Brain Mapping FAQ

It involves nothing more than wearing a sensor cap so we can listen to what your brain is doing. Using a cap placed on the scalp, our software captures the electrical impulses in the brain. This method is known as a quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG). The results show brain wave patterns in different parts of the brain. The process takes about 40 minutes, and the data is then converted into a visual brain map report. We analyze the brain map report and identify any problem areas.

Through comparison of your brain map with hundreds of other brain maps from the same age group and developmental stage, we are able to determine where your brain’s patterns are deviating from healthy, normal functioning.

The brain map enables us to see your unique pattern of neurophysiological strengths and weaknesses – areas of the brain where there is too little or too much activity, and areas that are not coordinating their activity the best they could. Once we can see the reason for your struggles on a brain level, we can create a neurofeedback training program to help resolve it.

We use the brain map both for our initial assessment and to track your progress over your neurofeedback sessions. Because of this, we think it is important to brain map clients before you begin neurofeedback training, and once you have completed 20 neurofeedback sessions.

Brain maps cannot be used for diagnostic purposes and we do not provide diagnoses to clients. Brain mapping helps assess the client’s need for specialized treatment and can help other providers like therapists and psychiatrists offer more effective treatment plans in conjunction with neurofeedback.

Brain mapping takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. We schedule these appointments in the mornings, as the brain changes significantly throughout the day.

Brain mapping is completely safe and painless. We are recording an EEG from your scalp, which is a non-invasive way of assessing your brain’s function. All you have to do is relax and sit still while we record your brain activity. Brain maps usually last about 45 minutes.

We use brain maps to assess the source of symptoms like anxiety, poor sleep, low motivation, depression, ADHD, and memory issues, among others. We do not use brain maps to provide diagnoses for psychological disorders.

We do follow-up maps every 20 sessions. Follow-up maps are included in the cost of sessions.