Are you interested in optimizing your brainpower? Reducing stress and anxiety? Rewiring neural pathways for better memory and cognitive performance? If so, it’s time to check out neurofeedback Scottsdale at Redefine Wellness & Treatment. Neurofeedback is a highly researched and effective method shown to enhance functioning across physical and mental domains.
Before I began working at Redefine Wellness and Treatment, I had not experienced neurofeedback and didn’t fully understand what it was. I saw someone sitting in front of a computer screen with images moving on it—it looked more like a video game than a therapy tool. I imagine a lot of people have similar reactions, so I thought it would be helpful to write about my own experience learning and trying out neurofeedback in Scottsdale.
I also did some background research, referencing the expertise of our own Dr. Tina Buck, our neurofeedback specialist here at Redefine Wellness & Treatment.
The Origins and Misunderstandings of Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback (NFB) has been around since the 1960s, originating in NASA experiments. In one early study, animals trained to increase 12–15 Hz brainwave activity became more resistant to seizures. This demonstrated a clear physiological effect—not just placebo.
Despite promising results, neurofeedback has often been overlooked by conventional medicine. Research is held to higher standards than many accepted therapies, yet it continues to prove effective for treating attention, mood, trauma, and neurological challenges. That’s why we’ve made neurofeedback Scottsdale an integral part of what we offer at Redefine Wellness and Treatment.
How Neurofeedback Works
Think of neurofeedback like physical therapy for your brain. Just as PT strengthens weak muscles and eases overworked ones, neurofeedback helps the brain regulate and balance its own electrical activity.
Using sensors, an amplifier, and specialized software, brainwave patterns are recorded and then guided using visual, auditory, or tactile feedback. No electricity is sent into the brain—this is a self-training process where your brain learns to shift toward more efficient patterns.
Over time, you may notice improvements in sleep, attention, emotional balance, and general cognitive performance. Clients using neurofeedback in Scottsdale often say they feel more focused, calm, and present after a few sessions.
The Science and Skepticism
Since Barry Sterman’s groundbreaking research in the 1960s, clinical studies have supported neurofeedback as an effective method for improving brain function. However, many in the scientific and medical communities have remained skeptical. Researchers often struggle to fit neurofeedback into traditional study designs, and limited funding has slowed progress.
Despite these challenges, our clients at Redefine Wellness who use neurofeedback in Scottsdale report meaningful, lasting results. Our team grounds this method in neuroscience and applies it consistently to help clients improve emotional regulation, focus, and overall mental wellness.
Neurofeedback offers a safe, non-invasive, drug-free approach to supporting brain regulation. It works especially well for individuals with ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), insomnia, and chronic stress. Studies by Arns et al. (2009) and van der Kolk et al. (2016) show that neurofeedback strengthens attention, emotional stability, and cognitive function by teaching the brain how to self-regulate its electrical patterns.
It is especially beneficial for clients who have not responded well to medication or prefer holistic approaches. At Redefine Wellness, we offer neurofeedback Scottsdale residents trust to support lasting wellness. Children, teens, and adults can all benefit, especially when symptoms interfere with daily life, school, work, or relationships. An initial brain mapping (QEEG) helps personalize each protocol, maximizing safety and effectiveness.
What to Expect in a Session
In a session, sensors are gently applied to the scalp using a conductive paste to monitor brainwave activity (EEG). These signals are then sent to software that provides feedback—often via images, sounds, or games.
The process is non-invasive and often relaxing. Much like learning to ride a bike, the brain learns how to balance itself using feedback until the process becomes automatic. Most people complete between 30 to 60 sessions to lock in the long-term benefits.
Understanding Brainwave Patterns
Our brainwaves are signals of how efficiently our brain is working. When they run too slow, you might feel tired, low, or unmotivated. Too fast? You may be anxious, restless, or overwhelmed. Imbalanced communication between brain hemispheres can result in mood swings, chronic illness, or even addictive behavior.
By analyzing brainwave patterns through a quantitative EEG (qEEG) or brain map, neurofeedback targets these imbalances. This whole-system approach is at the core of our neurofeedback Scottsdale offerings.
Regulating Without Labels
Rather than labeling clients with ADHD, PTSD, or anxiety, neurofeedback focuses on function. If the brain is dysregulated—whether from trauma, stress, or biological imbalance—it can learn to self-correct. Our approach at Redefine Wellness is to see people, not diagnoses. Neurofeedback supports this philosophy by helping the brain become more adaptable and responsive without relying on medication.
Neurofeedback is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated intervention, especially when administered by trained professionals. However, like any therapeutic modality that interacts with brain function, some side effects can occur, particularly in the early stages of training. According to Hammond (2010), the most commonly reported temporary side effects include fatigue, irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or mild headaches. These symptoms usually resolve quickly and may indicate that the brain is adjusting to new patterns of activity.
In rare cases, overtraining or improper protocol use can lead to more persistent discomfort, such as increased agitation or emotional lability (Coben & Evans, 2010). That’s why individualized assessment and monitoring by an experienced clinician are essential. Research also emphasizes the importance of adjusting session protocols based on client feedback and neurological response (La Vaque et al., 2002). When appropriately administered, neurofeedback is a non-invasive, drug-free approach with fewer risks than many pharmaceutical treatments used for similar symptoms.
Expanding Access: Home-Based Neurofeedback in Scottsdale
Dr. Tina Buck has supported over 500 home neurofeedback clients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she pioneered a model that helps families purchase their own equipment instead of leasing. This makes neurofeedback in Scottsdale more affordable and accessible for long-term use.
While home use requires coaching, careful assessment, and consistency, it’s a powerful option for those committed to results. This is particularly helpful since insurance rarely covers neurofeedback therapy.
What a Session Feels Like
So what is neurofeedback really like? Your first visit begins with an assessment. Mine lasted about 20 minutes. I was asked questions about my sleep, stress, anxiety, and anger levels. I chose to focus on sleep improvement because it was something I could easily measure over time.
After the assessment, personalized protocols are developed to help train the brain toward more efficient functioning. Sessions are gentle and safe. Some clients may feel a little overstimulated or sleepy afterward—but these effects are easily managed and adjusted by your provider.
At Redefine Wellness & Treatment, our neurofeedback Scottsdale team customizes care for each client to ensure maximum results and a smooth process.
Neurofeedback offers a gentle, non-invasive experience that calms and focuses the mind. During a session, a clinician applies sensors to your scalp to monitor your brainwaves while you sit comfortably and watch a screen or listen to audio. The system responds in real time—when your brain shifts into a more regulated state, the video or sound plays smoothly. If your brain activity drifts, the system briefly pauses the feedback to prompt your brain to self-correct. The process involves no pain or stimulation—nothing zaps you. Most people describe the experience as relaxing, almost meditative, and often walk away with a sense of quiet clarity. Over time, your brain naturally learns to stay balanced, making sessions feel easier and more effective.
Are there any side effects?
After a neurofeedback session, most people feel calm, focused, or pleasantly tired—similar to how you might feel after meditation or yoga. However, because the brain is learning and adjusting, some individuals may experience temporary symptoms as part of the regulation process. These can include mild fatigue, emotional sensitivity, vivid dreams, or slight headaches. Others might feel mentally “foggy” or overstimulated for a few hours, especially in early sessions. These responses are usually short-lived and indicate that the brain is engaging with the training. As sessions continue, these effects tend to lessen, and clients often notice improved sleep, mood stability, and greater mental clarity.
Why Redefine Wellness & Treatment for Neurofeedback in Scottsdale?
We combine the science of brain regulation with a compassionate, whole-person approach. Whether you’re struggling with poor sleep, trauma recovery, attention issues, or chronic stress, neurofeedback Scottsdale services at Redefine Wellness offer real solutions with lasting benefits. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
✅ Peer-Reviewed Sources:
- Arns, M., de Ridder, S., Strehl, U., Breteler, M., & Coenen, A. (2009). Efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in ADHD: the effects on inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 40(3), 180–189.
- Hammond, D. C. (2010). The Need for Individualized Protocols in Neurofeedback: Heterogeneity in QEEG Patterns Associated With Diagnoses and Symptoms. Journal of Neurotherapy, 14(2), 122–145.
- Coben, R., & Evans, J. R. (2010). Neurofeedback and Neuromodulation Techniques and Applications. Academic Press.
- La Vaque, T. J., Hammond, D. C., Trudeau, D., Monastra, V. J., Perry, J., Lehrer, P., & Sherman, R. (2002). Template for Developing Guidelines for the Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Psychophysiological Interventions. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 27(4), 273–281.
- van der Kolk, B. A., Hodgdon, H., Gapen, M., Musicaro, R., Suvak, M., & Spinazzola, J. (2016). A randomized controlled study of neurofeedback for chronic PTSD. PLoS ONE, 11(12), e0166752.
