Does Neurofeedback Really Work? Common Myths and Facts About NeurOptimal®
Neurofeedback is a broad category that includes many different systems and approaches. Because these systems can vary significantly in how they operate, it is important to clarify that this page refers specifically to NeurOptimal® Dynamical Neurofeedback®, not to neurofeedback as a whole.
Over time, various assumptions and misunderstandings about NeurOptimal® have circulated. Some are based on experiences with other neurofeedback systems. Others arise from incomplete explanations or outdated information.
To provide clarity, we have addressed some of the most common statements we hear about NeurOptimal® Dynamical Neurofeedback® and explained why they are not accurate.
1Allow at least two nights sleep between NeurOptimal® Sessions.
FALSE!
NeurOptimal® is exceptionally safe and can be used even twice a day if desired. Because it works by providing information to the brain rather than pushing or forcing it in any way, it cannot cause harm or lead to side effects.
2You must ease into the process by starting with the Demo Session timing or manually creating a shorter time period and eventually graduating to Regular as a process.
FALSE!
You can start with Regular Sessions right away and continue with them, regardless of who is training. Even children or individuals with more complex needs do not require a gradual approach. With the introduction of AutoNAV, the system is designed to safely and effectively adapt to the brain’s needs, eliminating the necessity of easing in or “graduating” to Extended Sessions.
3The appearance of certain patterns or colors in the Matrix Mirror indicates specific dietary or lifestyle changes, like adding supplements or avoiding certain foods or beverages.
FALSE!
The Matrix Mirror does not provide information about external factors like diet or lifestyle. It is not a tool for making judgments or predictions about the Session’s value or outcomes based on visual activity.
4Specific conditions require a set number of NeurOptimal® Sessions to achieve results.
FALSE!
NeurOptimal® is a brain training system, not a medical treatment. It does not target specific conditions, nor does it prescribe a fixed number of Sessions based on individual concerns. Instead, NeurOptimal® provides the brain with information about its activity, empowering it to self-regulate and make its own adjustments. The shifts experienced, their timing, and their magnitude vary greatly from person to person and cannot be predicted.
5I need a QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram) to determine my brain’s starting point and track progress.
FALSE!
NeurOptimal® is a Dynamical Neurofeedback® system that works with the brain in real time, measuring its activity as it flows and changes. Unlike a QEEG, which captures a single snapshot of brain activity at a specific moment, NeurOptimal® operates dynamically, providing continuous feedback. A static image quickly becomes outdated, as it represents a past moment rather than the brain’s ongoing process. The most effective way to notice your shifts and experiences is by using the My NeurOptimal® Companion app.
6My Trainer must understand my diagnosis to best treat me with NeurOptimal®.
FALSE!
NeurOptimal® does not treat or diagnose; it is diagnostically agnostic. The system is a mathematically driven program that doesn’t require any knowledge of your diagnosis. It is designed to “meet you where you are” in the moment, responding to changes in your brain’s cortical activity. By training the central nervous system (CNS) to recognize and move away from patterns of discomfort, NeurOptimal® helps improve flexibility and resilience without needing to focus on specific conditions or labels.
7NeurOptimal® results (data) must be interpreted by an expert.
FALSE!
The data generated by NeurOptimal® is not essential for continuing training and does not need expert interpretation. Instead, we now use the My NeurOptimal® Companion app to note the DIFS (Duration, Intensity, Frequency, and Shifts) of your experiences. NeurOptimal® empowers clients to understand how these changes manifest in their daily lives.
8NeurOptimal® Trainers must adjust the software to create physiological changes in the CNS.
FALSE!
NeurOptimal® does not aim to directly create physiological changes in the CNS or any other part of the body. It functions as a mirror, reflecting the brain’s activity back to itself, allowing the CNS to decide how to respond and self-regulate. The system’s expertise is built right into the software, so there’s no need for the Trainer to monitor or modify parameters. Simply apply the sensors, start the Session, and let the process unfold naturally!
9NeurOptimal® targets specific brain frequencies to influence neurochemical production like serotonin or dopamine.
FALSE!
NeurOptimal® does not aim to encourage or discourage specific frequencies or manipulate neurochemical levels. Instead, it is a feedback system that detects changes in the CNS and mirrors this information back to the individual. This real-time feedback allows the brain to respond and self-regulate, often resulting in positive shifts.
10NeurOptimal® can be too strong for certain individuals due to their age, mental state, or diagnosis severity.
FALSE!
NeurOptimal® uses precise mathematical timing throughout its 33-minute Sessions to provide clarity of feedback to the brain. It does not push or force the brain to “do” anything, making it safe for everyone, regardless of age, mental state, or diagnosis. There is no need to adjust Session timing—select the Regular Session and trust NeurOptimal® to offer safe, effective feedback for each individual.
11I must stay with my client as they go through their Session.
FALSE!
It is not necessary for Trainers to stay with clients during their Sessions. In fact, your presence may unintentionally introduce an external influence or “extrinsic constraint,” potentially slowing down their process. NeurOptimal® is designed to work directly with the individual, allowing their brain and the system to interact seamlessly. Trust the process and give clients the space to experience their Session fully.
12Adding other tools (i.e., vibration bed, binaural beats CD, or my “mat”) can enhance NeurOptimal®’s effectiveness.
FALSE!
NeurOptimal® does not need to be paired with any additional devices to be effective. While these tools might have their own benefits, they can actually slow down NeurOptimal®’s process by imposing external constraints on the brain. NeurOptimal® works best on its own, providing unrestricted feedback to support natural self-regulation.
13Regular Sessions are too strong or long for children, and they should have shorter Sessions until they reach a certain age.
FALSE!
Regular Sessions are appropriate for all ages, including children. There is no need to shorten the Session duration based on age. If keeping a child seated during a full Session is challenging, they can engage in quiet activities such as reading, doing homework, playing board games, or even watching a movie during their Session. NeurOptimal® is designed to adapt to each individual, regardless of age, ensuring a safe and effective experience.
14NeurOptimal® Dynamical Neurofeedback® system is no different than any other neurofeedback approach.
FALSE!
NeurOptimal® is fundamentally different from traditional neurofeedback approaches. It uses a 4-dimensional (4-D) process, incorporating Duration, Intensity, Frequency, and Shifts (DIFS) to provide feedback in real-time. Traditional neurofeedback systems typically operate in 2 dimensions (2-D), focusing only on Frequency and Amplitude. NeurOptimal® uniquely measures and responds to time-based changes, enabling it to train the brain for flexibility and resilience in ways other systems cannot.
15NeurOptimal® creates neuroplasticity, generates new neurons, or reconnects existing neurons in the brain.
FALSE!
NeurOptimal® simply provides the brain with information about its activity, allowing it to self-regulate and adapt. There is no need to attribute physical effects, such as neuroplasticity, neuron creation, or reconnection, directly to NeurOptimal®. While individuals may speculate on physical changes in the brain after Sessions, these claims cannot be verified without extensive scientific analysis, such as post-mortem dissection. NeurOptimal® remains focused on supporting the brain’s natural capacity to process and respond to information.
