Frequently asked questions about neurofeedback and PNEI

NeurOptimal® uses the world's leading Dynamical Neurofeedback® system. where your brain receives feedback about its own activity, so that it can better learn to regulate itself. During training, sensors measure brain activity and the brain receives direct feedback via brief interruptions in music or sound. The system does not control or correct anything, but provides the brain with information about sudden changes. As a result, the nervous system can find a new balance on its own without the need for diagnoses, protocols, or medication.

At Brain-Fit, we use NeurOptimal® as a gentle, non-linear form of Neurofeedback. The aim is not to control or correct the brain, but to support the nervous system in greater flexibility, calm, focus, and resilience.

Neurofeedback at Brain-Fit is often used for complaints where the brain and nervous system have become out of balance. Think about Concussion injury (post-concussion syndrome), burnout, Stress, sleep problems, anxiety, ADHD, ADD, concentration problems., post-COVID, overstimulation and headaches or migraines.

Many clients find that their symptoms affect their energy levels, sensory processing, concentration, sleep or emotional stability. Neurofeedback is not a medical treatment or diagnosis, but a form of training that supports the brain’s self-regulatory capacity. At Brain-Fit, we combine this with guidance based on the PNEI approach, so that we also take into account lifestyle, recovery demands and physical factors.

Neurofeedback can offer support in the recovery from a concussion (post-concussion syndrome) by aiding in the restoration of calm, sensory processing, and concentration. Following a concussion, symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, overstimulation, poor sleep, concentration difficulties, and mental slowness can persist for a long time. This is often Post-commotional syndrome called.
At Brain-Fit, we examine how the brain and nervous system react to load. NeurOptimal® neurofeedback provides the brain with information to respond more flexibly. Additionally, we focus on recovery rate, energy distribution, nutrition, sleep, and stress regulation from a PNEI perspective.

Neurofeedback can be burnout to offer support by training the brain towards more rest, recovery, and resilience. In cases of burnout, the nervous system is often under pressure for a long time. People then experience, for example, extreme fatigue, poor sleep, concentration problems, overstimulation, rumination, feelings of panic, or difficulty processing stimuli.
At Brain-Fit, we use NeurOptimal® neurofeedback as a form of brain training, not as a quick fix. The aim is to provide the brain with information that enables it to switch more efficiently between exertion and recovery. From a PNEI perspective, we also look at factors such as sleep, nutrition, stress levels, energy distribution and recovery.

Neurofeedback can be stress supporting by training the brain to more easily switch back to rest and recovery. In the case of prolonged stress, the nervous system often remains overactive, which can lead to symptoms such as tension, rumination, fatigue, irritability, concentration problems, headaches and poor sleep.
At Brain-Fit, we use NeurOptimal® neurofeedback as a gentle form of brain training. The system provides the brain with feedback on sudden changes in activity, enabling it to learn to regulate itself more effectively. From the PNEI perspective, we also look at stress levels, sleep, breathing, nutrition, recovery periods and lifestyle. This creates a broader approach to achieving greater calm, resilience and balance.

Neurofeedback can be Sleep problems offering support by teaching the brain to relax more easily and switch better between activity and relaxation. Many people with sleep problems experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up early, ruminating, restlessness in the body, or waking up unrefreshed. These complaints often occur with stress, burnout, ADHD, overstimulation, post-COVID and recovery after concussion.

At Brain-Fit, we use NeurOptimal® neurofeedback to support the brain's self-regulating capacity. Additionally, we examine factors influencing sleep from a PNEI perspective, such as stress hormones, nutrition, evening routines, stimulus load, and daytime recovery moments.

Yes, NeurOptimal® neurofeedback is a safe and non-invasive training method where nothing is inserted into the body. The sensors on the head only measure brain activity. They do not send current, stimuli, or commands to the brain. The system records changes and provides feedback via sound or image.

Because the training is gentle and passive, NeurOptimal® is often found to be pleasant by adults, children and people who are sensitive to stimuli. However, after the first sessions, some people may experience fatigue, sleepiness, or, conversely, increased clarity. At Brain-Fit, we always discuss your complaints, resilience and expectations in advance.

Most clients undergo an average of 10 to 20 neurofeedback sessions, but the exact number varies per person and per issue. Someone with mild stress complaints may react differently than someone with long-term burnout, PCS, post-COVID, or severe overstimulation. Sleep, lifestyle, medication, recovery burden, and general health also play a role.

By Brain-Fit During the course of treatment, we regularly assess your reactions to the training. Some clients then opt for maintenance sessions, for example, once every few months. The goal is not to complete a fixed protocol, but to train in a way that suits your brain, pace, and symptoms.

Most clients train once a week, but sometimes training twice a week or at home may be more appropriate. The correct frequency depends on your symptoms, capacity, schedule and recovery goals. With stress, burnout, concussion or overstimulation, it is important that the pace remains achievable and does not cause too much extra strain.

Brain-Fit offers on-site sessions in Hillegom and Amstelveen. It is also possible to book a NeurOptimal® home system for rent, so you can train more often in your own environment. During the intake, we will discuss which frequency best suits your situation.

After a neurofeedback session, many people feel calmer, clearer, and more balanced, depending on how their brain responds to the training. Fatigue or sleepiness can occur, especially in the initial sessions. This is usually a normal reaction, as the brain is processing information and learning to recognise new patterns.

Some clients notice more relaxation, better sleep, less sensitivity to stimuli, or more focus. Others only notice a difference after several sessions. Brain-Fit We closely follow your response after each training session. This allows us to tailor the journey effectively to your complaints, energy levels, and recovery pace.

NeurOptimal® neurofeedback typically does not have severe side effects, but temporary reactions such as fatigue, sleepiness, or emotional sensitivity can occur. Because the brain processes information during and after training, your system may need some time to adjust. This is comparable to training your body: it is not your muscles, but your brain that is challenged to function more efficiently.

At Brain-Fit, we ask after each session how you have responded. If you are sensitive to stimuli, have burnout complaints or are recovering from a concussion, we will tailor the pace extra carefully. Neurofeedback does not replace medical care when it is needed.

PNEI stands for Psycho-Neuro-Endocrino-Immunology and looks at the coherence between the brain, nervous system, hormones, immune system, behaviour, and lifestyle. With chronic complaints, there is often not one single cause, but an interaction between multiple systems. For example, stress can influence sleep, hormones, inflammatory responses, energy, and concentration.

At Brain-Fit, we use the PNEI vision as supplementary guidance alongside neurofeedback. We use the PNEI vision to look beyond just the complaint. We do this, among other things, by having you complete the Neuro-4 profile test. This test provides insight into possible underlying factors that influence your complaints and recovery. We look at factors such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, breathing, recovery load, and stress regulation. This creates a broader approach that is suitable for people with burnout, concussion injury (PCS), post-COVID, overstimulation, or long-term physical complaints.

Based on this, we look at what support is appropriate, so that the body can better utilise its own recovery capacity. In this way, we work step by step towards more rest, balance, and resilience.

You can support the results of neurofeedback by paying close attention to sleep, nutrition, exercise, relaxation, and recovery periods. The brain functions better when it receives sufficient energy, rest, and building blocks. This is especially true for burnout., stress, Lifestyle can play a big part in recovery from concussion, post-COVID, or sleep problems.

At Brain-Fit, you’ll receive tailored advice based on the PNEI vision. This can cover nutrition, breathing, load management, movement, supplements, or sensory management. The aim isn't to change everything at once, but to choose achievable steps that support your brain and nervous system.

The results of Neurofeedback can be lasting, especially when the brain has been able to sufficiently strengthen new patterns and your lifestyle supports the recovery. For complaints that have existed for a long time, such as stress, burnout, sleep problems, or concentration problems, patterns are often deeply ingrained. Repeated training can help to stabilise new responses.

However, a period of high stress, trauma, illness, or sleep deprivation can trigger symptoms again. This is why some clients opt for maintenance sessions. At Brain-Fit, we not only focus on symptom reduction but also on relapse prevention, resilience, and recovery behaviour.

Neurofeedback doesn't work the same for everyone., because every brain, every set of symptoms and every level of resilience is different. Some clients notice a quick improvement in sleep, rest, focus or sensory processing. For others, the process is more gradual, or more guidance is needed regarding lifestyle, stress, recovery load or physical factors.

Brain-Fit therefore does not work with a standard promise, but with a personal approach. During the intake, we discuss your complaints, goals, and expectations. Throughout the programme, we evaluate what is changing and what still requires attention. Neurofeedback is a training of the brain, not a guarantee of a cure.

Neurofeedback sessions are often partially reimbursed by complementary health insurance, depending on your policy and health insurance provider. This treatment is not covered by basic health insurance and is provided through alternative or complementary healthcare. This means you do not have to pay the excess, but the terms and conditions vary depending on the insurer and the supplementary package.

Brain-Fit advises you to check your policy beforehand or contact your health insurer. You will find the details to use for this on the rates page. This way, you will have a better idea of your financial situation in advance.

Brain-Fit has Locations in Hillegom and Amstelveen and supports clients from Haarlem, Leiden, Hoofddorp, Haarlemmermeer, Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Almere, North Holland and South Holland, among others. The location in Hillegom is of interest to people from the Bulb Region, Haarlem, Leiden, Hoofddorp and South Holland. The location in Amstelveen is easily accessible for clients from Amsterdam, Aalsmeer, Almere, Amstelveen and surrounding areas and North Holland.

For people who prefer to train at home or live further away, it can Rent a NeurOptimal® home system to be an option. During the.

People choose Brain-Fit because neurofeedback is combined with personal guidance and a broader PNEI (Psycho-Neuro-Endo-Immunology) vision of recovery. Many clients present not just with one complaint, but with a combination of fatigue, stress, poor sleep, overstimulation, concentration problems, headaches or emotional unrest.

Brain-Fit Therefore, it looks at the brain and at factors influencing the nervous system, such as sleep, nutrition, stress load, recovery pace, and lifestyle. Additionally, there are locations in Hillegom and Amstelveen, and training at home is possible. The approach is personal, calm, and tailored to your resilience.