What is Neurofeedback?

Girl smiling at camera during NeurOptimal Session

Neurofeedback is a form of non-invasive, research supported brain training based on the principles of neuroplasticity and operant conditioning. It works by detecting the electrical activity of your brain using an Electroencephalogram (EEG sensors attached to your scalp) and providing you with immediate feedback about your brain’s moment-to-moment activity. This feedback often takes the form of a visual cue like a a green checkmark, or an auditory cue like a bell ringing. Through repeatedly experiencing this feedback about your brain’s activity (literally neuro feedback), your brain automatically makes thousands of small decisions about the type of activity that’s beneficial to engage in.

The best part? After repeated sessions (usually around 30), your brain internalizes this feedback and learns to function better without the need for more sessions. For many people, a better functioning brain means less stress, better moods, better performance, improved sleep, and a host of other long-lasting, likely permanent benefits.

What Type of Neurofeedback Do You Use?

We use NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback, a form of non-linear, Dynamical Neurofeedback®. NeurOptimal® works by providing clients with audio feedback (a small interruption in the flow of a relaxing song) each time their brains rapidly change in activity from one moment to the next.

This feedback can be thought of like the rumble strips on the highway: whenever your brain 'veers off the road,’ you receive feedback. Over time this teaches your brain to ‘stay in the right lane,’ leading to improved self-regulation.

Does Neurofeedback Work?

Just like medications and psychotherapy, not everyone responds to Neurofeedback. Around 10-20% of clients report no noticeable response after ~10 sessions. However, for the 80-90% who do respond, NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback can be life changing. See our testimonials for real stories of the transformations they experienced with Hamilton Neurofeedback.

What Does Neurofeedback Help With?

Neurofeedback training can lead to:

  • Stress Reduction: Experience relief from daily stress and tension

  • Better Anxiety Management: Manage and alleviate anxiety for a more relaxed mind

  • Mood Enhancement: Improve and stabilize mood for a more positive outlook

  • Improved Focus: Enhance concentration and reduce distractibility

  • Better Sleep: Enjoy improved sleep patterns and enhanced sleep quality

  • Enhanced Performance: Optimize your performance in sports, work, and leisure

Further, because brain dysfunction is a common feature of many diagnoses, Neurofeedback can help with symptoms of trauma, chronic pain, Post-Concussion Syndrome, long COVID, brain fog related to cancer treatment, and more! If it’s a brain-based problem, Neurofeedback can be a brain-based solution.

What are Neurofeedback Sessions Like?

Before Your Session – Begin your journey with a Free Phone or Video Consultation to:

  • Learn about the Neurofeedback process in clear, plain-English

  • Ask any questions you may have

  • Complete a brief medical screening to ensure Neurofeedback is a good fit for you

During Your Session:

  • You'll be greeted and guided to a private, comfortable training room

  • Relax in a recliner as sensors are gently placed on your ears and scalp and discuss any changes or observations since your last session with your trainer

  • Enjoy approximately 30 minutes of Neurofeedback training, with your trainer nearby and available at the press of a call button

  • When the session ends, your trainer will remove the sensors and explore how your session went

After Your Session:

  • Most clients report feeling relaxed, calm, and clear-headed — similar to meditation

  • Go about your day as usual — there’s no homework or special post-session care needed

  • Simply enjoy the benefits as your brain continues to adapt and optimize

Is Neurofeedback Covered By Insurance?

Neurofeedback is covered by most insurance plans in Ontario when supervised or administered by a Registered Psychotherapist or Clinical Psychologist. This includes coverage through:

  • Extended Health Benefits (EHB)

  • Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) claims

  • Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits

At our Burlington location sessions are supervised by a Psychologist and are eligible for coverage.

Looking ahead: our founder, Nigel Barnim, is completing a Master of Science in Psychotherapy at McMaster University. Starting May-June 2026 all In-Clinic sessions at both Hamilton and Burlington locations will be covered under Registered Psychotheraptist benefits.

Note: although they are more economical than In-Clinic sessions, rentals are not eligible for insurance coverage. However, rentals are often available at discounted rates during promotional periods or by referral. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming offers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Neurofeedback safe? Are there side effects?

Neurofeedback is like exercise for your brain. Just like a new exercise routine can leave you feeling both invigorated or exhausted, some risks when starting NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback include feeling tired, out-of-it, or getting a headache after your initial sessions. These are rare (less than 10% of clients) and subside within 24 hours. Again, just like exercise these tend to go away after your first few sessions.

In fact, compared with other neurofeedback devices, NeurOptimal® has a lower chance of producing negative side effects due to less forceful style of training the brain.

When does Neurofeedback start working? How long does Neurofeedback last?

It takes approximately 5-10 sessions to begin noticing results, though 10-20% of clients report significant changes in 1-2 sessions, and 10-20% of clients report no noticeable changes after 10 sessions.

A normally-responding client typically begins by noticing positive effects like feeling calm, present, and less reactive in the 1-2 days after their initial sessions. This is a good sign that their brains will respond effectively to training. Over time these benefits begin to deepen and last longer between sessions, until eventually their brain internalizes this new was of functioning and no longer needs sessions to maintain it, usually around 30 sessions, though this also varies from client to client.

Is Neurofeedback a medical treatment? Is it well-researched?

Although there is high-quality research supporting the effectiveness of Neurofeedback, it generally falls under the umbrella of complementary and alternative treatments. In particular, NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback is a training tool and does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, prevent or cure any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state, nor does it restore, modify or correct the body’s structure or functioning.

Don’t see your question?

Feel free to reach out via the contact page and we’ll do our best to answer within 24 hours.

Learn More