What is LENS Neurofeedback? (Low Energy Neurofeedback System)

LENS Neurofeedback is considered “non-traditional” neurofeedback, also called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity, the electroencephalogram, or EEG. Whereas Traditional Neurofeedback is based upon “re-training” the brain, LENS Neurofeedback supports your system’s natural ability to self-regulate. Self-regulation is a necessary part of optimal brain performance and function, allowing the nervous system to function better.

LENS Neurofeedback typically operates much more rapidly than traditional neurofeedback and has qualities that make it much easier to use with people who can’t sit still. With the LENS, you don’t need to “do” anything, and there is nothing to learn. Typical treatment time per session lasts minutes. This means that the LENS works well for people who either cannot or will not pay attention to a computer screen for longer time periods like in traditional neurofeedback.

How does the LENS work?

We apply sensors to the scalp to capture brainwave activity, processing the signal through computer software, and extracting information about your brainwave frequencies. Through a patented process, this information is then sent back to your brain through the sensors. The results are reduction and/or elimination of the symptoms which previously interfered with your quality of life. The sessions are brief, gentle (usually you feel nothing during the session), and the changes are lasting with few exceptions (for clients experiencing progressive conditions on-going treatment may be required for continued results).

What conditions does the LENS help with?

Cognition: Problems sequencing, memory, providing and maintaining attention, concentration, clarity and organization.

Mood: Anger, sadness, explosiveness.

Motor: Lack of grace, problems of eye-hand coordination, balance, increased muscle tone (from spasticity) and tremor.

Motivation: Problems initiating tasks, shifting from one activity to another, and/or completing tasks.

Anxiety: Problems of anxiety system activity (too much uncomfortably-contained energy), persistent “anxiety”, restlessness, rumination, agitation, distractibility, difficulty breathing, palpitations, tremor exacerbation, and sleep interruption.

Reactivity: Hyper-reactivity, hypersensitivity, multiple chemical sensitivities.

Pain: Brain-generated pain (mismapping the origins and qualities of signals), and vascular pain.

Addictions/Dependencies: Lack of clarity about emotions and self-comforting, defensiveness, argumentativeness and cynicism.

Fatigue: Fatigue; or fatigue as a phenomenon secondary to the effort of trying to overcome the pain and/or the above impediment to functioning more easily.

Performance Optimization: Increases in functioning in the above areas in absence of any diagnosis.

The LENS works extremely well with the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury, no matter how long ago the incident occurred. The trauma can be from a physical blow, a concussive injury, a psychological incident (PTSD), or any other incident(s) which results in a decrease in cognitive ability.

The LENS can also help in maintaining good brain function as people age.

What does a typical session look like?

Sessions are 30min long and take place in-person in my downtown Vancouver office. Sessions start with an overview of how you’ve been feeling since our last session and what changes you have been noticing. You will be asked to make note of any changes between sessions as this will help guide the treatment as we move forward. We then move to the treatment phase where we place sensors on your scalp that read your brain’s current brainwaves and then an altered version of that signal (slightly faster or slower than your original reading depending on desired results) is then sent back to your brain. Although you likely will not feel anything, this slight change encourages your brain to “wake-up” and essentially reboot that area to a more optimal way of functioning.

There are 21 treatment sites on the head. However, each person’s brain is different. We may only visit 2 sites on the head for a few seconds each, or in some cases we may treat all 21 sites for longer runs. The amount of treatment received will depend on your specific nervous system and sensitivity levels. More isn’t always better. In fact, our goal is to do as little as possible to get your brain’s attention and let your body’s natural ability to reboot take it from there.

After we had done the treatment, we will review your brain’s “map” which is essentially the brainwave data converted into chart form so it’s easier to make sense of. This means you will be able to visually see your brain’s amplitude and frequency and how it begins to change over time (Clients tend to love this part!)

How many sessions will you need?

It’s hard to say. Many people start to see results in as little as 3 sessions (in some cases even after the first session) but clients will typically need about 10-12 sessions on average to get sustained changes. Sessions typically take place weekly but can be scheduled bi-weekly if required. After clients reach their intended results, some people choose to discontinue until a future time when they would like some “top-up” sessions, others choose to continue as a form of peak-performance maintenance. I trust in my client’s ability to know when they are done.

How much are sessions?

Initial sessions are $250 (including GST) and last 60min. This includes a detailed history and initial treatment. Subsequent sessions are 30min long and cost $125 (including GST) and are typically covered under extended benefits if you have coverage for clinical counselling.