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(412) 212-2333
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info@steelcityneurofeedback.com
LOCATION
39 White Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
(412) 212-2333
info@steelcityneurofeedback.com
39 White Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Neurofeedback–a type of biofeedback–uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to help individuals learn to regulate their brainwave patterns. By placing sensors on the scalp, neurofeedback provides feedback on ultra low (under 0.1Hz) brainwave activity, helping the brain to self-correct and achieve a healthier state. Over time, this can lead to improvements in focus, relaxation, and emotional balance.
The goal of ILF (Infra-low frequency) neurofeedback is for the client to enter a relaxed but attentive state, focused and aware, and to intensify this state until it becomes permanent. This brain training takes advantage of the neurological phenomenon of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to create new neural networks. ILF neurofeedback is symptoms-driven, meaning specific protocols are used for each individual client.
There is no cookie-cutter approach to neurofeedback. As our clinical supervisor likes to say, “we never treat the same brain twice.” No two brains are alike, which necessitates a personalized approach. ILF feedback relies more on client reporting than high technology, such as qEEG brain mapping. The ILF neurofeedback modality requires a regular checking in with the client in order to adjust and develop the best protocols and training level for that particular client. We don’t hook you up to a cap and walk away for a half-hour.
ILF neurofeedback measures arousal levels. If you have a low arousal level, it may result in symptoms like sleepiness and lethargy. The higher the arousal level, the better the performance and the ability to concentrate and focus. However, an increase beyond the optimum level of arousal can lead to a decline in performance, especially during stressful situations. ILF neurofeedback strives to take the brain into “the zone” and keep it there long enough to develop new neural pathways that, with time and practice, become permanent.
Source: The Development of the Othmer Method (Segler, K)
There are three main variables that effect ILF neurofeedback outcomes:
Please visit our page ILF neurofeedback for more detailed information about how ILF neurofeedback works.
ILF neurofeedback has been shown to help with a wide range of conditions, including:
This is the short list. Please visit our page on clinical applications for a more comprehensive list of ILF neurofeedback applications.
Yes. ILF neurofeedback is a non-invasive, safe therapy. It does not involve medication or any direct stimulation to the brain. Instead, it monitors brainwave activity with the electricity your own brain already creates and provides real-time feedback, allowing the brain to learn how to function more efficiently. The process is gentle and has no known serious side effects.
The number of sessions needed varies depending on the individual and the condition being addressed. ILF neurofeedback is an individualized, client-centered, non-prescriptive and symptom-based procedure.
Many clients notice improvements after 10-20 sessions. Some may need 30-40 sessions for lasting results. Clients with epilepsy, for example, typically need more sessions over a longer period of time to reduce or stop their seizures. However, a client with acute anxiety or a sleep disorder may report results after just a few visits.
There are no hard guidelines here. Your Steel City Neurofeedback practitioner will work with you to assess your progress and recommend the appropriate number of sessions, based on both your goals and your response to the neurofeedback.
It is important to note that we want you to successfully finish treatment as quickly (and affordably) as possible, because that means we did our job. We are not a therapy mill. We are a small practice intent on providing the highest quality of care to motivated clients who want to heal whatever ails them. We are passionate about what we do.
Nobody’s getting rich on neurofeedback. Insurance companies don’t (yet) pay more for the treatment than a typical psychotherapy session. Equipment is expensive, as is proper training and continuing education. Most neurofeedback practitioners are passionate because they see the difference ILF neurofeedback makes in their client’s lives.
No, ILF neurofeedback is completely painless. Sensors are simply placed on your scalp to monitor brainwave activity. You’ll be sitting comfortably during the session, usually watching a screen or listening to sounds, and will not feel anything from the equipment. Chances are you’ll feel extremely relaxed.
Neurofeedback has been shown to help with a wide range of conditions, including:
Please see our page on clinical applications with ILF neurofeedback.
Steel City Neurofeedback & Wellness is located in Crafton, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh, 4.3 miles from downtown. Free street parking is available.
In order to provide you with the highest quality of service, we are not contracted with insurance companies. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we do realize you have a choice of providers. This decision is based on our commitment to provide you with the best service possible, free of managed care and insurance restrictions. All services are provided on a private-pay basis only. Payment is due when services are rendered. For your convenience, we accept cash, checks or credit cards.
We will provide itemized receipts on request that may be submitted to your insurance carrier for possible reimbursement. It is your responsibility to determine any insurance coverage. Clients (or the responsible parties) are responsible for all charges, whether covered by insurance or not.
IRL (or any other type ) os neurofeedback requires a commitment from the client, and research shows that a client’s level of commitment is an important variable in the efficacy of neurofeedback. As a rule, you should have at least two ILF neurofeedback sessions per week.
We all have a Circadian Rhythm that changes throughout the day and the week. Scheduling ILF neurofeedback sessions for the same time on the same days each week is preferable, when possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule, but if you can’t make it to Crafton a couple times a week you may not get the results you desire. That being said, if you can come more frequently than two times per week, you’ll get through your program in a shorter time frame, as well as reducing symptoms more quickly.
Yes:
You can also download and complete new client paperwork to bring to your first visit at https://steelcityneurofeedback.com/forms.
If, after starting neurofeedback, there is a change to any prescription you are currently taking for depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADD/ADHD, or any mental health related conditions, or there is an addition of a new medicine to your regimen for these conditions, advise your neurofeedback therapist right
away.
Please provide us with the updates to any of the following:
Absolutely. Studies show higher efficacy with neurofeedback when the client and clinician have entered into a therapeutic alliance. When the client has positive rapport with the therapist and believes in the process of neurofeedback, the chances of a positive outcome are substantially increased.
Regardless of modality, the alliance between a therapist and client is essential for successful therapeutic outcomes. In the context of this relationship trust is established, collaboration is possible and realistic expectations are reinforced that best enable clients to achieve established goals.
The clinicians at Steel City Neurofeedback & Wellness are mental health therapists who provide ILF neurofeedback. Traditional mental health therapy/counseling services are available through our affiliates.
Our education and experience in treating mental health clients helps us develop the therapeutic alliance necessary for positive outcomes with ILF neurofeedback.
Clients do not typically experience major changes after the first few sessions. You may experience feeling more calm, focused and productive, and less foggy after the first few sessions. And you’ll likely be sleeping better at night.
As you progress in your neurofeedback regimen, the benefits will become more noticeable and the effects will last longer.
NFB studies show side effects similar to side effects of meditation. Adverse side-effects are rare, minor and short-term. The most likely response after a session is feeling fatigued or over-energized. A slight headache and/or some moodiness is possible, which should subside within a few hours.
Steel City Neurofeedback accepts private pay clients.
ILF neurofeedback training costs:
We do not require clients to sign a contract specifying a number of sessions. With us, it’s pay as you go. If you’re getting positive results, you’ll be happy to continue with ILF neurofeedback.
The length of your sessions will largely depend on the number of protocols necessary to provide brain calming and/or stabilization. ILF is not a cookie-cutter approach. We work with each individual to develop a customized, goal-driven plan.
Clinicians and published scientific research claim a 75%-80% success rate for neurofeedback. However, more neurofeedback research needs to be done to accurately state efficacy rates.
Also, certain conditions respond to NFB quicker than others, such as anxiety, sleep disorders and migraines, all which typically improve rapidly. However, as everyone’s brain is unique, we can’t predict to what degree symptoms will diminish or improve for any one individual.
There are environmental factors that can negatively affect your neurofeedback. Some common ones include:
Good sleep hygiene protocol is recommended for everyone, not just those participating in NFT. The Sleep Foundation is a non-profit that has good primer on sleep hygiene. You can view it at https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene.
A criticism of neurofeedback is that it has not been sufficiently researched. This is erroneous. There are over 2,400 published papers on neurofeedback, including animal studies, reversal designs, and random treatment assignment.
Neurofeedback research has grown sharply since 2009, as illustrated in the number of published papers available in PubMed’s database.
ILF neurofeedback is an individualized, client-centered, non-prescriptive, symptom-based procedure. Randomized and controlled studies for neurofeedback are more demanding and challenging than for standardized study protocols. In addition, ILF neurofeedback sessions are continually amended based on an individual’s progression and input. Neurofeedback is symptom-driven, which makes the therapist’s role in the process vital.
Also, when discussing neurofeedback it needs to be specified which neurofeedback method is being referring to. There are various neurofeedback methods currently in use (ILF, qEEG, sLORETA, LENS, fMRI, Z-score, HEG). While all have evolved from the same root, each has developed in quite different directions. When researching your neurofeedback options, please note that we utilize ILF (Intra-low frequency) neurofeedback. Click here to read more abut the origins and development of ILF neurofeedback.
You can also find research studies in ILF neurofeedback here.