What to Expect During Your First NeurOptimal® Session — In-Office or at Home

If you're curious about brain training with NeurOptimal®, you may be wondering what actually happens during a Session. Whether you're working with a certified Trainer or using NeurOptimal® at home, the experience is nearly identical—and it’s much simpler than you might expect. This guide walks you through what to expect from your first at-home neurofeedback Session using NeurOptimal®.

Woman relaxing on the couch using NeurOptimal® neurofeedback system

Share Your Goals

Before your first Session, you’ll complete a short intake form. This gives you a chance to reflect on how you’ve been feeling and what you’re hoping to achieve through NeurOptimal® brain training, whether at home or in a clinic.

Clipboard and intake form icon

Get Comfortable

You’ll sit in a chair or sofa facing a computer or tablet. Whether you're in a clinic or relaxing in your living room, comfort is key—this is your time to simply be.

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Apply Sensors and Sound

Two small sensors are placed on your scalp and three more on your ears. These sensors simply read your brain’s activity; nothing goes into your brain. Then you’ll put in earbuds or headphones to hear music during the Session. It’s a completely non-invasive brain training experience.

Non-invasive brain training sensors on head icon

Begin the Session

When your NeurOptimal® home training Session starts, you’ll hear music through earbuds. Brief interruptions in the sound act as real-time cues from your brain activity—subtle feedback that helps guide your brain toward improved flexibility and balance.

You don’t need to concentrate or control anything. Just relax and let the system work in the background—many users describe the experience as calming and effortless.

Earbuds used for neurofeedback audio cues

That’s It—Relax

If you’d like, you can watch simple visualizations on a monitor during your NeurOptimal® Session—or just close your eyes and unwind. The system is 100% automated, requiring no effort or analysis on your part.

With continued use, people often feel more focused, calm, and mentally clear. These benefits develop naturally over time as your brain remembers how to regulate itself more efficiently.

Monitor icon used during NeurOptimal® session