Neurofeedback and Biofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback therapy is a modern method that enables individuals to enhance brain function, improve cognitive abilities, and achieve emotional balance through technology. The therapy is based on monitoring the brain’s electrical activity and providing real-time feedback to patients in order to regulate brain activity.

The goal of the therapy is not only to reduce symptoms but also to achieve lasting improvement in brain function through the process of self-regulation. This method helps the brain recognise and modify its own activity patterns, allowing it to respond more effectively to stress and other external influences.

What Is Neurofeedback Therapy Used For?

This therapy has a wide range of applications and is used to treat various conditions, including:

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders (ADHD);
Anxiety and depression;
Sleep disorders (insomnia, difficulty falling asleep);
Migraines and tension headaches;
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
Rehabilitation after stroke and brain injuries;
Reducing dependence on psychoactive substances (alcohol, medication, drugs).

In addition to treating specific conditions, neurofeedback therapy is increasingly popular among healthy individuals who wish to enhance their mental strength, concentration, and resilience to stress. Athletes, executives, and public figures use this method to improve focus and boost performance in everyday life.

How Does the Therapy Work?

During a session, the patient is connected to sensors that measure brainwaves, while feedback is provided through a computer display. For example, the patient may watch a video game that responds to their brain activity. If the brainwaves function within the desired range, the game progresses. If not, the game stops, giving the brain an opportunity to adjust its activity. This learning process takes place on an unconscious level, and the results become more lasting with repeated training sessions.

What Is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a technique that uses sensors placed on the scalp to monitor brain activity and provide real-time feedback. Using an electroencephalogram (EEG), the patient gains insight into their own brainwaves and learns how to consciously change them in order to achieve an optimal mental state.

This method enables the brain to recognise its own activity patterns and adjust them through a learning process. Feedback is most often presented visually, through video games or graphic displays on a screen. When the brain is in the desired state, the patient receives a reward—such as the continuation of the video game or a change in the image on the screen—which encourages correct activity.

Types of Brainwaves and Their Function

The brain produces different types of brainwaves, each playing a specific role:

Delta waves (0.5 – 4 Hz): Associated with deep sleep and physical regeneration.
Theta waves (4 – 8 Hz): Dominant during relaxation, creative thinking, and the early stages of sleep.
Alpha waves (8 – 12 Hz): Present in a state of calm wakefulness and mental relaxation.
Beta waves (12 – 30 Hz): Responsible for focus, attention, and problem-solving.
Gamma waves (30+ Hz): Linked to high-level cognitive processes such as learning and information integration.

In individuals experiencing issues with concentration, anxiety, or sleep disorders, brainwaves are often out of balance. Neurofeedback helps the brain achieve this balance through training and adjustment of the waves in line with optimal activity patterns.

Goals of Neurofeedback Therapy

Modern life brings numerous challenges, from everyday stress and anxiety to problems with concentration and sleep. Neurofeedback therapy offers an effective and natural way for individuals to improve their mental and cognitive functions, achieve emotional stability, and develop the ability to self-regulate. The goal of the therapy is not only temporary relief of symptoms but also lasting improvement in brain function through a process of adaptation and learning.

Through neurofeedback training, patients become aware of their brain activity patterns and learn how to consciously modify them in order to reach an optimal state of mind. This leads to improvements in daily functioning—better concentration, easier stress management, and greater emotional resilience. The therapy is often used as part of a comprehensive approach to treating various conditions, but also as a tool for enhancing performance in healthy individuals.

Give your life a true meaning

Call us and schedule an appointment with our doctors

Key Goals of Neurofeedback Therapy

Improved attention and concentration – particularly in children and adults with attention disorders (ADHD).
Reduction of stress and anxiety levels – helps develop better self-regulation and emotional stability.
Enhanced sleep quality – for individuals suffering from insomnia or sleep disturbances.
Mood regulation and emotional stability – for those dealing with depression or frequent mood swings.
Increased cognitive abilities – including better memory, planning, and problem-solving skills.

One of the key advantages of neurofeedback therapy is that, through repeated training sessions, patients acquire lasting self-regulation skills. These skills become automatic and remain even after the therapy ends, often reducing the need for medication.

The Neurofeedback Therapy Process – What to Expect

Neurofeedback therapy begins with an initial assessment aimed at identifying the patient’s specific needs and creating an individualised treatment plan. The process is tailored to each person, depending on their symptoms, goals, and current brain state.

1. First Step – Initial Assessment and Brain Mapping

The first step involves brain mapping using quantitative EEG (qEEG). During this process, electrical activity is measured in different regions of the brain to identify areas that are out of balance. This brain map provides the therapist with a detailed insight into the patient’s brainwave patterns and enables the development of a personalised treatment plan.

For example, individuals with anxiety often show excessive beta wave activity, while those suffering from insomnia may have a deficiency in alpha waves needed for relaxation. Based on this data, targeted brain areas for treatment during the sessions are determined.

2. The Therapy Session

During each session, the patient comfortably settles into a chair while sensors are placed on their head to monitor brain activity. These sensors do not emit electrical impulses but simply record brain activity. The feedback is then displayed to the patient via a computer screen, typically through visual displays, video games, or graphs.

The session lasts between 30 and 40 minutes, and most patients describe the treatment as pleasant and relaxing. For children, the therapy is often presented in the form of a game, making it fun and easily acceptable.

3. Number of Sessions Needed

The duration of therapy depends on the condition being treated and the individual progress of the patient. On average, between 20 and 40 sessions are required to achieve the desired result. Sessions are typically conducted 2–3 times a week.

Initial results may be noticeable after 5–10 sessions, but for longer-lasting changes, completing the full cycle is recommended. For more complex conditions, such as neurological damage, extended treatment with additional cycles may be necessary.

4. Monitoring Progress

Throughout the entire process, the patient’s progress is regularly monitored and documented. Based on the feedback from each session, the therapist can adjust the therapy to further optimise results. In many cases, progress includes improvements in sleep quality, reduced anxiety, better concentration, and increased emotional stability.

Effectiveness and Application of Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback therapy is supported by numerous studies that confirm its effectiveness in treating various psychological and neurological conditions. Unlike conventional therapies, which often rely on medication, neurofeedback offers a natural way to improve brain function through training and learning. The effects of the therapy are long-lasting, as the brain “learns” to maintain optimal activity patterns even after the treatment ends.

Proven Effects of Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback is particularly successful in treating the following conditions:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Research shows that 80-90% of patients with ADHD experience significant improvements in attention and a reduction in impulsive behaviour after 20–40 sessions. This therapy is an excellent alternative or complement to pharmacological treatment.
Anxiety and Stress: Neurofeedback helps patients develop better control over their stress responses, reducing excessive beta wave activity associated with feelings of anxiety. Regular treatments result in a sense of calm and greater emotional resilience.
Depression and Mood Disorders: The therapy focuses on increasing alpha and beta waves in specific areas of the brain, which helps regulate mood. Patients often report improvements after just a few sessions.
Migraines and Headaches: For patients with chronic migraines, neurofeedback can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. The therapy helps regulate brain activity and reduce stress, which is often a trigger for migraines.
Sleep Disorders: Individuals with insomnia or difficulty falling asleep can significantly benefit from this therapy. Neurofeedback helps balance alpha and theta waves, promoting natural relaxation and easier falling asleep.

Application in Specific Populations

Children: Neurofeedback is especially beneficial for children with learning difficulties, ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. The learning process through visual feedback is enjoyable, and the results are often long-lasting.
Athletes: Elite athletes use neurofeedback to enhance focus, reduce performance anxiety, and improve mental endurance.
Managers and Executives: Individuals exposed to high levels of work stress use therapy to improve concentration, decision-making abilities, and stress resilience.

Long-Term Results and Scientific Support

Numerous studies confirm that the positive effects of neurofeedback therapy are long-lasting, especially for patients who complete the entire recommended treatment cycle. Unlike medications, which provide temporary relief, neurofeedback brings lasting changes to the way the brain functions. Studies show that patients often continue to experience improvements even years after completing the therapy.

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a technique that enables individuals to learn how to control various physiological functions of their body using real-time feedback. Unlike neurofeedback, which focuses solely on brain waves, biofeedback encompasses a wide range of bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, muscle activity, body temperature, and skin electrical activity.

This method helps patients become aware of their bodily reactions and teaches them how to voluntarily modify them in order to improve health and increase their sense of control over stress and tension. The goal of biofeedback is self-regulation of the body and achieving a balance between physiological and mental functions.

How Does Biofeedback Work?

During the treatment, the patient is connected to sensors that measure bodily functions. Feedback is provided via a computer screen or emitted through sound signals. For example, if the patient is training their breathing, they may see a graphical display of their breathing rhythm on the screen and learn how to align it with an optimal pattern.

This process helps patients recognize when they are under stress and then apply the techniques they have learned to reduce stress responses and return the body to a state of relaxation.

Most Common Biofeedback Modalities

EMG (Electromyogram): Monitoring of muscle activity, useful for reducing tension and managing chronic pain.
BVP-HRV (Blood Volume Pulse and Heart Rate Variability): Used to reduce stress, anxiety, and regulate blood pressure.
RESP (Respiration): Measurement of breathing depth and rhythm, helps with anxiety and panic attacks.
GSR (Galvanic Skin Response): Monitoring of sweat gland activity, used to identify stress responses.
Temperature: Detection of peripheral circulation, useful for treating migraines and stress-induced conditions.

Advantages of Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback therapy is non-invasive, safe, and adaptable to the individual needs of patients. It is most commonly used for:

This therapy is often used as a complement to traditional treatment methods and helps patients become active participants in the process of improving their own health.

Cost of Neurofeedback and Biofeedback Therapy

The cost of neurofeedback and biofeedback therapy depends on the individual needs of the patient, the number of recommended sessions, and the duration of the therapy. Typically, a cycle of 20 sessions is recommended, with a frequency of 2–3 treatments per week. Prices may vary depending on the clinic’s facilities, the therapist’s experience, and any additional services offered.

For accurate information on prices and available treatment packages, please contact us.

Who is Neurofeedback and Biofeedback Therapy Intended For?

Neurofeedback and biofeedback therapies are designed for a wide range of users, but they are particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with various psychological disorders and those undergoing addiction recovery. These therapies offer a safe, non-invasive, and effective way to gain control over one’s emotions and bodily reactions, which can be a crucial factor in the recovery process.

Neurofidbek i biofidbek terapije namenjene su širokom spektru korisnika, ali su posebno korisne za osobe koje se suočavaju sa različitim psihološkim poremećajima i one koje su u procesu lečenja od bolesti zavisnosti. Ove terapije nude siguran, neinvazivan i efikasan način da se uspostavi kontrola nad sopstvenim emocijama i telesnim reakcijama, što može biti ključni faktor u procesu oporavka.

Individuals with Psychological Disorders

For those struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and mood disorders, neurofeedback and biofeedback provide the opportunity for lasting improvements in mental health. These therapies help patients to:

As a complement to psychotherapy and pharmacological treatments, these methods enable patients to actively participate in their healing process, significantly increasing the chances for long-term success.

Individuals Recovering from Addiction

Neurofeedback and biofeedback have proven to be extremely helpful in working with individuals recovering from addiction to alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and medications. The addiction process often leads to disruptions in brain activity, making it difficult to return to a stable state even after stopping substance use. These therapies assist in:

Neurofeedback is used to establish healthier brain activity patterns, while biofeedback helps reduce physiological stress and control bodily reactions in stressful situations.

Integrated Therapy for Greater Success

For individuals undergoing treatment for psychological disorders or addiction, combining neurofeedback and biofeedback with psychotherapy offers a holistic approach. The goal is not merely to eliminate symptoms, but to achieve long-term enhancement of emotional resilience and self-confidence. Many rehabilitation and addiction treatment centres already incorporate these methods as part of their standard therapeutic protocol.

Integrated Approach – When to Combine Neurofeedback and Biofeedback

Combining neurofeedback and biofeedback therapies provides a comprehensive approach that simultaneously targets brain function and the body’s physiological responses. This integrated method is particularly effective for individuals with complex conditions such as chronic stress, psychological disorders, and addiction.

The aim of this approach is to establish balance between mental and physical health, leading to lasting changes in how the brain and body respond to external stimuli. While neurofeedback helps regulate brain activity, biofeedback enables greater control over bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, and stress responses.

When is a combined therapy recommended?

Integrated treatments are ideal for:

Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): The combination helps improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and ease physical tension.
Patients with anxiety and depression: Neurofeedback regulates brainwave patterns, while biofeedback helps manage physical stress responses like rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing.
Individuals recovering from addiction: Biofeedback reduces physiological tension and cravings, while neurofeedback supports the stabilisation of brain function.
Athletes and executives: Enhanced cognitive flexibility and stress resilience support better decision-making and greater mental endurance.

Benefits of the integrated approach

Faster and more effective results: The synergy of both methods leads to quicker and more sustained improvements.
Personalised therapy: Each treatment is tailored to the patient's specific needs, focusing on the most relevant areas.
Relapse prevention: For individuals recovering from addiction, integrated therapy significantly reduces the risk of relapse.
Holistic care: Goes beyond symptom reduction to promote overall improvement in quality of life.

Safety and Scientific Basis of the Therapies

Neurofeedback and biofeedback therapies are completely safe, non-invasive, and well-researched methods used worldwide in medical and therapeutic protocols. Unlike pharmacological treatments, these therapies have no side effects and are based on the brain and body’s natural ability to adapt and learn through feedback.

Why are these methods safe?

Non-invasive nature: During treatment, sensors are used only to monitor brain or physiological activity—no substances are introduced into the body.
No electrical stimulation: The sensors do not send electricity or impulses; they merely record brain and body activity.
A pleasant process: Most patients describe the therapy as relaxing and enjoyable, especially in neurofeedback sessions, which often include visual games or films.

Scientific support

These methods have a long history of research, particularly in the fields of neurology and applied psychophysiology. Numerous clinical trials confirm their effectiveness in treating attention disorders (ADHD), anxiety, depression, migraines, and sleep disorders.

Research on ADHD: Studies show that neurofeedback therapy significantly improves attention and reduces hyperactivity in both children and adults, with long-lasting effects even years after completing treatment.
Application in anxiety disorders: Neurofeedback helps reduce excessive beta wave activity associated with stress and anxiety, while biofeedback enhances control over bodily stress responses.
In addiction treatment: These therapies are used as part of comprehensive rehabilitation programmes to stabilise brain function and reduce the risk of relapse.

Many medical centres around the world already include neurofeedback and biofeedback in their standard treatment protocols for psychological and neurological disorders.

How long does the therapy last and when can results be expected?

The duration of neurofeedback and biofeedback therapy depends on the patient’s specific needs, the nature of the condition being treated, and the goals of the therapy. While initial results are often noticed after just a few sessions, long-lasting and stable effects require completing the full recommended cycle.

Duration and treatment frequency

Expected outcomes

Initial effects: After 5–10 sessions, patients often notice improvements in concentration, sleep quality, or reduced anxiety.
Long-term changes: To achieve lasting results, it is recommended to complete the entire cycle. The brain and body gradually adapt, leading to permanent changes in brainwave patterns and physiological responses.
In cases of addiction and chronic conditions: Long-term therapy supports the stabilisation of brain activity and helps reduce the risk of returning to dysfunctional patterns.

Factors influencing the speed of progress

Individual response to therapy – some patients show faster progress, while others improve more gradually.
Complexity of the condition – milder disorders typically require shorter treatment, while chronic or severe issues call for longer cycles.
Consistency – regular attendance and following the therapist’s guidance are key to achieving the best possible outcomes.

The Future of Neurofeedback Therapy

With growing interest in holistic and non-invasive treatment methods, neurofeedback therapy has the potential to become a standard part of treatment in the fields of mental health, neurology, and rehabilitation. Technological advancements will enable even more accurate diagnostics and a more personalised approach to therapy.

In the future, broader application of neurofeedback is expected across various areas:

Sports performance: An increasing number of professional athletes use this therapy to enhance focus, manage stress, and speed up recovery.
Cognitive enhancement in healthy individuals: Neurofeedback is used to improve productivity, boost memory, and support better decision-making.
Prevention of mental disorders: Regular use can help maintain mental health, especially in people exposed to constant stress.
Rehabilitation after brain injuries and strokes: Ongoing development of this method may contribute to faster and more effective recovery.

As part of an integrated approach, neurofeedback and biofeedback will play a key role in improving overall well-being and quality of life for patients.

Booking Your First Appointment

If you believe that neurofeedback or biofeedback therapy could benefit you or your child, don’t hesitate to contact our team of specialists. The initial assessment includes a consultation with a therapist and brain activity mapping, after which a personalised treatment plan is created.

Take the first step towards better mental health today!