“Neurofeedback allows individuals to learn how to modify their brainwaves by providing real-time feedback on brain activity.” - Dr. Blake Ausmus

Many people have come to one of our offices to learn more about Neurofeedback Therapy. Chances are you, too, are curious about this innovative approach to enhancing brain function. But perhaps, like many others, you're also a bit skeptical. That's perfectly normal—after all, the concept of controlling our brainwaves can seem like something out of science fiction.

I remember feeling the same way when I first encountered Neurofeedback. It was a challenge to wrap my head around the idea that we could learn to influence our brain activity without even making a conscious effort. How could something so fundamental to our existence operate beyond our awareness?

The key lies in a concept called implicit learning. Implicit learning is the process through which we acquire skills, knowledge, and understanding without conscious effort or awareness. It's the silent force driving much of our learning throughout life, from mastering motor skills as babies to navigating complex social environments and, as stated before, controlling our own brainwaves.

So, what exactly is implicit learning, and why is it so difficult to grasp?

Implicit learning operates beneath the surface, quietly shaping our abilities and behaviours without us even realizing it. Think about how effortlessly you learned to move as a baby or to speak your native language. These skills were acquired through implicit learning, with your brain gradually absorbing patterns and information from your environment.

A newborn has the ability to move their arms and hands. However, they do not possess the ability to move them in much of a helpful way. But over time, as they observe their arms moving left or right, up or down, they start realizing the ability actually to control them. Then, they will start to move in more meaningful ways, like swatting things away from their mouth, reaching for things, and eventually clapping, holding a spoon or crayon, playing guitar, and so on.

In the beginning stages, nobody coaches these simple body movements or explains how to engage the specific muscle groups. The brain observes patterns and figures them out. But as we progress, coaching can become more valuable. Think of learning to master a golf swing or play a sonata on the piano. This is where coaching helps out. 

I remember my piano lessons as a child, as my mom would remind me to “curl my fingers” and “press down heavy for these notes, but lightly for those notes.” It wasn’t a matter of learning how to bend my fingers; I knew how to do it without help. However, implementing these movements in intricate ways to play a song was something that training through my piano lessons helped. In the end, to become proficient at playing piano, some implicit learning and coaching are needed. When I made a mistake, I could hear it immediately.

Now, let's circle back to Neurofeedback Therapy. At its core, Neurofeedback harnesses the principles of implicit learning to help individuals improve their brain function and mental well-being. Through repeated sessions and targeted feedback (think: coaching), clients learn to regulate their brainwaves, leading to positive changes in cognitive function, mood, and behaviour.

But how does it work? That's the million-dollar question—and the answer is complex. At our clinics, we utilize a few things within the Neurofeedback process. 

1. Firstly, there is what we call classical conditioning. This is simply pairing things together to make connections. You may have heard of Pavlov and his dogs. He would ring a bell and then give them food. Ring a bell, and give them food. Ring a bell, and give them food. And so on… After a while, the dogs would salivate at the sound of the bell (even with no food presented). Why is that? Because they learned that after the bell comes food, they’d start salivating at the sound of the bell alone! 

We use this with some of the audio feedback used in the sessions. For example, musical tones may be played, and the pitch will be determined by the frequency or “speed” of the brainwave. Faster brainwaves produce a higher-pitched tone, while slower brainwaves produce a lower-pitched tone. I like to think of this as reflecting back, like a mirror, what the brain is doing. The brain then hears what it is doing. Over time, it gets better control over these brainwaves and better manages its functioning. 

2. Secondly, there is what we call operant conditioning. This is a form of learning in which behaviours are strengthened or weakened based on their consequences. For example, when you touch a hot stove top, it burns your hand and hurts. This feedback leads to a change in behaviour. Or, if you praise your dog for sitting when told, they are more likely to show that same behaviour in the future. We can utilize this in Neurofeedback as well, with the volume increasing as we measure more of our desired brainwave activity. Conversely, an instrument may cut out of a song and be silent when the brainwave activity strays from what is desired. It is then played again once the brainwave activity returns to more desired functioning.

Neurofeedback allows individuals to learn how to modify their brainwaves by providing real-time feedback on brain activity. But remember, this learning is implicit, working at a subconscious level. 

To illustrate implicit learning again, imagine learning to navigate your way around a new city or community. At first, the streets may seem unfamiliar and confusing. But with time and experience, you begin to recognize patterns and landmarks, gradually becoming more adept at finding your way. You might even find a new, faster way to get around. When there is construction, you don’t just get stumped; you can find a different path in your mind that will get you to your destination easily. This process mirrors the principles of implicit learning, as your brain subconsciously absorbs information and can adapt accordingly.

This is why, I believe, a few of the positive changes from Neurofeedback Therapy occur so naturally that they could even go unnoticed. For example, without requiring effort, you may be less irritable after Neurofeedback Therapy. Since you can’t really put your finger on what is different in you, you might find a reason and say something like, “Well, life’s just been easier because my boss is being less annoying.” Or a child whose performance in school skyrockets (as we often see) can’t tell you what they are doing differently, just the fact that “School is easier now.”

Hopefully, this can help us understand how learning and growth happen in life, and specifically how Neurofeedback Therapy works. It is such a great way to train the brain to work better!

If you are interested in learning more or trying this out for yourself, please get in touch with us! We can’t wait to see you. Click HERE to connect or call us at 587-333-6349. 💙

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