Common questions

Your questions, clearly answered

Understandable, carefully worded and transparently placed in context. If your question is not listed, we are happy to clarify it in the free initial consultation.

About neurofeedback

What exactly is ILF neurofeedback?

ILF neurofeedback (Infra-Low Frequency) is a modern form of brain training in which your brain learns to regulate its own activity more stably. Sensors on the scalp measure activity in real time and a computer reflects it back as visual feedback, usually as a film or animation.

A feature of the Othmer method: work is done with very slow frequency ranges below 0.1 Hz, which are associated with basic self-regulation. All training is carried out with medically tested devices.

Important: neurofeedback is a complementary method and does not replace medical or psychotherapeutic treatment.

What is the three-protocol model (ILF + Synchrony + alpha-theta)?

Depending on your concern, three coordinated training forms may be used:

1. ILF neurofeedback — the foundation. Supports the basic self-regulation of the nervous system.

2. Synchrony training — supports coordination between different brain regions for more calm and stable focus.

3. Alpha-theta training — used only when sufficient stability is in place and such a step seems therapeutically appropriate.

The build-up is gradual and individual so that your system is not overwhelmed.

What is Synchrony training?

Synchrony training supports the coordinated activity of different brain regions. The aim is a calmer focus, more inner quiet and better connectivity. Many clients describe the state as calm, collected and relieving.

What is alpha-theta training?

The alpha-theta protocol works in the transitional area between waking and sleep. In this state the brain may be able to process emotional experiences more gently. It is used as a complement to trauma psychotherapy or with deeper emotional strain — not as a stand-alone trauma therapy.

More on application with trauma & PTSD

Is neurofeedback scientifically researched?

In medicine, "proven" is rarely a meaningful absolute. What matters is whether controlled studies, meta-analyses and clinical experience are available. For neurofeedback there is a growing base of these.

The most strongly studied area is ADHD. For further topics such as trauma/PTSD, anxiety and depression, sleep difficulties and burnout and chronic stress there are also study indications and clinical experience, with evidence density varying by area of application.

Key papers: Fuchs et al. (2003), Gani et al. (2008), Van Doren et al. (2018), Klotzbier (2022), Dobrushina et al. (2020). More on the scientific background

How does ILF differ from classical neurofeedback?

Classical neurofeedback specifically trains individual frequency bands with more fixed protocols.

ILF neurofeedback works in the ultra-slow range below 0.1 Hz and focuses more on the self-regulation of the nervous system as a whole. The training is implicit — your brain learns on its own, without conscious effort.

How does a session unfold?

A session usually lasts about 60 minutes: a brief welcome and symptom check, preparation with electrodes, training and debrief. You sit or lie comfortably. The procedure is non-invasive and painless.

More on the process of ILF neurofeedback

What is symptom tracking?

From the first session onwards we jointly document your symptoms, their severity and their course across the whole support. This is helpful because changes often appear gradually and on different levels — for example in sleep, mood, energy, focus or resilience.

How many sessions do I need?

The number of sessions cannot be predicted across the board. It depends on your concern, starting point and regularity.

Orientation values from clinical experience:

  • Milder concerns: approx. 10-15 sessions
  • Moderate symptoms: approx. 20-30 sessions
  • Chronic complaints or trauma: approx. 30-60 sessions

These values are for orientation only — your personal course may differ.

Are there side effects?

ILF neurofeedback is non-invasive and medication-free — no pulses are delivered, only measurements and feedback. Possible mild reactions include tiredness, slight head pressure, temporary mood fluctuations or changes in sleep during the first 1-2 days.

For which concerns can neurofeedback be used?

Possible areas of application include ADHD/ADD, anxiety, depression, burnout and chronic stress, trauma/PTSD, sleep difficulties, migraine or concentration difficulties.

Important: neurofeedback does not replace medical or psychotherapeutic treatment. More on ADHD · More on burnout · More on trauma · More on anxiety & depression

Are there contraindications?

Not recommended in acute psychosis, acute suicidal crisis, uncontrolled severe epilepsy or acute intoxication. In the initial consultation we carefully clarify whether the method is appropriate for you.

Costs, prescription & billing

How much does a session cost?

ILF session 60 min: €100 · Alpha-theta 50-60 min: €110 · First appointment 60-75 min: €100 (complementary diagnostics optional). Package of 10 sessions: €1,199. Package of 20: €2,199. Initial consultation: free. Travel fee: €15-35.

To the price overview

Does the health insurer cover the costs?

Private insurance (PKV): many private plans cover occupational therapy as a remedy. On request I am happy to provide a cost estimate in advance. → Checklist for clarifying with private insurers

Self-payers: direct billing without a prescription.

Statutory insurance (GKV): neurofeedback can be used within occupational therapy. This usually requires a prescription for "psychological-functional treatment".

Do I need a prescription from a doctor?

Statutorily insured: yes — usually a therapy prescription for occupational therapy. Ask your doctor for "psychological-functional treatment".

Privately insured: a medical prescription is often recommended for reimbursement.

Self-payers: no prescription needed — you can start directly.

→ Guide to obtaining a prescription

Which doctor issues the prescription?

Any doctor with statutory insurance approval can prescribe occupational therapy. Common prescribers are paediatricians, GPs, psychiatrists or neurologists. Since 2021 psychotherapists can also prescribe for certain diagnoses.

What happens if I want to stop early?

You can end the support at any time. For packages, sessions already delivered are billed at the agreed conditions and the remainder is reconciled accordingly.

Process & home visits

Do you come to my home?

Yes. I work mobile in the Hanover area within a radius of about 30 km. This saves travel and allows the training to take place in familiar surroundings.

What do I need for the home visit?

A quiet room, a comfortable seat or couch, a power outlet and about 60-75 minutes. I bring all the equipment.

How should I prepare?

Before: wash hair clean, ideally without styling products; drink enough water; try not to arrive completely exhausted. During: sit or lie relaxed. After: if possible allow some quiet time and pay attention to good sleep.

About me & privacy

What are your qualifications?

State-recognised occupational therapist with specialist certificates in Beemedic ILF neurofeedback and the alpha-theta protocol. In addition, further therapeutic training and extensive practical experience with ADHD, anxiety, depression, burnout and trauma.

More on qualifications and approach

Why do you say "client" instead of "patient"?

Because with me you are at the centre, not just a diagnosis. The term "client" emphasises collaboration on equal footing.

Do you also work with children?

Yes, usually from about age 6. Sessions are designed to be age-appropriate and adapted to age and resilience.

Is there a success guarantee?

No. That would be unprofessional. Neurofeedback is scientifically researched, but the individual course depends on many factors — such as starting point, regularity and life circumstances. This is why we document changes systematically.

Can I take medication alongside?

Yes, neurofeedback can generally be carried out alongside medication prescribed by a doctor. Any changes to medication are decided exclusively by your treating physician.

How do you handle my data?

Strictly confidentially and in line with GDPR. Your data is stored securely and not passed on without your consent.

More on privacy

Still have questions?

Then we are happy to clarify them personally. In the free initial consultation we discuss your concern, the process and the next sensible steps.