Direct Neurofeedback (DNF) is a revolutionary technique discovered in the 1990s. Other names used for the DNF device are LENS, (Low Energy Neurofeedback System), or High-Performance Clarity Neurofeedback or IASIS Micro-Current Neurofeedback. Each of these different names belong to the same FDA-approved device and direct neurofeedback technology that acts like an EEG biofeedback that disrupts frozen brain patterns. You will be hooked up with 5 small EEG (electroencephalography) sensors to the Direct Neurofeedback® system. Because the signal is so weak, these radio frequencies are not thought to “stimulate” the brain as much as “disrupt” frozen patterns and help to increase flexibility in the brain to reorganize itself to achieve optimal performance. Direct Neurofeedback, also called Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS), has the same sensors on the scalp that measure electric activity but the software is completely different. A tiny signal is sent back to the brain which causes a fluctuation in brain waves and allows the brain to break free from stuck and frozen dysfunctional patterns. It dis-entrains the brain. It’s a very easy process for the client who sits passively and relaxes without effort.

The success rate is very impressive. Over 85% of clients benefit significantly, often dramatically. And the changes are enduring. Once enough sessions have been completed (typically 15-20), most people have completed their treatment. The best news is that there is no need to receive Direct Neurofeedback on an ongoing basis.

Direct Neurofeedback (DNF) is FDA FDA-approved treatment for non-invasive, drug-free treatment with minimal side effects and long-lasting benefits. DNF is a form of  EEG biofeedback. “EEG biofeedback meets the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry criteria for clinical guidelines for treatment of ADHD, seizure disorders, anxiety, and anxiety related disorders such as OCD, GAD, PTSD, phobias, depression, reading disabilities, and addictive disorders. This suggests that EEG biofeedback should always be considered as an intervention for these disorders. 

The skin on the forehead is prepared so that there will be a good connection. Then a few sensors are placed the scalp. The client sits still for about 30 seconds at a time while the brainwaves are recorded, and a very weak signal is sent back to the brain. Other than that there is nothing the client has to do. 

The majority of individuals report initial improvements in the first session, some within the first few minutes (calmer and relaxed, improved clarity, mind is less busy or loud, great overall improvement as if they just enjoyed a nice warm bath). These initial improvements are temporary, lasting from a few hours to a few days. With further sessions, the improvements are more enduring. The return sessions are over in less than half an hour. A typical treatment frequency is twice a week as the symptoms last longer, the frequency will reduce to once weekly until the treatment goals are reached.

On average 15-20 sessions are needed, but in my experience, those with mild symptoms find relief in less than 5 sessions.  Visits are usually not needed on an ongoing basis. Remember, treatment is based on your individual needs and brain feedback. It is VERY important to be properly hydrated prior to a session.

Absolutely! Direct Neurofeedback is extremely safe. In over 100,000 clients treated with Direct Neurofeedback there has not been a single reported case of someone being worse off. Direct Neurofeedback has been used by practitioners for over 20 years. Direct Neurofeedback is not experimental, only relatively unknown.

Please do advised that we do not treat clients with Bipolar Disorder.

Most Definitely! DNF is a great tool assisting any mood improvement in people with feel overwhelmed or stressed by life. Modern life has left many of us in a chronic ‘fight-or-flight’ state experiencing anxiety and stress. A failure to regulate or recover often is connected with a multitude of symptoms and disorders you or someone you know may struggle with. A tremendous benefit is increased focus, less distractibility, and impulsiveness for people who struggle with ADD, providing greater cognitive clarity in TBI.

However, Direct Neurofeedback may also benefit people who are already healthy and interested in peak functioning and greater resilience to stress. This means improved clarity to get more work done, feeling more motivated to get those projects around the house finally done, and an increased feeling of happiness. Many clients explain that they feel happier or calmer after a treatment.

Most people notice an initial change within 3 sessions, occasionally a little longer. The average number of sessions for most problems is 15 to 20. Once treatment has been completed, additional sessions are usually not necessary. Occasionally someone desire a “booster”, due to brain optimization returning to old ‘stuck patterns’, we tend to see this with children who spend a lot of time on daily videogaming.

Many children explain that they feel happier or calmer after a treatment. My son calls the DNF  machine the “happy machine”.

“The therapy most promising by recent clinical trials appears to be EEG biofeedback. “EEG biofeedback meets the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry criteria for clinical guidelines for the treatment of ADHD, seizure disorders, anxiety (OCD, GAD, PTSD, phobias), depression, reading disabilities, and addictive disorders. This suggests that EEG biofeedback should always be considered as an intervention for these disorders…” Sufen Chiu, MD Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis

DNF compliments traditional psychotherapy; it enhances outcomes with greater and faster results. In addition, clients with harder-to-tackle symptoms such as chronic anxiety, depression, or those who previously did not respond well to traditional therapy respond well to DNF.

In traditional neurofeedback, electroencephalographic measurements are taken from sensors attached to a client’s scalp. Those measurements are transmitted to a computer monitor, and a person is “rewarded” by results on the screen to increase or decrease certain brainwave patterns. 

Traditional Neurofeedback treatment is typically 40+ sessions for ADHD, each treatment lasts between 30-60 minutes which is a long time and a lot of work for someone to focus on when they have ADD or ADHD. Traditional NF trains the brain and a person may need a ‘refresher treatment’, while DNF changes the brain waves and gives lasting results. 

DNF treatments are typically 30 minutes or less with quicker results, meaning reduced out-of-pocket costs, a win for your finances. 

We usually want to include parents or siblings on DNF treatment because ADD/ADHD often is hereditary and can affect the household dynamics. 

Direct Neurofeedback® is often reimbursed as a form of “biofeedback” using CPT code 90901. You should check with your carrier. We will provide you with a “super bill” which you can submit directly to your own insurance provider. We cannot provide you with a “super bill” for Medicare or Medicaid.