Neurofeedback requires high tech equipment and a good specialist to be at its best, but don’t let this fool you. The basic principles are deceptively simple.

Neurofeedback is biofeedback for the brain. It uses sensors to detect brainwave activity so that with a computer you can see exactly what your brain is doing. Just like in biofeedback , once you see this brainwave activity, you can learn to control it.

Using your own brainwaves as a gauge, you can reach states of mind that you normally aren’t able to, or break out of thoughts that are in a “jam”. By knowing how to break out of states of chronic anger, sadness, fear and anxiety, you gain the freedom to choose your reactions rather than being overrun by them.

Learning to do something new happens quickly; and just as with all new skills, your brain makes its own adjustments completely automatically behind your awareness.  Of course you don’t lose the skills you already have; there is no danger in learning something new. The only change is that something that that was out of your control is now under control.

The applications are broad. Neurofeedback is used to teach children with ADHD how to calm and concentrate; by knowing how to concentrate, they begin to do it at will. NASA uses neurofeedback to train astronauts; it’s used by the US military as a new intervention for PTSD and traumatic brain injury. It’s used in professional football, by Olympic athletes, and now is available privately for health, well being, and personal development.