Anxiety & depression
When worries do not settle or mood remains persistently depleted, neurofeedback may support the self-regulation of the nervous system — gently, practically and as a complement to existing treatment.
Anxiety and depression from a neurobiological perspective
Anxiety disorders and depression are among the most common psychological burdens. In addition to psychological and social factors, neurobiological regulation patterns often also play a role.
In anxiety, prolonged states of alarm are common. In depression, exhaustion, rumination, sleep problems and a reduced ability for flexible self-regulation are often more prominent. These patterns can reinforce one another.
Typical burdens in anxiety
- Persistent inner restlessness: worries, tension, increased vigilance
- Panic-like states: suddenly occurring intense fear with strong physical symptoms
- Avoidance behaviour: social situations, routes or tasks become increasingly stressful
- Physical signs of stress: palpitations, shallow breathing, muscular tension, sleep problems
Typical burdens in depression
- Low mood: inner heaviness, loss of interest, reduced enjoyment
- Exhaustion and lack of drive: everyday tasks require disproportionate effort
- Rumination and concentration difficulties: thoughts keep circling, focus is difficult
- Sleep and recovery disturbances: too little, too much or non-restorative sleep
- Physical accompanying complaints: headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, muscular tension
How neurofeedback may help
ILF neurofeedback aims at the self-regulation of the central nervous system. The training is intended to help the brain switch more flexibly between activation and calm — exactly where dysregulation is often noticeable in anxiety or depression.
Possible changes over time may include:
- calmer thought flow and less pressure from rumination
- better emotion regulation during inner overload
- more stability in the sleep-wake rhythm
- more inner calm and resilience in everyday life
- a gradual improvement in recovery and self-perception
- less pronounced physical stress reactions
In research, ILF neurofeedback is examined in relation to topics such as functional connectivity and self-regulation. Even so, individual clinical context remains decisive.
Complementary — not a replacement
For anxiety and depression, I use neurofeedback as a complement, not as a replacement for medical or psychotherapeutic treatment.
- Alongside psychotherapy: neurofeedback may support regulation and resilience
- Alongside medication: decisions about medication belong exclusively in medical hands
- In coordination: when helpful, I am happy to work as a complement to your treating professionals
What is often experienced as helpful in everyday life
- Gentle approach: no active performance is required — you sit relaxed and observe
- Low in side effects: the method is non-medication-based and individually adjusted
- Practical: changes are often first noticed in sleep, tension or sensory stress processing
- Progress-oriented: symptoms and changes are observed systematically
- Home visits possible: especially in anxiety or severe exhaustion, this can be an important relief
- Integrated into occupational therapy: the focus remains on function, everyday life and stabilisation
Why home visits may make sense here
Lower barrier
With anxiety or lack of drive, even going outside may feel like too much. A home visit can reduce this burden.
Familiar environment
The training takes place in a setting you already know. This may support safety and regulation.
Predictable daily routine
Flexible appointments make it easier to integrate sessions during phases when energy, sleep or resilience fluctuate.
Frequently asked questions
Can neurofeedback replace my psychotherapy?
No. Neurofeedback is a complementary method. It may support self-regulation, but it does not replace psychotherapy or medical treatment.
Do I need to stop medication?
No. Changes to medication should only be discussed and decided with your treating physician.
How many sessions are useful for anxiety or depression?
That depends on the symptom pattern, duration and overall treatment context. Initial changes sometimes appear relatively early, but a reliable assessment usually requires several sessions and calm follow-up.
Is neurofeedback also suitable for panic attacks?
It may be useful as a complement when the nervous system reacts strongly with alarm. Careful assessment and a gentle build-up are especially important in cases of high tension or instability.
The first step can be gentle
In a calm initial consultation, we clarify together whether neurofeedback may be a useful complement in your situation and what the next suitable step could be.