Z-SCORE Neurofeedback

What is Z-Score Neurofeedback?

Z-Score Neurofeedback trains multiple areas of the brain at the same time. Also, Z-score Neurofeedback compares your brain to other people your age and gender to guide the process. It is a 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 becoming more relaxed, calm, alert, and focused, the software plays video and sound. As soon as the client loses focus or becomes anxious, the video and sound stop playing. The client practices how to be more focused, calm and relaxed during the sessions.


A healthy brain is one that is flexible and dynamic. When it needs to accomplish a task, a healthy brain can recruit resources from other areas or networks in the brain, accomplish the task, and release those resources. Sometimes the brain struggles to recruit resources and other times the brain has a tough timing relaxing after a task. When this happens, symptoms may develop leaving brain function and efficiency potentially compromised.


Complex symptoms require a more complex brain assessment called a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) assessment, or brain mapping. With the use of 19 electrodes placed on the scalp, we can look at the brain’s electrical activity in three dimensions. This assessment allows for an in-depth, objective understanding of what is going on in the brain and helps to guide neurofeedback training. Electrical activity across the brain is recorded, analyzed, and compared to age-normed (averages based on age) databases. This information is used to evaluate brain function, performance, understand where client’s symptoms may be coming from, and how to make an optimal change. We need to define what is considered “optimal” and train the brain towards that. This is where Z-scores come in. Connect with Neuropotential Clinics for Brain Training in Toronto, North York, and the GTA.

Z-Score 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.

Example: A 35 year parent struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, issues with sleep.

Before Neurofeedback


Severity: the client is experiencing

symptoms of at a 7 everyday (on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is very

intense/extreme and 1 is little to no

discomfort

Frequency: the client struggles with these symptoms throughout the day.

Duration: Anxious and depressive

episodes can last hours at a time.

After 30-40 Session

of Neurofeedback

After Neurofeedback


Severity: the severity of symptoms have reduced done to a 3-4.

Frequency: The client struggles to these symptoms a few times per week.

Duration: Anxious and depressive

symptoms now last 10-15 minutes before they start to reduce in severity.

*Please note this is just an example and not a guarantee of change as each case is unique.

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 Z-SCORE NEUROFEEDBACK WORK?

    Z-Score Neurofeedback has demonstrated efficacy for multiple conditions. An increasing amount of research is being published for Neurofeedback in the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma, and Optimal Performance clients.

  • WILL THIS TREATMENT WORK FOR ME?

    It depends on your current situation, diagnosis, and training goals. After a detailed assessment and clinical interview, we can decide if you are a good candidate for training. We would then move forward and design a personalized program to help you achieve your training goals. Z-score Neurofeedback training may be a great option for people who are not responding to medication, have reached their maximum dose but are still struggling with their symptoms, or prefer non-pharmacological approaches to treatment other than traditional psychotherapy.

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

    Z-Score Neurofeedback training targets and trains multiple areas at once. This means that changes usually occur faster than regular Neurofeedback training. Changes usually occur within 4 to 8 sessions.

  • HOW MANY SESSIONS MUST I COMPLETE IN TOTAL?

    Clients usually complete 24-32 sessions though more may be required depending on their training goals. Certain optimal performance clients (executives, athletes, and students without a diagnosis) may meet their goals at the end of 20 sessions. More complex cases may take more than 40 sessions of training.

  • CAN I CONTINUE TO TAKE MEDICATION WHILE COMPLETING NEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING?

    Yes. We only ask that the trainee stops taking medication during assessments as it does affect their EEG recordings. As the client progresses through the training, the dosage of medication may need to be reduced.

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

    Psychological assessments and reassessments are covered by most insurance companies. Biofeedback and Neurofeedback 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.

  • WHAT DOES A CLIENT DO DURING A NEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING SESSION?

    Each of our clients is paired with a Neurofeedback mentor 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 Neurofeedback 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. The clients also complete tasks related to their training goals during the session. This can take the form educational games, puzzles, reading comprehension, or other metacognitive strategies to test the client and help them grow.

  • WHY NOT USE MEDICATION?

    Initially, drug therapies may be necessary as a short-term solution to reduce the severity of symptoms. Medication may not be a viable long-term solution for some. If medication is discontinued, symptoms reappear because no learning has occurred. Due to the numerous side-effects associated with the medication, non-pharmacological options may be a better option. As training progresses and symptomatology improves, medication may need to be reduced or removed completely.

  • DOES NEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING HURT?

    Neurofeedback training is a non-invasive treatment modality and does not hurt. Electrodes are placed on to the head and ears in a comfortable manner. Clients may feel fatigued at the end of a session because Neurofeedback is essentially a workout for your brain. The trainee is practicing self-regulation, and they may feel tired after a session.

  • IF NEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING WORKS SO WELL, WHY HAVEN’T I HEARD OF IT?

    The most common form of intervention for mental health conditions is medication. The pharmaceutical industry has the money and power to advertise where Neurofeedback does not. This is changing as more research is being published to advocate for the efficacy of Neurofeedback. See http://www.isnr.org/ and http://www.aapb.org/ for more information.

  • ARE THERE AN RISKS/SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRAINING?

    Neurofeedback 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. As the training progresses, the trainee may notice that the side-effects of their medication are becoming more prevalent (if they are on medications). This indicates that their brain functioning is becoming optimal.

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

    Neurofeedback and Biofeedback techniques are also used in Peak Performance settings to help improve an individual’s level of calm, focus, relax, and alert. This type of training is used for athletes, executives, and students who aim to achieve greater success in their respective disciplines.

  • WHAT AGE RANGES ARE THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR NEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING?

    Neurofeedback relies on 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. Older clients (55 years of age and over) may need a few more sessions to achieve certain training goals.

  • ARE THE RESULTS FROM NEUROFEEDBACK TRAINING PERMANENT?

    Follow-up studies have been conducted for children who received Neurofeedback training and they indicate that their training progress was sustained years after training was completed in most cases.

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

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