What Is.. Neurofeedback?

In an age where mental clarity is currency + stress is practically baked into the modern experience, it’s no wonder so many of us are searching for grounded, non-pharmaceutical ways to feel more balanced, focused + emotionally resilient. Enter please, neurofeedback — a practice that might sound futuristic, yet is rooted in the most ancient wisdom of all: the brain can learn to heal itself.

At its core, neurofeedback is brain training. It uses real-time technology to help your brain see how it’s functioning, so it can learn to self-regulate + return to more balanced, calm, + focused states. It’s based on the understanding that our brains communicate using electrical impulses — known as brainwaves — which shift depending on what we’re thinking, feeling, or experiencing. Stress, anxiety, distraction, emotional overwhelm — they all have their own distinct patterns.

Through a gentle, non-invasive process involving sensors placed on the scalp via a simple headband, your brain’s electrical activity is monitored + translated into visual or auditory cues. Imagine a movie you’re watching that dims when your brain slips into stress or distraction, then brightens as it returns to a more regulated rhythm. Or a video game that only progresses when you’re calm + focused. It’s like your brain is being handed a mirror — one that rewards it for finding its flow.

This is the magic of neurofeedback: it allows your brain to see itself, in real time — and then gently course-correct. Over time, with consistency, your brain starts to favour these more regulated states on its own. This is neuroplasticity in action — your brain literally rewiring itself through practice + feedback.

Neurofeedback encourages the development of healthier neural patterns by reinforcing what’s already working + nudging the rest into balance. When the brain receives feedback — a pleasing sound when it’s calm, or a change in screen brightness when it sharpens focus — it naturally begins to move toward those states. The more often it repeats the pattern, the easier it becomes to access it in daily life — even outside of sessions.

It’s subtle, but powerful. And that’s the beauty of it.

Although it might sound new, neurofeedback has actually been around for decades. It began in the late 1960s with Dr. Barry Sterman, whose groundbreaking work showed that cats trained to increase a specific brainwave (SMR — sensorimotor rhythm - which refers to a brainwave state associated with physical stillness, mental alertness + calm) became more resistant to seizures. That early discovery sparked decades of research into how modulating brainwave activity could support human cognition, mental health + emotional regulation.

Fast forward to now, + neurofeedback is having a quiet renaissance. It’s being explored for a wide range of conditions — from anxiety + insomnia to ADHD, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, + more. And it’s not just for people in distress — many are using it simply to feel clearer, more present, less reactive, + more in tune with themselves.

One of the most well-documented applications is in the treatment of ADHD. Meta-analyses — including a 2014 review published in the Journal of Attention Disorders — have found neurofeedback to be a promising intervention, with outcomes in some cases comparable to stimulant medications, particularly when training is sustained + personalised to the individual.

Studies on anxiety + mood disorders are equally encouraging. A 2019 systematic review in Clinical EEG and Neuroscience found that neurofeedback significantly reduced symptoms of generalised anxiety, with measurable shifts in alpha (calm) + beta (alert) brainwave patterns. In depression, the technique has shown potential in rebalancing frontal lobe asymmetry — a pattern often linked with emotional regulation. In a world that rarely pauses, this ability to slowly guide ourselves back to calm feels nothing short of essential.

Of course, as with all evolving science, more large-scale, double-blind studies are needed — but the research so far is promising. Safe, non-invasive, + surprisingly effective, neurofeedback is fast becoming one of the most fascinating holistic tools in the space of cognitive + emotional wellness.

What makes it particularly appealing to me, personally, is that it’s entirely self-led. There’s no forcing, no numbing, no bypassing. Just a gentle, intelligent invitation to come back into balance. And the beautiful knowing that, with time + patience, your brain will.

I’m currently integrating neurofeedback into my own wellness toolkit with Braincode Centers, a US-based company that offers both in-person sessions in their clinics across the States + remote training for clients globally. I’m working with them remotely, and it’s been an incredibly smooth + pleasant experience so far. The process begins with a full QEEG brain map — which gives you a detailed picture of your unique neural pathways + activity. From there, you're paired with a neurofeedback specialist who tailors a bespoke training protocol based on your results.

Your sessions can be done entirely from home, supported weekly or bi-weekly over the course of 6 to 9 months. The blend of expert guidance + at-home ease has made it so much more accessible for me to stay consistent — and as we all know, consistency is key when it comes to transformation.

What I love most about this journey is how I can feel the shifts happening underneath the surface. It’s like my nervous system is learning a new language. My brain, once locked in a constant state of fight-or-flight, is slowly relearning what calm feels like. There’s less reactivity. More grounded presence. Better sleep. Sharper focus. The changes are subtle, but undeniable — + I always trust the subtle shifts most. They’re the ones that last.

No, neurofeedback isn’t a magic pill. And that’s precisely why I believe in it. Like anything truly worth its weight in gold (pun intended), it takes time. But for those of us healing from past stress, seeking more conscious clarity in how we live, feel + respond — this may just be one of the most elegant, empowering tools available.

Discover more at // BRAINCODECENTERS.com

Psychedelic Therapy, What is It?

Beyond micro-dosing , which has become a frontrunner in the world of healing in the last few years, for those seeking alternatives to the big-pharma led industry of often toxic + unsuccessful drugs, psychedelic treatment in a therapeutic setting is a growing field that harnesses the power of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), MDMA, ketamine + others to help treat various mental health conditions. When administered in a carefully controlled, therapeutic + professional environment, these substances are used under the guidance of trained professionals to facilitate profound psychological healing + personal growth in individuals stuck in certain recurring cycles of depression, PTSD,

The use of psychedelics in a therapeutic context is not new. Indigenous cultures have long utilized plant medicines in ritualistic + healing practices. However, the modern resurgence of psychedelic therapy began in the mid-20th century + is now experiencing a significant revival as research into their potential therapeutic benefits accelerates. With studies being conducted by institutions all over the world from Johns Hopkins University + MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) to Kings College + Imperial College, both in London, psychedelic therapy is gaining rightful recognition as a legitimate + potentially transformative treatment for conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, OCD + more.

Among the psychedelics leading the way is ketamine, which has shown particular promise in treating treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has emerged as one of the most researched + widely used psychedelics in clinical settings. Unlike other psychedelics, ketamine is not classified as a classic hallucinogen; instead, it works by disrupting normal brain activity, creating a dissociative state that can help individuals break free from negative thought patterns + emotional blocks. When used therapeutically, ketamine has been shown to produce rapid antidepressant effects, often within hours of a single dose, which sets it apart from traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to show results — if at all. It has been especially effective for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, providing relief when other medications + therapies have failed.

What makes psychedelic therapy unique, particularly with substances like ketamine, is the deep, often life-changing experiences these substances can produce when used in a safe, supportive setting. Unlike traditional therapies that primarily focus on talk therapy + cognitive-behavioral techniques, psychedelic therapy creates an altered state of consciousness that can allow individuals to access parts of the mind that are difficult to reach through conventional methods which can often too take years to come even close to any form of actual healing. In this state, many experience a heightened sense of connection, intense introspection, + clarity, often leading to breakthroughs that can shift long-held emotional patterns + deep seated traumas.

The therapeutic process typically involves preparation, the guided psychedelic experience, + — most importantly, integration with a certified facilitator post the actual dose. During the preparation phase, therapists work with an individual to discuss their intentions, expectations, + potential challenges that may arise during the experience. The actual session takes place in a comfortable, safe environment where the individual consumes the psychedelic substance — be that through IM, IV or orally, depending on the prescribed method of the doctor —+ is guided through their journey by a trained therapist. This session can last several hours, + the therapist is present to provide support, reassurance, + guidance. Afterward, the integration phase is crucial for helping the individual process the experience, reflect on insights gained, + ultimately how best to incorporate these lessons into daily life so as to make long-lasting change.

One of the key benefits of psychedelic therapy — whatever the choice of journey, especially though with substances like ketamine, is its ability to help individuals confront + process deep-rooted trauma in a way that feels more accessible + transformative. For those with treatment-resistant depression or PTSD, traditional therapies may not always be effective, + psychedelic therapy offers a promising alternative. Psychedelics, including ketamine, have been shown to have neuroplastic effects, meaning they can stimulate the brain's ability to form new neural connections, potentially rewiring negative thought patterns + behaviors which can take years + so much energetic + financial investment over years + years.

Moreover, the use of psychedelics in therapy can foster a sense of interconnectedness + spiritual awakening, leading to profound shifts in perspective - something very difficult to truly grasp in conventional methods of therapy or medicine. This can be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with existential questions, grief, or a lack of meaning in life. For those who have fought for a long time to survive what haunts them, it can be not onlylfie changing but life saving. The experience often helps individuals realize that their struggles are part of a larger whole, offering a sense of healing that extends beyond the individual self or the struggles they face.

As research continues to unfold, psychedelic therapy — particularly with ketamine — is poised to become an important tool in the mental health landscape. It is definitely not a panacea, + it’s essential that it is approached with care, responsibility, + proper support in environments that are legal + professional. Yet, for those seeking deeper healing, it promise a new frontier in the treatment of mental health, providing a path toward self-discovery, emotional release, + lasting change.

For more resources + research articles, I find Dr. Michelle Weiner in the US an incredible wealth of knowledge + pioneer in the space. Other amazing resources include: Mabel Life (Micro-dosing Pioneers in Europe), Michael Pollan (his book How to Change Your Mind was one I read many year ago + is where I was first introduced to the topic), Dr. Andrew Weil (a wealth of knowledge on mushrooms for healing), The Synthesis Institute (a retreat hosting company in Amsterdam who also have great information to share).

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Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine remain illegal in Ireland, and their use, possession, or distribution may carry legal consequences under current legislation. While research into psychedelic-assisted therapy is ongoing, such treatments are not currently approved for use in Ireland outside of sanctioned clinical trials. Any decision to explore psychedelic therapy should be made in consultation with a qualified medical professional. Always prioritize your safety, mental health, and local laws.

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