When was Neurofeedback first developed?

Neurofeedback research began in 1965 with experiments on cats by American researcher Barry Sterman. By 1971, it was introduced to humans, initially for treating epilepsy. Studies in 1978 showed it could reduce seizures by 65%. Later, researchers discovered its effectiveness in treating ADHD/ADD.

Does your clinic accept OHIP coverage?

As a private clinic, we do not accept an OHIP card. However, some private insurance plans may cover part or all of the training sessions. You can also request a quote from our specialists for more details.

How Much Does It Cost?

File Opening – $25
A non-refundable fee to open your file and begin the process.

Phase 1 – Initial Consultation & Brain Activity Assessment (QEEG) – $650
Your journey starts with a comprehensive interview and a detailed analysis of your brain activity using QEEG. This assessment helps us design a customized neurofeedback program tailored to your needs.

Phase 2 – Personalized Neurofeedback Training
Based on your assessment, you will follow a specialized training protocol aligned with your goals. A standard program includes 15 neurofeedback sessions, scheduled 1 to 3 times per week, depending on availability. Each session costs $120 (e.g., $120 x 15 sessions).

Insurance Coverage & Quotes
Some private insurance providers may cover part or all of the neurofeedback training costs. You can also request a personalized quote from our specialists.

To schedule a free consultation, click here.

Who Are the Specialists Supporting Us?

Our team consists of psychotherapists and social workers who are members of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). They are certified in Neurofeedback and have expertise in reading and analyzing brain activity (EEG) to provide personalized care and effective treatment.

Do We Provide a Medical Diagnosis?

No, we do not provide medical diagnoses. Our evaluation focuses on identifying specific brain regions and parameters that need training through Neurofeedback to support the client's well-being and improve brain function.

What Is the Difference Between Traditional Neurofeedback Systems and the 19-Electrode System Used at Rhyme Clinic?

Traditional Neurofeedback systems focus on analyzing and training a single brain area at a time, roughly the size of a $1 coin. In contrast, the 19-electrode system used at Rhyme Clinic can simultaneously read, analyze, and train 2,400 locations across the brain. This advanced technology provides a 3D view of brain activity and enhances communication between different brain regions. While this system requires more expertise and is more costly, it delivers faster and more effective results and allows for intervention in a wider range of conditions.

What Can You Expect During the Evaluation?

First Appointment:

You will begin with a 30-minute consultation with a psychotherapist, where you will discuss your concerns, symptoms, and goals for the process. Following this, a 30-minute electroencephalogram (EEG) will be conducted to record your brain activity. This completes your initial visit.

Data Analysis & Report Preparation:

After your appointment, we will analyze the EEG data and compile a detailed report. This report includes images of your brain activity and explanations of how different brain regions may be contributing to your concerns. It will also outline a personalized Neurofeedback training plan tailored to your needs.

Second Appointment:

During your follow-up session (approximately 30 minutes), the psychotherapist will review the results with you and explain your training plan. After this session, you’ll be ready to begin your Neurofeedback journey!

Should I Stop Taking My Medication Before the Evaluation?

We do not provide recommendations on whether to continue or stop your medication. Most medications do not significantly impact brain activity. For health and safety reasons, it is not advised to stop taking medication before the evaluation.

Some individuals may choose to skip their psychostimulant on the day of the assessment to obtain a more natural reading of their brain activity. However, this is a personal decision that must always be made in consultation with your doctor.

Can Neurofeedback Be Combined with Other Therapies for Attention and Focus?
Absolutely. Neurofeedback works well as a complementary approach alongside other treatments. It can be integrated with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), enhancing the development of coping strategies and behavioural skills for managing attention and focus difficulties. Additionally, it can be used in combination with medication =, often helping to improve outcomes and, in some cases, allowing for reduced reliance on medication.

Can I Consume Alcohol or Cannabis Before My Sessions?

It is recommended to avoid alcohol or Cannabis for at least 48 hours before a neurofeedback session. Regarding cannabis, if it is used for therapeutic purposes, you must inform the technologist beforehand. This allows for adjustments to the training protocol to account for its effects on brain activity.

Are the Improvements Sustainable?

The sustainability of neurofeedback results depends on individual factors and the specific condition being treated. Critical review studies (Garcia Pimenta et al., 2021; Fan et al., 2022) have demonstrated the long-term effectiveness and durability of neurofeedback, particularly for ADHD in both children and adults.

Does Neurofeedback Training Have Side Effects?

Neurofeedback is generally considered safe and non-invasive, with minimal side effects. Some individuals may experience mild fatigue, temporary headaches, or slight emotional shifts after sessions, as the brain adapts to new patterns of regulation. These effects are typically short-lived, similar to how one might feel after mental exercise.

Do You Use Needles?

No, Neurofeedback does not involve needles or skin punctures. Instead, we use plastic syringes to apply a small amount of conductive gel between the scalp and the electrode. This gel helps establish an electrical connection, allowing the electrode to accurately capture brain signals, even through hair.

Does Neurofeedback Deliver Electric Shocks?

No, Neurofeedback does not administer electric shocks. The electrodes are solely used as sensors to detect the brain's natural electrical activity. They do not send out any current or stimulation but instead function like antennas, passively recording brain signals.

Can Neurofeedback Enhance Sports Performance?

Yes, Neurofeedback can help improve athletic performance by optimizing brain function. Research (de Brito et al., 2022) has shown that Neurofeedback training significantly reduces reaction time (Mikicin et al., 2015) and enhances cognitive performance in athletes (Domingos et al., 2020), leading to measurable improvements in overall performance.

Can Neurofeedback Increase IQ?

Yes, research suggests that Neurofeedback can enhance cognitive abilities and IQ. Studies (Chung et al., 2022) have shown that individuals who completed over 30 Neurofeedback sessions experienced significant improvements in IQ and cognitive skills. This effect is particularly evident in children, as demonstrated in studies by Ölçüoğlu et al. (2024) and Becerra et al. (2006).

Is Neurofeedback Effective for Sleep Difficulties or Insomnia?

Yes, Neurofeedback has been shown to improve sleep quality. Sleep issues are widespread, with nearly one-third of adults worldwide experiencing dissatisfaction with their sleep, and around 6%-13% meeting the criteria for insomnia disorder. Research (Lambert-Beaudet et al., 2021) has demonstrated that Neurofeedback training can lead to significant improvements in sleep patterns and overall sleep quality.

Is Neurofeedback effective for ADHD?
Yes. Neurofeedback is considered a highly effective treatment for attention disorders. According to the Evidence-Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback (2016), it is classified at the highest level of efficacy for treating ADHD.

Is Neurofeedback effective for Anxiety and PTSD?
Yes. Many recent studies, including Micoulaud-Franchi et al. (2021), support the effectiveness of neurofeedback in reducing symptoms of anxiety and PTSD. By helping regulate brain activity, neurofeedback can promote emotional balance, calm the nervous system, and improve resilience to stress.