Peak Performance Neurofeedback

What is Peak Performance Neurofeedback?

Elite students, professionals, and athletes usually have similar levels of education, training, and conditioning as their peers, yet they are able to achieve better results. So what separates the elite from the average? It may be due to differences in level of concentration, endurance, efficiency, and composure under pressure. Peak Performance Neurofeedback Training provides the tools to strengthen healthy brainwave patterns which can help transform average performance into elite performance. The ultimate goal is to train the brain to become more efficient, which can lead to improved accuracy on tasks, resistance to stress, and overall resiliency. We use Neurofeedback to help achieve these goals.


Peak Performance Neurofeedback Training is often used to help optimize performance for those who are looking to maximize their brain’s functioning. For this type of brainwave training, it is common to target areas of the brain related to emotional regulation as a means of helping individuals deal with stress, such as those that may occur in the workplace, classroom, or at an athletic event. In addition, brain waves related to focus and working memory are often addressed. Individuals are ultimately taught to regulate their

brainwaves in order to achieve a “flow state,” which can help individuals block out all other distractions in order to become immersed in the task at hand. As such, Peak Performance Training can be very beneficial for athletes, professionals, musicians, and students.


A great analogy for understanding Peak Performance Neurofeedback is the gym. A workout is an opportunity to improve our strength, endurance, and cardio through specific exercises. Exercise allows us to improve our fitness and help us achieve our goals. Neurofeedback in the context of peak performance training works in a similar way. It is an opportunity to practice being calm, alert, focused, and relaxed, which improves our mental fitness.


Peak Performance Neurofeedback is a safe, non-invasive way to train the brain to be more relaxed, calm, alert, and focused. Sensors are placed on the scalp and they record brainwave activity. This information is transferred to the computer. When the software recognizes the client’s brainwaves becoming more relaxed, calm, alert, and focused, the software rewards the client with video and sound. As soon as the client loses focus or becomes anxious, based on their brainwaves, the video and sound stop playing. The client practices how to be more focused, calm, and relaxed during the sessions.

Neurofeedback Relies on 3 Principles

Operant Conditioning

Operant Conditioning is the idea that if you reward the behaviour you want to see you increase the frequency of that behaviour occurring. Neurofeedback rewards healthy and optimal brainwave activity and increases the frequency of this behaviour occurring.

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the idea that the brain can change and rewire itself based on learning opportunities. Neurofeedback is a learning opportunity for the brain to guide it towards optimal functioning.

Self-Regulation

Self-regulation is the ability to adjust our thinking, attention, emotions, behaviour, and bodies so we can be in a calm, focused, alert state when learning and responding to our environment. Neurofeedback gives us the opportunity to practice to enter, recognize, and maintain a desired mental state.

How Do I Get Started?

1.

We start off with a Clinical Intake Interview. This is where we review background, medical, and developmental history, your symptoms and their severity, major life events and do our best to conceptualize the uniqueness of your case.



2.

The next step is a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) baseline recording. Just as a stethoscope is placed on your chest to listen to your heart beat, electrodes are placed on your scalp to record your brainwave activity for analysis.

3.

Using the information from your clinical intake interview, baseline recording, and intake package we put the pieces together to create a custom Neurofeedback program that is tailored to suit your needs.


4.

We debrief the results, help you understand the different statistics and brainwave patterns involved in your program, as well as help answer your questions before you can begin Neurofeedback training.


How Do We Measure Progress?

Updated QEEG assessment recordings allow us to map and monitor changes that are occurring as sessions progress, but we also rely upon subjective reporting from our clients. We look at symptom severity (how extreme or severe), frequency (how often, how many times per day), and duration (how long do these symptoms last) and their effect on quality of life.

Benefits of Neurofeedback

Side Effect Free Support

Let’s quickly explore the most popular alternatives. Traditional talk-based therapy aims to support you cognitively. There is often an emphasis on changing your thoughts, feelings, and perspectives to improve your symptoms. Medication targets neurotransmitters to improve chemical imbalances which can also improve the way you feel. These two methods may provide relief to some, but what if therapy and medication are not making a difference? This is where Neurofeedback can shine. Neurofeedback is able to look at the brain holistically by recording, analyzing, and creating personalized training programs based on your brainwave patterns to improve your quality of life.

Safe and Non-Invasive

Our equipment is able to record your brainwave activity in real time, in a safe and non-invasive manner. This information is transferred to the computer where it is analyzed by complex, state-of-the-art software. When the software recognizes the client becoming more relaxed, calm, alert, and focused, the software plays video and sound to reward this positive brain behaviour. Over time, the brain starts to learn a more efficient and organized way of functioning. This process allows change to occur in a safe and non-invasive way. It is important to have experienced professionals help guide and create appropriate training programs through assessment. We also offer dry electrode caps for adults and adolescents who do not like gel or paste in their hair.

A Different Approach

Let’s quickly explore the most popular alternatives. Traditional talk-based therapy aims to support you cognitively. There is often an emphasis on changing your thoughts, feelings, and perspectives to improve your symptoms. Medication targets neurotransmitters to improve chemical imbalances which can also improve the way you feel. These two methods may provide relief to some, but what if therapy and medication are not making a difference? This is where Neurofeedback can shine. Neurofeedback is able to look at the brain holistically by recording, analyzing, and creating personalized training programs based on your brainwave patterns to improve your quality of life.

Long-Lasting Results

Since Neurofeedback rewards the brain’s positive brainwave activity, it helps the brain learn and change the way it functions. The brain has the innate ability to rewire and change itself when presented with learning opportunities. This principle is known as Neuroplasticity. Once sufficient learning is done, the brain can find a more optimal way of functioning and these results are generally long-lasting.

The Advantage Working with Neuropotential Clinics

Board Certification

Usually in a Neurofeedback Clinic, the Doctoral Level Clinician is Board Certified in Neurofeedback (BCN Accreditation) and he/she trains their staff to uphold the standards from the Board Certification International Alliance (BCIA). Not only is Dr. Muller Board Certified in Neurofeedback, both Directors are Neuropotential Clinics are Board Certified in Neurofeedback.

Research Experience

Our Clinical Director is a published author in Neurofeedback Research. Shane Dutt was the first author of the featured Article LORETA Neurofeedback Combined with Biofeedback as a Treatment for Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum: A Single Case Study which was published in Biofeedback journal in 2016. This additional experience is crucial in ensuring you are getting the best Neurofeedback plan possible.

Technology and Software

Neurofeedback is a very technical intervention that requires state-of-the-art hardware and software to ensure you are getting the most value from the experience. Most clinics use a wet-cap system that requires gel and paste to be applied at 19 different sites on the scalp. This can be uncomfortable for some and you have to go home to take a shower after your session. At Neuropotential Clinics, we have invested in wireless, dry-electrode systems that do not require any gel or paste to set up and execute your treatment plan. Our clients say the convenience and comfort really helps them get more out of their sessions with less frustration.

Training Time Per Session

To ensure you are getting the most out of your sessions, the amount of training time you get per session is crucial. Wet-electrode systems can take between 15 to 20 minutes to set up, which only allows for 15-20 to minutes of training, followed by a 5 to 10 minute procedure to remove gel and paste from your scalp before you leave. 


With our Dry-Electrode systems we can reduce set up time to 5 to 7 minutes, allowing for 35-40 minutes for training, and a 10-second clean up process for the client. That is almost double the training than a wet-cap system for a 50 minute session. This reduction in setup and clean up time allows you to get more training down within the hour while still maintaining safety standards.

Google Reviews

Most regulatory colleges do not allow for testimonials as there is no way to verify if they are authentic. Google Reviews allows clients to post on a third party website to ensure each opinion is trusted and true. We are proud to say Neuropotential Clinics is the highest rated Neurofeedback clinic in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

See some common questions and answers below, or call us at (416) 398-9991.

  • DOES PEAK PERFORMANCE NEUROFEEDBACK HURT?

    Peak Performance Neurofeedback is very similar to Neurofeedback training in it’s set up. Electrodes are placed on to the head and ears in a comfortable manner. Clients may feel fatigued at the end of a session because Peak Performance Neurofeedback is essentially a workout for your brain. The client is practicing self-regulation, and they may feel tired after a session.

  • ARE THERE AN RISKS/SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH PEAK PERFORMANCE NEUROFEEDBACK?

    Peak Performance Training is based on a Neurofeedback Training protocols. This is a non-invasive treatment modality that focuses on teaching individuals to regulate their electrical brainwave activity. No research to date has reported any negative side-effects from Neurofeedback training. Neurofeedback training programs are designed so that only positive, optimal brainwave patterns are reinforced. No negative or unwanted brainwave patterns can be created in this way.

  • CAN PEAK PERFORMANCE NEUROFEEDBACK HELP ME IF I DON’T HAVE A DIAGNOSED CONDITION?

    Neurofeedback and Biofeedback techniques are also used in Peak Performance Training settings to help improve an individual’s level of calm, focus, relax, and alert. If you have a diagnosed condition, the benefits of Peak Performance Training may help a diagnosed conditioned. If you have a diagnosed condition, Peak Performance Training may be a great option after you complete your initial treatment plan.

  • WHAT AGE RANGES ARE THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE NEUROFEEDBACK?

    Peak Performance Training relies on the concept of neuroplasticity, which states that the brain can alter its function and reorganize itself in response to learning and other events. Neuroplasticity tends to decrease as you age, so younger clients tend to progress the quickest. This is why it is easier to learn a language or skill early in life as opposed to when you are older. The most common age ranges for training are 8-24 years old, although some clients start as young as six years old. Older clients (55 years of age and over) may need a few more sessions to achieve certain training goals, but can still greatly benefit from Peak Performance Training.

  • WHAT DOES A CLIENT DO DURING A PEAK PERFORMANCE NEUROFEEDBACK SESSION?

    Each of our clients is paired with a clinician who works with the client on a one-on-one basis. After a baseline recording of the trainee’s brainwave patterns is taken, the client begins training their focus and concentration. Complex EEG software is used to give the client feedback when they are relaxed, alert, and focused. The client gets multiple chances to practice achieving this state. After each round, the mentor gives the client feedback and explains their scores related to their brainwave patterns. This is reviewed at the end of the session with the parents as well.

  • WILL PEAK PERFORMANCE NEUROFEEDBACK WORK FOR ME?

    It depends on your current situation and training goals. After a detailed assessment and clinical interview, we can decide if you are a good candidate for peak performance neurofeedback training. We would then move forward and design a personalized program to help you achieve your training goals. Moreover, EEG-based peak performance training is something not well known and may benefit clients who has tried other methods to optimize their performance.

  • HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL IT TAKE FOR CHANGES TO OCCUR?

    This depends on your training goals. Generally, clients observe changes between the 5th and 10th session. We have to remember that Peak Performance Training is a learning experience. Everyone learns at a different pace and have different criteria for change.

  • HOW MANY SESSIONS MUST I COMPLETE IN TOTAL?

    Clients usually complete 20-40 sessions though more may be required depending on their training goals. Certain peak performance clients (executives, athletes, and students without a diagnosis) may meet their goals at the end of 20 sessions. After specific training goals are achieved, new training goals can be defined, and a new training program can be created.

  • CAN I CONTINUE TO TAKE MEDICATION WHILE COMPLETING PEAK PERFORMANCE NEUROFEEDBACK?

    Yes. We only ask that the trainee stops taking medication during assessments as it does affect their EEG recordings.

  • IS PEAK PERFORMANCE NEUROFEEDBACK COVERED BY INSURANCE OR EXTENDED HEALTH CARE BENEFITS?

    Psychological assessments and reassessments are covered by most insurance companies. Peak Performance Training may be covered by certain insurance companies for certain conditions. Insurance companies may cover treatments plans approved by a clinical psychologist. Please inquire with your extended health care benefits company and we will do our best to work with them.

Please note that services are not covered under OHIP, but may be covered by insurance or extended health care benefits. 

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