When it comes to your health and safety, you should always ask questions before starting Neurotherapy.

Neurotherapy covers modalities such as Neurofeedback as well as forms of Neuromodulation including stimulation and photobiomodulation. Advances in Neurotherapy has garnered significant attention due to its potential for enhancing brain function and addressing various neurological conditions. As you contemplate embarking on a neurotherapy journey, it’s crucial to collaborate with a practitioner who can adeptly guide you through the process. To ensure a safe and beneficial experience, you should ask your practitioner these key questions before starting Neurotherapy.

What Relevant Studies Have You Undertaken for Neurofeedback/Neuromodulation?

An accomplished neurofeedback practitioner should hold a health science degree, complemented by studies encompassing neurobiology and anatomy. While there are no tailored university courses for Neurotherapy practitioners, they often pursue individual study units to bridge coursework gaps. Inquire about the practitioner’s academic journey and specialized studies. A comprehensive grasp of the brain’s structure and functions is fundamental for devising targeted neurofeedback protocols that effectively address individual needs. Furthermore, practitioners might mention continuing professional development (CPD) for various organizations as part of their ongoing education. A willingness to continually learn is a good indicator that the practitioner won’t just stick with a one size fits all methodology.

Are you a licensed/registered practitioner?

This is no different to when you seek out any therapist, you check if they are registered with AHPRA, AASW, or PACFA – the same is true for Neurofeedback practitioners. Professional level membership with any of the allied health regulatory bodies is suitable.

Do you have any certifications for Neurofeedback/Neuromodulation:

Board certification in Neurofeedback: BCN-L (licensed), BCN-P (performance), or BCN-T (technician) indicates different levels of certification, and levels of capacity to engage with clients. A technician operates under the supervision of a licensed member. This certification is voluntary, but meeting the requirements requires providing evidence of knowledge, experience, supervision/mentoring, and ethical practice. Not to mention passing an exam. This certification is conducted by the Biofeedback certification international alliance (BCIA)

Certification for conducting QEEG assessments is done by the International QEEG certification board (IQCB). Like the BCIA this requires evidence of adequate study, licensing/registration, training with mentoring, supervision, and an exam. This can provide QEEG-D (diplomat) for licensed practitioners, QEEG-T (technician) for those working under a diplomat, and QEEG candidate for those who are in the process of certification.

Are you covered by medical liability insurance?

All practitioners have some form of liability insurance, it is important to ask if your practitioner has specific insurance for neurofeedback, or the specific neuromodulation modalities in use. 

Can You Explain How Neurofeedback/Neuromodulation Works in Your System?

Neurofeedback systems can vary among practitioners, and it’s crucial that your chosen practitioner can clearly explain the methodology they employ. They should be proficient in breaking down the process into easily comprehensible terms, detailing the measurement and translation of the brain’s electrical activity into actionable feedback. The explanation should identify how and what the system is measuring, how it applies the protocol selected by the practitioner, and how the feedback loop is then closed.

For Neuromodulation the practitioner should be able to explain the mechanisms of action, and the differentiation between some settings – for example what the difference in mechanisms of action between tACS and tDCS neurostimulation. Likewise how the pEMF coils are influencing the brain, or what different photobiomodulation wavelengths impact.

An adept practitioner will not only possess an in-depth understanding of neurofeedback but will also possess effective communication skills. Their ability to explain the process succinctly reflects their mastery of the subject matter and ensures you are well-informed about the neurofeedback journey ahead.

How Do You Develop and Adjust Protocols for Each Individual?

The capacity to tailor protocols to individuals underscores a practitioner’s expertise, and their ability to explain the rationale behind these adjustments is equally crucial. Be cautious of practitioners who merely claim to ‘prompt the brain to reset’ or ‘allow the brain to determine optimal settings.’ Seek elaboration on how the brain is prompted and how feedback is integrated. Neurofeedback by definition requires a measurement, a protocol, and the feedback which prompts the change. Neuromodulation should not be done without a thorough QEEG assessment to check for risks.

Can You Cite Your Regulating Bodies and Associations?

Ensuring ethical practice and accountability means all neurotherapy practitioners’ should hold professional registration/licensing with respected regulatory bodies and professional associations.

In Australia, Neurotherapy is self-regulated through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance – Australia, though there is no requirement for practitioners to undertake this process. They may already be registered with another regulating body such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). These affiliations underscore practitioners’ dedication to adhering to established standards in their field and continuing professional development. It’s important for them to communicate their alignments as part of the intake process. Such affiliations showcase their commitment to ethical conduct and staying updated on industry advancements, ensuring you’re partnering with a practitioner who upholds the highest standards.

What is your title?

This can be an indicator of whether the practitioner is currently registered to practice with a professional body. Most will respond with their professional registration title: psychologist, occupational therapist, or social worker. Other may use terms indicating field of interest, such as psychophysiologist. This can be misleading and may be done to distract from asking further questions regarding registration or licensing. 

Psychophysiology refers to exploring the relationship between psychological symptoms and physiological responses. 

Neuropsychophysiology refers to working with the relationship between the functioning of the brain, psychological symptoms, and physiological responses. 

Engaging in neurofeedback can open doors to enhanced brain function and overall well-being. However, embarking on this journey requires the right practitioner. By asking these pivotal questions before starting Neurotherapy, you empower yourself with the knowledge necessary for a well-informed decision. 

The last question is the most important one, and is directed to yourself – Do I feel this is the right practitioner for me? Your chosen practitioner will significantly shape your neurofeedback journey, ensuring it’s not only safe and effective but also tailored to your unique needs including their ability to support you through the process.