Therapy approach
Neurofeedback
A technology-assisted approach that shows you real-time information about your own brain activity, aiming to help you learn to shift it.
20+
sessions typically recommended for a full course
ADHD
condition with the largest research base
Mixed
results from well-controlled independent trials
Non-invasive
nature of standard EEG neurofeedback
Understanding it
About Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback uses sensors placed on the scalp to monitor brainwave activity (EEG), which is fed back to you in real time, often as a video game, sound or visual display that responds to your brain state. The idea is that, with repeated practice, the brain can learn to shift towards patterns associated with calmer, more regulated functioning, in the same way biofeedback trains people to lower heart rate or muscle tension.
Different mental states are associated with different patterns of electrical brainwave activity, and neurofeedback protocols aim to reward the brain, via the feedback signal, for moving towards a specified target pattern. Over repeated sessions, the theory suggests, the brain 'learns' this new pattern much as it learns any other skill through operant conditioning.
It's been explored for a range of presentations, most prominently ADHD, but also anxiety, insomnia and trauma-related conditions, on the premise that these conditions involve identifiable, atypical patterns of brain activity that training could shift. Sessions are painless and non-invasive; the sensors only read activity, they don't stimulate the brain.
It's important to be clear-eyed about where the science currently stands: while the concept is well established in physiology and some studies show promising results, particularly for ADHD, the field also has a history of overstated marketing claims, and independent, well-controlled trials have produced more mixed results than earlier enthusiasm suggested.
How it shows up
You might recognise some of this
Nobody has all of it. Most people recognise a handful — and that's enough to start.
Best suited to
- ADHD, where it has the most research interest, often alongside other treatment
- Anxiety or insomnia not fully resolved by other approaches
- People wanting a non-talking, technology-based complement to therapy
- Interest in trauma-related work when combined with a broader treatment plan
What sessions involve
- Sensors placed on the scalp to record EEG activity, non-invasively
- A screen, game or sound feedback that responds to your brainwave patterns
- Repetition over many sessions, often twenty or more, to build the effect
- Regular review of patterns and any changes in symptoms
What changes
- Reported improvements in attention or focus in some studies, particularly for ADHD
- Some clients report better sleep or reduced anxious arousal
- Changes tend to build gradually across a course rather than appearing in one session
- Results vary considerably between individuals and studies
Signals
When this helps
- ADHD-related attention and focus difficulties
- Anxiety and sleep difficulties, alongside other treatment
- Self-regulation skills more broadly
- Trauma-related arousal, as part of a wider plan
The work
How therapy helps here
Gives direct, real-time feedback on brain activity to support self-regulation
Offers a non-talking option for people who find verbal therapy difficult to access
Can complement other therapies rather than replace them
The evidence
What the research actually says
Plain-English summaries of the guidance our therapists work from.
Most researched for ADHD, with mixed but promising signals
Neurofeedback has the largest evidence base for ADHD, with some trials showing meaningful improvement, though well-controlled studies using proper comparison conditions have shown smaller effects than earlier open-label studies suggested.
Weaker and more preliminary evidence elsewhere
For anxiety, insomnia and trauma, research is more limited, with fewer large controlled trials, meaning it should currently be considered exploratory rather than an established first-line treatment for these conditions.
A field prone to overstated claims
Because it involves appealing technology, neurofeedback has attracted marketing claims that outpace the actual evidence; reputable providers and researchers are typically candid that results are variable and further large-scale independent trials are needed.
What to expect
How a course of therapy usually unfolds
A guide, not a script — your therapist shapes this around you.
- 1
Assessment and baseline mapping
An initial EEG assessment (sometimes called a qEEG) identifies your baseline patterns and any that may be targeted.
- 2
Goal setting
You and the practitioner agree specific symptoms or patterns the training aims to influence.
- 3
Training sessions
Repeated sessions, often weekly, use real-time feedback to encourage the brain towards target patterns.
- 4
Progress review
Regular check-ins track symptom changes and adjust the protocol if needed.
- 5
Tapering and consolidation
As gains stabilise, session frequency usually reduces, with occasional booster sessions if useful.
Worth saying
Common worries, honestly answered
“It's a proven cure for ADHD.”
It shows promise as a complementary tool for some people, but it isn't a replacement for established treatments and evidence is mixed.
“It involves electrical stimulation of the brain.”
Standard EEG neurofeedback only reads activity; it doesn't send any current into the brain.
“Results are guaranteed with enough sessions.”
Individual responses vary considerably, and some people see little change even after a full course.
Between sessions
Small things that genuinely help
None of these replace therapy — but they're a gentle place to begin today.
- Ask any provider what specific evidence supports their protocol for your concern
- Track your symptoms consistently to judge whether change is actually occurring
- Treat it as a complement to, not a replacement for, established therapy or medical care
- Be wary of providers making very strong or rapid-cure claims
- Discuss cost and expected number of sessions upfront, as courses can be lengthy
Related
Related support
FAQs
Frequently asked
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