What if you could give your brain information about its own activity, allowing it to recognize patterns and potentially make adjustments, without having to consciously do anything?
That's the idea behind NeurOptimal®, a form of neurofeedback that works quite differently from traditional approaches.
And one of the things I particularly appreciate about NeurOptimal is that you don't need to travel to a clinic several times a week to use it. The system can be rented and used in the comfort of your own home, on your own schedule.
I've been using NeurOptimal personally and offering it professionally since 2018. My introduction to it was actually through a home rental.
In February 2018, I rented a NeurOptimal system and completed 22 sessions over three weeks.
I found the experience so helpful that I decided I didn't want to be without a system. I purchased my own and arranged for it to arrive just before I had to return the rental!
Since then, NeurOptimal has become one of the tools I offer alongside my work as a clinical social worker and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.
But what exactly is neurofeedback? How does NeurOptimal work? And what makes it different from other forms of brain training?Let's explore.
Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback that provides the brain with information about its own electrical activity.
Our brains are constantly producing electrical signals as billions of neurons communicate with one another.
These signals can be measured using electroencephalography (EEG), which involves placing sensors on the scalp.
Neurofeedback uses information about this electrical activity to provide feedback to the brain.
The idea is that the brain may be able to use this feedback to recognize and modify patterns of activity.
However, not all forms of neurofeedback work in the same way.
And this is where things get interesting.
There are many different forms of neurofeedback, but one distinction people frequently encounter is between traditional, often called linear, neurofeedback and NeurOptimal's Dynamical Neurofeedback® approach.
Traditional neurofeedback generally involves identifying particular patterns of brainwave activity that a practitioner wants to encourage or discourage.
For example, a practitioner might select a protocol designed to reinforce certain brainwave frequencies based on the person's symptoms, assessment results, or a quantitative EEG (qEEG), sometimes called brain mapping.
During training, the person receives feedback when their brain activity moves toward the selected pattern.
Importantly, traditional neurofeedback doesn't send brainwave frequencies into the brain. Like NeurOptimal, EEG-based traditional neurofeedback measures electrical activity and provides feedback.
The difference is in how that feedback is selected and used.
NeurOptimal doesn't attempt to reinforce particular brainwave frequencies or train the brain toward a predetermined pattern.
Instead, it continuously monitors the brain's activity and provides information about certain changes as they occur.
The theory behind NeurOptimal is that the brain is a complex, self-organizing system that may be able to use this information to make adjustments on its own.
Rather than telling the brain what to do, NeurOptimal provides information about what it's already doing.
I like to describe it as holding up a mirror to the brain.
Imagine you've been practising yoga for years without ever having a mirror in front of you.
You've become accustomed to moving your body in certain ways, and those movements feel perfectly normal.
Then one day, you practise in front of a mirror.
As you move into downward dog, you notice that your alignment isn't quite what you thought it was.
Nobody has to tell you that you're doing anything wrong.
Nobody needs to physically move your body into a different position.
Simply seeing yourself in the mirror gives you information you didn't have before.
And now that you have that information, you have an opportunity to make adjustments.
You might shift your weight, change the position of your shoulders, or experiment with a slightly different movement.
The mirror hasn't corrected you.
It's simply given you information that allows you to recognize something you couldn't previously see.
NeurOptimal works on a similar principle.
By providing the brain with information about its own activity, it creates an opportunity for the brain to recognize and respond to patterns without anyone having to decide in advance what those patterns should look like.
Of course, the brain is considerably more complicated than adjusting your yoga posture!
This analogy helps explain the concept behind NeurOptimal, rather than establishing exactly how the brain responds to the feedback.
During a NeurOptimal session, small sensors are placed on your scalp and ears.
These sensors measure electrical activity.
They don't send electricity into your brain, stimulate it, or attempt to change its activity directly.
Instead, they simply collect information.
The NeurOptimal software analyzes incoming signals in real time, looking for particular changes in the brain's electrical activity.
When the system detects these changes, it briefly interrupts the music you're listening to.
You might notice a tiny skip or pause in the music.
These interruptions are the feedback.
They're not random, and they're not designed to reward you for producing a particular brainwave pattern.
The theory behind NeurOptimal is that these brief interruptions provide the central nervous system with information it can use to recognize and respond to its own activity.
And here's something I think is particularly interesting:
You don't have to consciously understand or interpret the feedback.
You don't need to concentrate on the music, try to relax, meditate, or consciously change anything.
The system provides the information automatically.
Whether, how, and to what extent this information produces lasting changes in brain functioning is still an area that requires further scientific investigation.
One of the questions people sometimes ask is why NeurOptimal doesn't require a brain map before beginning.
After all, if we're working with brain activity, wouldn't we need to know what's happening in the brain first?
Not necessarily.
It depends on what we're trying to accomplish.
In some forms of linear neurofeedback, brain mapping is used to help identify patterns that a practitioner wants to target through training.
That information can guide the selection of particular neurofeedback protocols.
But NeurOptimal doesn't use individualized protocols.
It doesn't attempt to identify abnormal brainwave patterns and then correct them.
Instead, NeurOptimal works with the brain's ongoing activity in real time, regardless of a person's diagnosis or presenting concerns.
The same system and feedback process are used whether someone is interested in managing everyday stress, supporting concentration, or simply exploring their overall well-being.
This doesn't mean brain mapping is unnecessary or unhelpful in other forms of neurofeedback.
It simply means that NeurOptimal operates according to a different model, one that doesn't require a practitioner to identify specific brainwave targets before training begins.
This is where things can get a little controversial.
Within the neurofeedback field, some practitioners feel strongly that linear neurofeedback is superior.
Others feel equally strongly that NeurOptimal is the better approach.
I've heard from people who tried traditional neurofeedback and found it difficult, or simply didn't experience the improvements they were hoping for, but subsequently found NeurOptimal to be a much gentler and more positive experience.
I'm quite sure that practitioners offering traditional neurofeedback sometimes hear exactly the opposite.
My perspective is that neither approach is inherently better than the other. They're simply different, with different advantages and limitations.
One potential advantage of linear neurofeedback is that it can be quite targeted.
Depending on the approach, a practitioner may use an assessment, including brain mapping, to identify patterns of brainwave activity they want to address.
They can then select protocols designed to reinforce particular patterns, with the goal of improving specific areas of functioning.
For someone hoping to address a particular difficulty, this ability to individualize training can be appealing.
However, it also means that the practitioner's knowledge, experience, and clinical judgment play an important role.
Different practitioners may interpret assessment results differently or choose different protocols.
And because every brain and nervous system is unique, even a carefully selected protocol won't necessarily produce the desired response.
Some people find traditional neurofeedback helpful, while others experience unwanted effects or don't achieve the improvements they'd hoped for.
Linear neurofeedback can also be significantly more expensive, particularly when it involves extensive assessments, brain mapping, and repeated appointments.
Brain mapping alone can represent a substantial investment before linear neurofeeback sessions even begin.
NeurOptimal takes a different approach.
Rather than selecting particular brainwave patterns to reinforce, the system provides feedback about changes in the brain's electrical activity without attempting to train it toward a predetermined target.
There's no brain mapping required, and the practitioner doesn't need to select individualized training protocols.
This removes one potential source of variability: the selection of protocols based on a practitioner's interpretation of the person's brain activity.
It also means that someone doesn't need specialized clinical training to operate the system, although appropriate instruction, support, and clinical judgment remain valuable.
Another advantage is that NeurOptimal can be considerably less expensive, particularly when renting a system for home use.
And there's very little that the person using it needs to do.
You can read, relax, play games on your phone, do homework, or even fall asleep while the system provides feedback.
However, NeurOptimal also has limitations.
Because we aren't selecting particular brainwave targets, we don't get to decide which areas of functioning might improve first.
Someone might begin using NeurOptimal hoping to improve concentration but notice changes in sleep or stress tolerance before noticing anything related to focus. Or they may notice their seasonal allergies or even things like eyesight improving at first. Because the brain mediates every other system in the body, there are many places early improvements may first appear.
Others report improvements across several areas of functioning.
In my clinical experience, this is pretty common.
Some people describe NeurOptimal as feeling gentler than traditional neurofeedback.
One possible explanation is that NeurOptimal doesn't attempt to reinforce specific brainwave patterns selected by a practitioner.
Although many people do tolerate NeurOptimal really well quite effortlessly, I've also encountered people who seem to do better with less frequent sessions.
Ultimately, I think the most useful question isn't which type of neurofeedback is universally better.
It's which approach is the best fit for the individual person.
One of the appealing things about NeurOptimal is how little you actually have to do.
A standard session lasts 33 minutes.
You begin by getting comfortable, perhaps in your favourite chair or on the couch.
Small sensors are attached to your scalp and ears using a little conductive paste.
The sensors connect to the NeurOptimal system, which runs on a tablet.
Once everything is connected, you start the session and listen to music through the system.
That's really about it!
You can close your eyes and relax, read a book, play a game on your phone, do homework, or simply enjoy having a little time to yourself.
You can even fall asleep.
There's no need to maintain a particular state of mind, focus your attention in a particular way, or consciously participate in the training.
The system continues monitoring your brain's activity and providing feedback throughout the session.
Some people find sessions relaxing. There are actually people who become so relaxed that they can't stay awake during NeurOptimal sessions.
Others don't notice much of anything while they're listening.And that's perfectly fine.
You don't need to feel something happening during a session for the system to be providing feedback.
People explore NeurOptimal for a variety of reasons.
Some are interested in managing everyday stress more effectively. Others are hoping to improve their sleep, concentration, emotional flexibility, or overall sense of well-being.
Over the years, I've heard clients describe improvements in areas such as:
I've also heard encouraging reports from people experiencing challenges associated with brain injuries and other complex neurological or physiological conditions.
Sometimes the changes people describe have been quite dramatic. Other times it can be more subtle, especially initially. It's normal for any kind of brain training to be sublte at first with results then cumulating over time as more sessions happen.
Traditionally, neurofeedback has often involved travelling to a practitioner's office for individual sessions.
Depending on the approach and the person's goals, this might mean attending appointments several times a week over an extended period.
For some people, that's perfectly manageable.
For others, it's a significant barrier.
Perhaps you have a busy work schedule, young children, mobility limitations, or a health condition that makes travelling difficult.
Perhaps you're already attending multiple medical or therapy appointments and the thought of adding another regular commitment feels overwhelming.
Or perhaps you simply prefer the comfort and privacy of your own home.
This is where renting a NeurOptimal system can be particularly appealing.
When you rent a NeurOptimal system, you have access to it throughout your rental period.
You don't need to coordinate your availability with a practitioner's appointment schedule every time you want to use it.
You can choose a time that works for you, whether that's first thing in the morning, during a quiet afternoon, or in the evening.
You also have the flexibility to adjust your routine as needed.
For people who find unfamiliar environments stressful or overstimulating, being able to use NeurOptimal at home can be a significant advantage.
There's no waiting room, no commute, and no need to navigate an unfamiliar setting.
You can sit in your favourite chair, have your pets nearby, and create an environment that feels comfortable.
For some neurodivergent individuals, people experiencing chronic illness, or those with particularly sensitive nervous systems, reducing these additional demands may make the experience more accessible.
Another advantage of renting NeurOptimal is that multiple people in the same household can use the system during the rental period.
Each person has their own sessions, but the equipment doesn't require individualized programming or separate brain-training protocols.
This can make home rental particularly attractive for families who are interested in exploring neurofeedback together.
Quite often when family members have NeurOptimal sessions within the same timeframe they find that they start synching together a little more, and feel closer to each other. Accessing NeurOptimal sessions can be especially great for families that have started to feel disconnected from each other or who have been going through conflict.
NeurOptimal systems represent a substantial financial investment to purchase.
Renting allows you to explore the technology without making that commitment.It also gives you an opportunity to discover whether using the system fits comfortably into your life.
For many people, having access to a system at home for a few weeks is a practical way to become familiar with the experience.
That's exactly how I got started with NeurOptimal myself!
This is another question without a single answer.
Because NeurOptimal doesn't target a particular diagnosis or train toward a predetermined brainwave pattern, there isn't a universally established number of sessions required to achieve a specific result.
Some people choose to explore it over a relatively short period, while others incorporate sessions into their routines for longer.
Many people find that they can comfortably have sessions on most days.The manufacturer indicates that some people may use the system up to twice daily, provided they're responding well.
However, in my experience for some people it is important to track carefully. Occasionally I've had someone find they start to feel overstimulated after having sessions several days in a row.
That tends to show up as temporarily having difficulty sleeping. Taking a couple of days off then is generally enough for those individuals to feel more settled.
Some people enjoy having a session most days.
Others seem to do better with a day off between sessions.
And some are perfectly happy using NeurOptimal just a couple of times a week.
I encourage people to pay attention to how they're feeling rather than assuming that more sessions will necessarily produce better results.
Sometimes that includes noticing whether they feel drawn toward having a session or whether taking a break seems more appealing.
Yes, NeurOptimal can be explored alongside psychotherapy and other approaches to supporting well-being.
In my own practice, I work with a variety of nervous system-focused modalities, including Somatic Experiencing®, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), the Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP), and iLs.
These approaches work in different ways.
For example, SSP and RRP use specially processed music designed around particular principles of nervous system regulation.
NeurOptimal, on the other hand, uses real-time EEG feedback.
It doesn't use the same kind of auditory filtering as SSP or RRP, and it isn't attempting to influence the nervous system through the same mechanisms.
Some people may be interested in exploring more than one approach, while others prefer to focus on one at a time.
I generally think there's value in being thoughtful about introducing multiple new interventions simultaneously, particularly for people who are highly sensitive or have complex nervous system presentations. SSP for example is neurologically intensive so we wouldn't usually do it at the same time as we are doing neurofeedback.
However, combining RRP or iLs with neurofeedback may be fine. Approaches such as Somatic Experiencing or Brainspotting can absolutely be combined in a very complementary way with NeurOptimal.
I don't believe there's one approach that's right for everyone.
Some people prefer interventions that are highly structured and targeted toward specific goals.
Others appreciate approaches that require less conscious effort and don't involve trying to change particular thoughts, feelings, or behaviours.
NeurOptimal may appeal to people who are curious about brain training, and interested in exploring their overall well-being.
It may also be especially appealing if attending frequent appointments would be difficult, or if you'd simply prefer to explore neurofeedback in your own home.
What I appreciate about the philosophy behind NeurOptimal is the emphasis on providing information rather than imposing a predetermined outcome.
Returning to my yoga analogy, the mirror doesn't decide what your posture should look like.
It simply allows you to see something you couldn't see before.
And sometimes, having access to new information creates possibilities that weren't previously available.
That's the idea behind NeurOptimal.
Whether it will make a meaningful difference for any particular individual is something that can't be promised in advance.
But for those interested in exploring a non-invasive form of brain training, home rental offers a practical way to become familiar with the technology and allows to have a higher number of sessions at a lower cost than doing much fewer sessions in office with a provider.
I offer NeurOptimal system rentals for individuals and families in Canada.
Rentals include the equipment needed to use the system at home, along with instructions for getting started and support with setup and operation.
You don't need any previous experience with neurofeedback, and you don't need to understand the technical details of how the software works.
Once you're familiar with setting up the sensors and starting a session, the system handles the feedback process automatically.
If you're curious about NeurOptimal and would like to explore whether a home rental might be a good fit, I'd be happy to help you learn more.
.Sometimes the first step isn't trying to make your brain do something differently. It's simply exploring what happens when you give it new information.
Want to know more about the kinds of changes people sometimes experience with NeurOptimal? In my next article, I'll share some of my own experiences, including a rather unexpected change in my relationship with chocolate, as well as observations from eight years of offering neurofeedback.