Neurofeedback Protocols
Your brain produces different types of electrical waves depending on what you're doing and how you're feeling. Neurofeedback trains your brain to adjust those patterns.
"Enhance" means we're encouraging more of a particular brainwave. "Inhibit" means we're training the brain to produce less. Neither is good or bad on its own — it depends on what your brain needs right now.
1
Attention Training
Enhance: Lo-Beta (12–15 Hz) · Inhibit: Theta-B (4–8 Hz), Hi-Beta-B (20–30 Hz)
What it does
This protocol strengthens the brain's ability to stay focused and present. Lo-Beta, also called SMR (sensorimotor rhythm), is linked to calm, steady attention — the kind you need to listen in a meeting or follow a conversation without drifting.
Why it helps
When Theta waves are too high during tasks that require focus, you may feel foggy, daydreamy, or easily distracted. When Hi-Beta is too high, you might feel mentally "buzzy" — overthinking, restless, or anxious. This protocol aims to quiet both extremes while strengthening the focused middle ground.
Who it's for
Often used for ADHD, difficulty sustaining attention, or anyone who notices their mind wandering more than they'd like.
2
Chronic Pain
Enhance: Alpha-B (8–13 Hz)
What it does
This protocol encourages more Alpha wave activity. Alpha waves are connected to a relaxed, aware state — your brain's natural "idle" setting when you're calm but not asleep.
Why it helps
Chronic pain often disrupts the brain's ability to produce Alpha waves. The nervous system stays on high alert, which amplifies pain signals. By training the brain to produce more Alpha, this protocol supports the body's ability to dial down that heightened state.
Who it's for
Designed for people living with ongoing pain conditions — fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, nerve pain, or musculoskeletal pain that hasn't responded well to other approaches.
3
Enhance Alpha
Enhance: Alpha (8–12 Hz)
What it does
A straightforward protocol focused on boosting Alpha waves. Alpha activity reflects a calm, open awareness — present but not straining.
Why it helps
Low Alpha can show up as tension, difficulty unwinding, or a mind that won't stop running. This protocol helps the brain practice shifting into a more relaxed state without checking out entirely.
Who it's for
Useful for stress management, general well-being, creative work, or anyone who struggles to "turn off" at the end of the day.
4
Inhibit Theta & Enhance SMR
Enhance: Lo-Beta / SMR (12–15 Hz) · Inhibit: Theta (4–7 Hz)
What it does
This protocol reduces slow Theta waves while building up SMR (sensorimotor rhythm). SMR reflects a state of physical stillness combined with mental readiness — calm but sharp.
Why it helps
Excess Theta during waking hours often looks like brain fog, sluggishness, or zoning out. Strengthening SMR helps the brain stay in a focused gear without needing to rev into overdrive.
Who it's for
Commonly used for ADHD (especially the inattentive type), learning difficulties, or anyone who feels mentally "slow" even when they're trying hard to engage.
5
Inhibit Theta, High Beta & Enhance SMR
Enhance: Lo-Beta / SMR (12–15 Hz) · Inhibit: Hi-Beta (20–35 Hz), Theta (4–7 Hz)
What it does
A more targeted version of Protocol 4. It addresses both ends of the spectrum: too much slow-wave activity (Theta) and too much fast-wave activity (Hi-Beta), while strengthening the calm-focus zone in between.
Why it helps
Some brains run both too slow and too fast at the same time. That can feel like being exhausted and wired simultaneously — distracted but also anxious. This protocol works to stabilize both patterns.
Who it's for
Often used when attention difficulties and anxiety or rumination show up together. Common in ADHD with a co-occurring anxiety component.
6
Memory Improvement
Enhance: Fast Alpha (11–12 Hz) · Inhibit: Slow Alpha (8–9 Hz)
What it does
This protocol fine-tunes activity within the Alpha range itself. It encourages faster Alpha waves (associated with active recall and mental processing) while reducing slower Alpha (associated with idle or sluggish cognition).
Why it helps
Memory isn't just about storing information — it's about retrieving it efficiently. Fast Alpha supports the brain's ability to access and organize information quickly. Slow Alpha, when dominant, can feel like the information is there but you can't quite reach it.
Who it's for
Helpful for age-related cognitive concerns, brain fog after illness, or anyone who notices increasing difficulty with recall, word-finding, or mental sharpness.
7
Mood Improvement
Enhance: Beta (15–20 Hz) · Inhibit: Theta-Alpha (4–10 Hz), Hi-Beta-B (20–30 Hz)
What it does
This protocol supports emotional regulation by encouraging mid-range Beta activity — associated with engaged, positive thinking — while reducing both slow-wave drowsiness and high-frequency agitation.
Why it helps
Low mood often involves excess slow-wave activity (the brain is underactivated) alongside bursts of Hi-Beta (rumination, worry, self-criticism). This protocol works on both: gently increasing activation while calming the mental noise.
Who it's for
Used for depression, mood instability, low motivation, or emotional flatness. Can also support people navigating grief, burnout, or seasonal mood changes.
8
Performance Improvement
Enhance: Theta-B (4–8 Hz), Alpha (8–12 Hz) · Inhibit: Hi-Beta-B (20–30 Hz)
What it does
This protocol encourages both Theta and Alpha waves — the combination linked to flow states, creativity, and deep focus — while reducing excessive Hi-Beta, which disrupts performance with overthinking.
Why it helps
Peak performance doesn't come from pushing harder. It comes from getting out of your own way. When Theta and Alpha are working together and Hi-Beta is quiet, the brain enters a state where effort feels natural and thinking is fluid.
Who it's for
Popular with athletes, executives, musicians, and anyone looking to optimize mental performance. Also useful for people whose anxiety actively interferes with their ability to perform under pressure.
9
Relaxation Training
Enhance: Alpha (8–12 Hz) · Inhibit: Theta-B (4–8 Hz), Hi-Beta-B (20–30 Hz)
What it does
This protocol trains the brain toward calm, grounded awareness. It builds Alpha (relaxed wakefulness) while reducing Theta (so you don't fall asleep) and Hi-Beta (so the mind isn't racing).
Why it helps
True relaxation isn't just being still — it's a brain state. Many people have lost access to it. Their nervous system stays activated even when there's no real threat. This protocol helps the brain re-learn what genuine rest feels like.
Who it's for
Ideal for stress, anxiety, difficulty winding down, or people who feel "always on." Also helpful for those who've experienced trauma and struggle to feel safe enough to relax.
10
Sleep Improvement
Enhance: Lo-Beta / SMR (12–15 Hz)
What it does
This protocol focuses on building SMR during the day. It might seem counterintuitive — SMR is a waking rhythm — but strengthening it during daytime sessions helps the brain regulate its own transitions between wakefulness and sleep.
Why it helps
Sleep problems are often daytime problems. A brain that can't regulate its arousal during the day will struggle to wind down at night. SMR training teaches the brain how to shift gears, which makes the transition into sleep smoother and more natural.
Who it's for
Used for insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, or restless sleep. Also supports people coming off sleep medication who need their brain to re-learn independent sleep regulation.
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical diagnosis or treatment. Neurofeedback protocols are selected based on individual assessment. Your provider will choose and adjust protocols based on your specific brain activity, symptoms, and goals.
