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What is neurofeedback? How NeurOptimal® works at home
A plain-language guide to neurofeedback, what a session at home is like, and what to expect over a rental.
By Nigel Barnim, MSc Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), founder of Hamilton Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback in plain terms
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, research-supported brain training based on the principles of neuroplasticity and operant conditioning. It detects the electrical activity of your brain using electroencephalography (EEG) and gives you clear, immediate feedback about changes in your brain activity.
By repeatedly noticing feedback about its own activity (literally neuro-feedback), your brain makes thousands of small adjustments about what type of activity to engage in.
How NeurOptimal® works
The rental system is NeurOptimal® neurofeedback. It gives feedback through sound: a small interruption in the song you're listening to each time your brain makes a rapid change in activity.
Think of it like the rumble strips on a highway. Each time your brain suddenly changes, you get feedback, and your brain has the chance to self-correct. Over time your brain internalizes this feedback and learns to function more effectively. There's nothing to do but sit back and listen.
What a session at home is like
Before you start
A free phone consult answers your questions and includes a screening to make sure neurofeedback will be safe and helpful. Then a free 1-on-1 setup session shows you how to run it.
During a session
Sit somewhere comfortable, clip the sensors to your ears and scalp, put on headphones and press play. Read, rest or close your eyes for about 30 minutes.
After a session
Most people feel relaxed, calm and clear-headed, similar to meditation. There's no homework: just notice how you feel in the days after.
What clients commonly report
- Stress reduction: relief from daily stress and tension
- Calmer mind: less anxiety and more relaxation
- Mood: a steadier, more positive mood
- Focus: better concentration, less distractibility
- Sleep: better sleep patterns and quality
- Performance: in sports, work and play
How long until you notice a difference?
It takes about 5–10 sessions to begin noticing results. About 10–20% of clients notice significant changes in 1–2 sessions. People who respond typically first feel calm, present and less reactive in the 1–2 days after a session, and these effects deepen and last longer over time.
A full course is often around 30 sessions, after which the brain no longer needs sessions to keep the change; this varies from person to person. At 4–5 sessions a week, a 1-month rental covers 15–20 sessions.
Does it work for everyone?
No. Just like medication or psychotherapy, not everyone responds to neurofeedback. Around 10–20% of clients report no noticeable response after 10 sessions. That's why every rental has a 10-session guarantee: no changes after 10 sessions, and you get a refund for your unused time.
Is it safe?
Neurofeedback is like exercise for your brain. Some people feel tired, out of it, or get a headache after their first sessions. These effects are rare (less than 10% of clients), pass within 24 hours, and tend to stop after the first few sessions.
Is it a medical treatment?
No. There is a growing body of research on neurofeedback, and it generally falls under complementary and alternative approaches. NeurOptimal® is a training tool and does not diagnose, treat, mitigate, prevent or cure any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state.
Learn more
- NeurOptimal® research page (choose "International" on their site)
- A Symphony in the Brain by Jim Robbins, a readable introduction to neurofeedback
- Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma by Sebern Fisher
- Talks and podcasts by Nigel Barnim including the 2026 McMaster neuroscience conference
- In-clinic neurofeedback in Hamilton and Burlington
Try it at home in Toronto
1-month rentals from $999 $899.10 + HST with 10% off for a limited time. Free drop-off within 5 days.