This purpose a qEEG assessment t is to acquire two EEGs, one with eyes open and one with eyes closed, which are used in creating a protocol for brain training sessions.

Of particular interest to psychologists and neuroscientists is the electrophysiological functioning of the brain. The form of biofeedback that enables people to alter brain electrical activity is called “neurofeedback” (or EEG biofeedback). The reason that neurofeedback is of special concern to psychologists is that the brain is a central contributor to the emotions, physical symptoms, thoughts, and behaviors that define many problems for which people seek psychological consultation. The kinds of problems which have been addressed through neurofeedback include anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, memory difficulties, general cognitive functioning, learning disabilities, head injury, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic pain, epilepsy, immune system disturbances, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, and more. Scientists have identified specific patterns of brainwaves that contribute to many of these disorders, and this is done by obtaining a QEEG evaluation (quantitative electroencephalogram) in order to determine the pattern of brain wave relationships.Once the specifics of an individual’s brain functioning have been assessed with a QEEG, psychologists look for connections between felt symptoms and the strengths and weaknesses that have been identified by the QEEG. While the QEEG often reveals generalized problems in brain functioning that will influence many aspects of the individual’s experience, people most often seek assistance for a particular concern – the QEEG variable that most closely matches the complaint of the individual will be addressed first.

It is on the basis of this “strengths and weaknesses” QEEG profile that a personalized protocol is written to assist the individual in the learning process that will lead to the enhancement of strengths, or, more often, the amelioration of weaknesses. For example, if QEEG assessment shows that an individual has too much slow activity (theta and delta) and not enough fast activity (beta) at the front of the brain, and that person’s complaint is of attentional difficulties (which matches the complaint of frontal slowing), training might consist of inhibiting the slow (theta) activity and enhancing faster activity (beta).

What exactly happens in the neurofeedback session? The individual receiving neurofeedback training wears a cap with multiple sensors and clip on each ear. The brainwave activity is monitored "in real time." When the brainwave activity is within the requested parameters, the brain receives video and audio "rewards." With repeated exposure to this form of feedback, (visual and audio rewards,) the brain begins to recognize a relationship between its own activity and what is being requested. In other words, the brain begins to recognize its own mental states. This is when learning begins to take place.

Once the brain “catches on” to what it needs to do in order to hear the pleasant tone, it begins to do so more consistently, encouraging new neuropathways, allowing the brain to work more efficiently and symptoms to diminish.