Understanding qEEG Brain Mapping
Up until recently, mental health symptoms have been treated with subjective reports only. This means that your provider would offer treatment options (usually medication and/or therapy) based on how you tell them you feel.
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While we believe you are the only expert on you, we also recognize that subjective reports are complex. Human emotions change based on circumstances, genetic predispositions, diet, activity level, social interaction, environment...the list goes on.
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qEEG Brain Mapping offers a quantitative tool that helps us understand symptomology with a blend of data and self report. This helps both clients and practitioners receive a more clear and reliable perspective on how the brain is functioning before developing a treatment plan.
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Your therapist will be able to understand the unique reasons your symptoms associated with anxiety, depression and more may be showing up, then offer you scientifically proven modalities for support to help you feel better, faster.
What is a qEEG Brain Map?
qEEG stands for Quantitative Electroencephalography, which is a diagnostic tool that measures electrical activity in the form of brain wave patterns on the surface of the skull. This tool allows us to visualize and interpret the working and resting state of our brain in a way that no other non invasive modality can, with the exception of an fMRI which requires exposure to radiation.
This non-invasive and safe qEEG Brain Mapping process works by placing a cap on the individual's head which is embedded with 19 small electrodes. These electrodes then record the electrical impulses produced by the brain's activity, creating a visual representation or a map of the brain's functionality. qEEG Brain Mapping enables us to objectively evaluate an individual's brain function to see unique patterns that contribute to mental health symptoms.
What Can I Expect to Learn From My qEEG Brain Map?
Your qEEG Brain Map gives your therapist detailed insight into your brain’s functioning. By identifying deviations from 'normative' brain function, it helps in creating an accurate profile of your cognitive state. Here are a few things you can expect to learn from your Brain Map:

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Underlying neurophysiological contributors to your mental health condition. For example, if you have experienced a head injury that is currently contributing to symptoms, it will likely show on your brain map.
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Whether your brain patterns are consistent with patterns typically associated with ADHD, anxiety, depression, etc. ​​
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The brainwave patterns and mental state, such as being overly aroused, under aroused, or unstable, that show up while you are in a neutral resting state.

This information from neurofeedback brain mapping will be reviewed and interpreted with you in an easy to comprehend way. Then, it is used to guide your treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may be include therapeutic intervention, a customized neurofeedback program or referrals out to partnerships in functional medicine or pharmaceuticals for further evaluation.
What is the difference between a qEEG Brain Map and Neurofeedback?
To put it simply, a qEEG Brain Map is the assessment that measures electrical activity of the brain. During this assessment, brainwave activity is not being altered or trained.​
Neurofeedback therapy is the training portion of your program. Neurofeedback uses real-time displays of brain activity—most commonly in the form of qEEG, to teach self-regulation of brain function.
What should I expect during my qEEG Brain Mapping appointment?
During the qEEG Brain Mapping appointment, you'll be asked to wear a cap fitted with electrodes on your head. This feels like you are wearing a swim cap. You'll be seated in a quiet and comfortable space while these electrodes measure and record your brain's electrical activity for 10 minutes with your eyes open and 10 minutes with your eyes closed.

This is a painless and non-invasive procedure. We request that you relax, breathe normally and stay still. Blinking, excessive muscle tension and movement will interfere with your data. Your clinician will monitor the quality of the data while it is being collected and guide you through relaxation exercises as needed.

The data collected from this qEEG Brain Mapping procedure is then compared to normative databases, allowing clinicians to create a unique and detailed report about your brain function. This takes a few hours, so your clinician will schedule a second appointment to review results with you.

Understanding your mental health at the neurological level provides crucial information in devising the most effective therapeutic approach for you. This takes away guessing and failed attempts at treatment which we understand can create frustration.
