the feedback provided to the patient is a reward if the patient succeeds in activating certain areas of the brain in such a way that it generates the required brain activity. In concrete terms, the reward means that the film, for example, appears bright and clearly visible. The “punishment” shows a dark and hardly visible film. These processes work analogously with music. It is either loud and well audible or quiet and almost incomprehensible.

Our brain wants to be rewarded as often as possible. It tries to permanently recognize and understand the patterns hidden in the feedback in order to receive a reward as often as possible. This process is completely unconscious, without the patient’s active involvement and without medication.

Neurofeedback Training Munich
Neurofeedback training from the therapist's perspective

3) Psychological counselling

A neurofeedback training session in our practice always takes 50 minutes. Besides the actual training, this includes time to discuss the training and the progress of the whole therapy.

For more serious mental illnesses, we also offer psychological counselling by our team of psychologists. We maintain a very personal level and are of course subject to medical confidentiality. Additional support through psychological counselling can be discussed during the first appointment.

3) Psychological counselling

A neurofeedback training session in our practice always takes 50 minutes. Besides the actual training, this includes time to discuss the training and the progress of the whole therapy.

For more serious mental illnesses, we also offer psychological counselling by our team of psychologists. We maintain a very personal level and are of course subject to medical confidentiality. Additional support through psychological counselling can be discussed during the first appointment.

Counselling session with a patient
individual counselling by our psychologists

4) Neurofeedback home training as a therapy extension

With our neurofeedback home training (in cooperation with our development company brainboost Neurofeedback) every patient can easily and efficiently extend their own therapy from home. As an addition to the training in the practice, the home training takes place in a familiar environment or flexibly on the go.

Using a tablet connected to a headband and an additional electrode (for more precise measurement) via Bluetooth, the patient can choose between movies, music or games as feedback. The intuitively designed app ensures easy operation during the training.

Of course, the composition of the training is based on the individual, carefully analysed anamnesis as well as on the previously gained knowledge from the training sessions. In order to ensure the success of the therapy, the home sessions are discussed by the supervising therapist either by telephone or in a personal conversation. The sessions can be monitored in real time by our therapists using special software.

more information about neurofeedback home training
4) Neurofeedback home training as a therapy extension

With our neurofeedback home training (in cooperation with our development company brainboost Neurofeedback) every patient can easily and efficiently extend their own therapy from home. As an addition to the training in the practice, the home training takes place in a familiar environment or flexibly on the go.

Using a tablet connected to a headband and an additional electrode (for more precise measurement) via Bluetooth, the patient can choose between movies, music or games as feedback. The intuitively designed app ensures easy operation during the training.

Of course, the composition of the training is based on the individual, carefully analysed anamnesis as well as on the previously gained knowledge from the training sessions. In order to ensure the success of the therapy, the home sessions are discussed by the supervising therapist either by telephone or in a personal conversation. The sessions can be monitored in real time by our therapists using special software.

Philipp Heiler during his own neurofeedback training session
Neurofeedback home training

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