FAQ’s

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a learning technology that enables a person to harmonize their brain waves without the use of medications. Trauma, along with other stressors, can cause the brain to become dysregulated. With neurofeedback, you actually learn to train and regulate your brain waves. Think of it as a kind of exercise for your brain.

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidenced based, effective psychotherapy. It is proven to help people heal from trauma and other stressors, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. EMDR therapy is different in that it does not require talking in detail. Rather than focusing on changing emotions, thoughts, or behaviors, EMDR allows the brain to follow its natural healing process. It helps to resolve traumatic memories stored in the brain, often reducing symptoms with fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy.

How long will it take?

Both EMDR and neurofeedback are learning therapies. How long it takes really depends upon where you are starting from and where you want to go.

Neurofeedback: Typically with neurofeedback you will notice subtle changes within 10-20 sessions.  It is generally recommended that a person complete 40-80 sessions for long term retention.  Training times vary from 5 to 40 minutes with the average training time around 20 to 25 minutes.  To reach optimal results, clients are encouraged to train at least 2x per week.  Home training rentals are a popular option, allowing you to train on your own time in the comfort of your own home.  This allows you to train multiple times per week for faster results at a fraction of the cost.

EMDR: Most people notice subtle changes after one EMDR session that continue to be built upon in each additional session.  My EMDR intensives are a total of 4, 8, or 12 hours which are broken into smaller sessions of 1.5, 2, 3, or 4 hours. Intensives can look different depending on the unique situation of each client. At our initial consult, together we will determine what format may work best for you.

Are EMDR and Neurofeedback sessions covered by insurance?

One hour of EMDR per day is covered by insurance. Additional hours are self pay. Most insurances do not cover neurofeedback. I am in network with the following insurances:

• Anthem

• Aetna

• Sentara

• United Behavioral Health/Optum

• Tri-Care

What can I expect a session to look like?

Check out this video for a sample of an EMDR session.

Why choose an EMDR Intensive?

The longer intensive format helps decrease treatment time as the client and therapist have more time for EMDR processing. These sessions are more efficient as less time is lost in multiple appointment transitions. Additionally, research tells us that intensive EMDR, with its condensed timeline, can eliminate additional months of living with symptoms. While there is an initial cost investment, the shorter duration and expedited process can save invaluable time and money in the long term.

Should I do Neurofeedback, EMDR or both?

EMDR and neurofeedback together can be a great combination for those struggling with any cognitive, emotional, or behavioral symptoms.  If utilized together, I often use neurofeedback first to help the brain regulate itself to prepare for intensive trauma therapy.  People with complex presentations often benefit from this “resource” to help tolerate EMDR.  

EMDR and neurofeedback can also be stand alone therapies.  A person who is well resourced at shifting emotional states, has done previous therapy work, or using additional modalities to help calm the central nervous system (yoga, massage, meditation, etc.) will be able to do EMDR therapy without neurofeedback.  However, neurofeedback may still be a helpful addition to help the brain function better.

I often recommend clients try neurofeedback first to promote optimal brain functioning.  Many people experience symptom reduction with neurofeedback alone as it gives individuals the clarity, energy and sense of calm they need to make the changes they want to see in their lives. 

What’s the process for getting started with neurofeedback?

1. We will first schedule a fifteen minute consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for neurofeedback.  Predictors for success include a stabilized medication routine that does not include many medications, as well as motivation and discipline to complete the recommended sessions.

2. Schedule an intake session with me in person or via telehealth for assessment and to acquire the necessary information for a QEEG (brain map).

3. Schedule an appointment for a QEEG to get a detailed understanding of your current brain functioning. This will guide your neurofeedback training.

4. All cases will be reviewed by Dr. Robert Turner, MD, MSCR a specially trained neurologist at Clinical NeuroAnalytics. The visual inspection of EEG data by a neurologist is the gold standard in practice and will assist is identifying medically significant findings in the EEG. Your QEEG data will also be processed and compared with computerized normative database information at Clinical NeuroAnalytics, where a report will produced by Ronald J. Swatzyna, PhD, LCSW. Clinical NeuroAnalytics provides EEG interpretation which will explain the patterns found in your brain, analysis and consultation as well as neurofeedback recommendations. For more information visit: https://www.hnbraincenter.com/meet-our-team

5. Attend a video conference or in person session, to review the results of the assessment and receive a detailed report that you can share with other clinicians.

6. Receive training on the use of the neurofeedback equipment.

7. Begin neurofeedback training either independently in my office or remotely.

8. Home training is a great option for those looking to benefit in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Train from the comfort of your home, multiple times per week. This often reduces the amount of time and cost needed to complete a treatment plan.

9. You and I will review your training weekly and if necessary further guidance from other neurofeedback professionals will be acquired. I am currently under the mentorship of Jessica Eure, LPC, BCN and Dr. Ronald J. Swatzyna, PhD, LCSW, BCN. For more information visit: https://virginianeurofeedback.com/ and https://www.hnbraincenter.com/