Neurofeedback
brain training, EEG biofeedback, brainwave regulation
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive form of brain training that uses real-time feedback on brain activity to help improve attention, emotional regulation, and mental performance.
MoreLess
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback measures your brain’s electrical activity using small sensors placed on your scalp. That activity is then fed back to you in real time, usually through a screen or sound.
During a session, you sit and watch or listen while the feedback responds to what your brain is doing. You’re not solving anything or being tested. The idea is that your brain starts to recognise what’s working better and does more of that.
Sessions are quiet and usually done seated. They’re used in clinical settings for things like ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and sleep issues, and also by people who want to improve how they think and perform.
You don’t need to control your thoughts or try to make anything happen. The feedback is there, and your brain responds to it in the background.
Curious what your brain might do with real-time feedback? Read on.
Bursts that feature neurofeedback
Wellbeing benefits
Why neurofeedback is good for you
Neurofeedback uses feedback to train your brain, and with repeated sessions, people often notice changes in how they think, respond, and handle pressure. The effects are usually subtle at first, but they can increase with practice.
Several neurofeedback studies found that healthy adults could improve amygdala self-regulation during emotion-based tasks, with related improvements in emotional regulation and emotion identification, and a later review concluded that this kind of training is feasible in healthy adults (Zotev et al., 2014; Simões et al., 2020; Ciccarelli et al., 2023).
A meta-analysis of 16 studies found that alpha-band neurofeedback improved working memory accuracy in healthy adults, pointing to stronger sustained attention, and another review also noted consistent gains in attention across EEG and fMRI protocols (Yeh et al., 2021; Thibault et al., 2018).
Research summarised in a recent review found that neurofeedback reduced stress markers and helped military trainees recover more quickly after acute stress, suggesting it can strengthen how well people cope with pressure and bounce back from it (Keynan et al., 2019, as cited in Ciccarelli et al., 2023).
Studies gathered in a review found that learning to influence your own brain activity increased perceived self-efficacy and confidence, suggesting neurofeedback can strengthen self-belief even when self-esteem is not measured directly (Thibault et al., 2018).
A review found that some neurofeedback protocols increased positive mood and feelings of joy during or shortly after the session, though it is still unclear how well those effects last over time (Zotev et al., 2014; Zotev et al., 2018a; Ciccarelli et al., 2023).
Common styles
Neurofeedback is usually done either with a practitioner or at home using dedicated equipment. Here are the main versions you’re likely to come across:
This is the most common type. Small sensors are placed on your scalp to measure brain activity, and you get feedback through a screen, game, or sound. The aim is to train the brain towards activity linked to things like attention, calm, or regulation.
Short for hemoencephalography, this method tracks blood flow or oxygen use in certain parts of the brain. It’s often used in work focused on cognitive performance and sometimes in cases like migraines, ADHD, or head injury.
This is a more passive form of neurofeedback. The equipment reads brain activity and delivers very low-level electromagnetic signals in response. You don’t need to watch or interact with anything. It’s sometimes used for people who find standard neurofeedback too intense or overstimulating.
Some people start with wearable headbands or app-based devices at home. These are usually built for relaxation, attention, or meditation support. They can be a useful starting point, but they are not as precise or tailored as clinic-based equipment.
Self-led, one-on-one, or in a group
Whether you use neurofeedback at home or with a practitioner, here’s what each option can look like.
Recommendation for first-timer
2nd pick
A growing option, especially with home-use equipment. It gives you more flexibility, but beginners may miss the guidance and troubleshooting that can make the process easier to understand.
1st pick
This is usually the best place to start. A practitioner can set things up properly, explain what’s happening, and make changes based on how you respond. That support can be especially useful when you’re new.
Not picked
Group formats are not a standard fit for neurofeedback. Sessions usually need individual setup, monitoring, and feedback tailored to one person at a time.
Availability
Moderately
Home-use equipment is becoming more available, but it usually requires buying or renting a device, which involves a cost.
Widely
Neurofeedback is available through clinics, wellness centres, and some therapy practices. You’ll usually need to book ahead.
Not picked
n/a
Average cost per session
Free or low cost
Ongoing use can be low-cost once you have access to equipment. Some options charge per session or by subscription. This does not include the upfront cost of the device.
Expensive
Most 1:1 sessions are likely to cost around $100 to $200 AUD per session, depending on the practitioner, location, and what’s included.
Not picked
n/a
Special equipment required
Costly equipment
$500–$2,500+ AUD (purchase) or $650–$950 AUD/month (rental)
You’ll need access to a home-use neurofeedback system. That typically includes sensors, a headset or EEG cap, and compatible software. Some platforms offer rentals with remote support, while others require you to purchase outright.
None or minimal
The practitioner provides the equipment needed for the session, including sensors and software.
Not picked
n/a
Potential for socialisation & community
Mostly solo
This is usually done on your own, with little to no interaction with others.
Social potential
You’ll have regular contact with your practitioner, but there’s little interaction with other people.
Not picked
n/a
Safety & skill building
Mixed results
Home-use equipment is designed to be safe, but without guidance it can be harder to understand what’s happening or troubleshoot problems as they come up.
Safe & fast
A practitioner can guide the session, explain what’s happening, and monitor how you respond. That support can make the process safer and easier to learn.
Not picked
n/a
Space or privacy required
Minimal
Most home systems need a quiet room, a comfortable chair and stable Wi-Fi. Very little space is needed to get started.
Some required
Sessions take place in a private clinic room or therapy office. You’ll have personal space, but it’s still a shared environment.
Not picked
n/a
Ease of scheduling
Very flexible
You can choose when to do a session, which makes it easier to fit around your day.
Need to plan
You’ll need to book around your practitioner’s availability, so it can take a bit more planning.
Not picked
n/a
Setup time
Up to 30 mins
Initial setup includes connecting the system, placing sensors correctly and calibrating the software. Gets quicker with practice.
Little to none
The practitioner handles setup. You may be asked to stay still or follow cues, but there’s no prep required from you.
Not picked
n/a
Active practice time
Over 30 mins
Session length can vary, but most are around 30 to 60 minutes depending on how you’re using the equipment.
Over 30 mins
Most sessions run for around 45 minutes to an hour, including setup, training, and a short check-in.
Not picked
n/a
Unexpected advantages
Actually useful
You can do your sessions in familiar surroundings, which may help you relax and stay consistent.
Actually useful
Working with a practitioner can help you make sense of subtle changes you might otherwise dismiss or miss.
Not picked
n/a
Academic research we rate
- Neurofeedback with fMRI: A critical systematic review
Full citationHide citation
- A systematic review of the psychological factors that influence neurofeedback learning outcomes
Full citationHide citation
- EEG‐neurofeedback and executive function enhancement in healthy adults: A systematic review
Full citationHide citation
- Neurofeedback for Pain Management: A Systematic Review
Full citationHide citation
- The Potential of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy-Based Neurofeedback—A Systematic Review and Recommendations for Best Practice
Full citationHide citation
Show all 10 studiesShow fewer studies
- Neurofeedback as supplementary training for optimizing athletes’ performance: A systematic review with implications for future research
Full citationHide citation
- Neurofeedback of Alpha Activity on Memory in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Full citationHide citation
- The Effect of Neurofeedback on the Reaction Time and Cognitive Performance of Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Full citationHide citation
- Simultaneous real-time EEG-fMRI neurofeedback: A systematic review
Full citationHide citation
- SMR Neurofeedback Training Facilitates Working Memory Performance in Healthy Older Adults: A Behavioral and EEG Study
Full citationHide citation
Safety
You might be wondering what actually happens in a neurofeedback session. Most sessions involve sitting in a chair, wearing a few sensors, and watching or listening to something on a screen. It looks pretty simple from the outside, but a lot is happening without you needing to do anything. Before you begin, here’s what you’re likely to come across and what to keep in mind.
- Listen to your body, start gradually and practise with care to minimise risks. If you are pregnant or have a health condition, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider.
- If you’re new to neurofeedback, starting with a qualified practitioner can make the process easier to understand and monitor.
- If you’re using home equipment, follow the instructions carefully.
- Start with shorter sessions until you know how you respond.
What you might experience
You walk into a quiet room, and the practitioner pulls out a small tray of sensors. It’s not scary, but it does feel a bit sci-fi. You’re asked to sit still while they place sensors on your scalp. There are no shocks or needles. Just cool gel and a light touch. This gives them a starting point for the session.
You’re shown an animation, a game, or a simple moving image. As you sit there, the screen responds to your brain activity. You’re not being told what to do. Your brain is responding to the feedback in real time.
Partway through, you might start to feel more relaxed. Your breathing slows and your muscles let go a little. It isn’t meditation, and it isn’t sleep, but it sits somewhere in between. This can be a common part of the experience.
The sound softens or the screen flickers, and you realise it’s reacting to you. You’re not doing anything on purpose, but something is happening. It’s subtle and a bit strange, but also interesting to notice.
The session ends without anything dramatic. You might not notice a big difference straight away, but your thinking feels a bit easier and your body more settled. It’s not loud progress, but it can increase with repeated sessions.
What Neurofeedback looks like
Work things out
Want to try neurofeedback alongside some other activities?
You don't have to build a routine from scratch. Every Burst is a ready-made plan you can schedule in a couple of taps.