Navigating Neurofeedback: Understanding the Different Approaches
Choosing the right neurofeedback approach can feel overwhelming. With so many options available — each with its own techniques, benefits, and drawbacks — figuring out what’s best for your needs can be tricky! At Optiminds, we understand this challenge and are here to guide you. This blog will break down the various styles of neurofeedback, highlight their pros and cons, and explain why we prioritise specific methods in our practice.
1. Frequency Band Training
What is it?
This method targets specific brainwave frequencies—Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma— based on their roles in mental and emotional functioning.
Pros:
Customisable to address specific imbalances associated with symptoms of conditions like ADHD and anxiety.
Straightforward and widely researched.
Cons:
Requires precise QEEG mapping for best results.
Can be less effective for deep-rooted issues like trauma.
2. QEEG-Guided Neurofeedback
What is it?
QEEG (Quantitative EEG) maps your brain activity, providing a detailed analysis of dysregulation patterns.
Pros:
Highly personalised and precise.
Effective for a wide range of symptoms.
Cons:
Mapping can be time-intensive and costly.
Requires skilled interpretation by a trained practitioner.
3. Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) Neurofeedback
What is it?
ILF neurofeedback targets extremely low brainwave frequencies (below 0.1 Hz) to regulate the central nervous system.
Pros:
Helps to regulate the autonomic nervous system (symptoms showing up in the body)
Can be very powerful for symptoms associated with trauma, chronic pain, emotional dysregulation, and sleep challenges.
Cons:
It can sometimes feel too intense for some sensitive clients
Requires a skilled practitioner to adjust protocols
4. Neuroptimal® Neurofeedback
What is it?
A generalised neurofeedback system that provides feedback based on real-time brainwave activity without targeting specific patterns.
Pros:
Simple, “plug-and-play” system
‘One-size fits all’ approach so requires less skill from the practitioner
Cons:
Lacks specificity, which may limit effectiveness for complex issues
Scientific validation and evidence are limited
May not offer measurable outcomes for clients seeking targeted results
5. Passive Infrared Hemoencephalography (PIR HEG)
What is it?
This method measures blood flow and oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex area of the brain, providing feedback to enhance activity in underactive areas.
Pros:
Excellent for improving focus, and managing migraines, and ADHD symptoms
Very easy set-up, no paste and sensors are required
Cons:
Limited to specific areas of the brain
Doesn’t apply to as many symptoms as other types of neurofeedback
6. Z-Score Neurofeedback
What is it?
Z-score training trains your brain to move more towards data from a normative database.
Pros:
Some people may like the idea of training their brain towards a ‘norm’
Cons:
Requires QEEG mapping and advanced software
Can feel overly technical for some clients, and not always helpful to train certain brains towards a ‘norm’
7. LORETA Neurofeedback
What is it?
LORETA targets deep brain structures by mapping and training 3D brainwave activity, offering a sophisticated approach to neurofeedback.
Pros:
Can be effective for complex conditions
Can be more targeted in training specific areas of the brain
Cons:
Advanced and expensive equipment required
Sessions may take longer and feel more intensive
8. Alpha-Theta Training
What is it?
Alpha-theta neurofeedback helps clients enter a deeply relaxed, hypnogogic state by enhancing alpha (8-12 Hz) and theta (4-8 Hz) brainwaves. This approach fosters emotional processing, creativity, and insight.
Pros:
Ideal for trauma resolution and deep relaxation
Promotes subconscious exploration and healing
Cons:
May bring up suppressed emotions that require professional support
Prior work with other types of neurofeedback is typically needed to ensure the brain is stabilised enough before trying an alpha-theta session
9. fMRI Neurofeedback
What is it?
Functional MRI neurofeedback uses real-time imaging to guide brain training, offering unparalleled precision.
Pros:
Exceptionally accurate for targeting specific brain areas
Ideal for advanced neurological conditions
Cons:
Extremely costly and not widely accessible outside of a hospital setting
Requires specialised facilities and training
Why Optiminds Uses ILF, EEG Band Training, PIR, and Alpha-Theta Neurofeedback
At Optiminds, we prioritise approaches that balance evidence-based effectiveness with accessibility and client comfort:
ILF Neurofeedback: Perfect for addressing foundational nervous system regulation, especially in trauma and stress-related conditions
EEG Band Training: Effective for targeting specific brainwave imbalances to improve focus, relaxation, and emotional well-being
PIR Neurofeedback: Another method that supports cognitive and emotional enhancement through blood flow optimisation rather than the brain’s electrical signalling
Alpha-Theta Training: An ideal approach for promoting deep relaxation, emotional healing, and insight
Why We Don’t Use Remote Training Systems
While remote neurofeedback systems are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience, at Optiminds we believe that in-person sessions provide the best outcomes for our clients. Remote systems often rely on generalised protocols and lack the hands-on expertise of a trained practitioner, which can lead to less effective or even counterproductive results. In contrast, in-person neurofeedback allows us to monitor your progress in real-time, make precise adjustments, and provide immediate support when needed.
From our in-person sessions, we have learned there are many complexities to neurofeedback therapy itself, and also in the individual’s response to neurofeedback within the session. When we see our clients face-to-face, we can pick up on the small subtleties in each individual’s experience of neurofeedback, many of which we don’t believe we would notice if we had delivered the session remotely through the computer. Subtle shifts that we notice in our client’s body language, demeanour, and expression (verbal and non-verbal) are key in guiding the tweaks we might need to make to your training protocol mid-session.
This personalised approach ensures safety, effectiveness, and a deeper understanding of your unique brain activity—something remote systems cannot replicate. Your well-being deserves the highest standard of care, which is why we remain committed to offering expert-guided, face-to-face neurofeedback sessions.
Conclusion
Navigating the different types of neurofeedback can feel like a daunting task, but understanding the pros and cons of each approach can make the decision more informed and clearer for you. At Optiminds, we specialise in methods that offer personalised, measurable, and transformative results.
If you’re ready to explore how neurofeedback can help you, contact us today to begin your journey toward optimal brain health!