top of page

The Complete Guide

Biofeedback and Neurofeedback in Charlotte

Introduction

Life in Charlotte, North Carolina moves fast. Between work, school, family, financial challenges and constant stimulation, many people feel like their bodies are stuck in stress mode — tense muscles, racing thoughts, poor sleep, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms are all signs of a nervous system that’s become dysregulated.

That’s when Biofeedback and Neurofeedback are most effective. Biofeedback gives you the ability to actually see and measure how your body responds to stress in real time — heart rate variability, breathing, skin conductance, muscle activity — and then trains you to bring those systems back into balance. When you learn to regulate your autonomic nervous system, you’re not just calming down in the moment; you’re teaching your body and brain to recover faster, build resilience, and shift out of chronic “fight-or-flight.”

​

Neurofeedback takes this a step further by working with brainwaves directly. If your brain is stuck in patterns of over-arousal (often experienced as anxiety, insomnia, racing thoughts) or under-arousal (often experienced as inattention, low mood, or lack of motivation), Neurofeedback helps guide it back toward healthier rhythms. Over time, this can improve focus, sleep, mood, executive function, and overall wellbeing.

​

Why does this matter? Because self-regulation is at the heart of nearly every mental and physical health challenge. Stress unchecked can fuel anxiety, depression, ADHD symptoms, migraines, digestive issues, sleep disruption, obsessive thinking, and compulsive and repetitive behaviors, and more. Learning to regulate your body’s signals is like learning a new language — one that helps you respond to challenges instead of being hijacked by them.

​

This guide was created to explain how Biofeedback in its 6 types (including Neurofeedback as a subtype) work, what the research says, and how Charlotte residents can access safe, effective, non-invasive training. Whether you’re a parent looking for help with your child’s ADHD, an adult struggling with chronic stress, or an athlete seeking a performance edge, Biofeedback offers a way to not just cope, but truly rewire for resilience.

​

As North Carolina’s largest and most experienced Biofeedback practice, Carolinas Biofeedback Clinic (CBFC) has helped thousands of clients retrain their nervous systems and reclaim their lives. In the sections below, you’ll learn what Biofeedback is, how it works, and why it’s becoming one of the most powerful tools for mind-body health and brain optimization in Charlotte, NC and the greater Mecklenburg area.

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a mind-body training method that helps people gain control over automatic functions of the nervous system. By using sophisticated sensors that measure activity such as heart rate variability, respiration, skin conductance, muscle tension, or brainwaves, Biofeedback provides real-time information about how the body is responding. This information is then offered back to the client using immediate visual or auditory cues, creating a loop between biology and awareness.

​

With practice, clients learn how to make subtle adjustments to these functions — slowing their breathing, calming heart rate, releasing muscle tension, or shifting brainwave activity. Over time, these skills can reduce stress, improve mood, support better sleep, and enhance overall resilience.

​

The purpose of Biofeedback is to strengthen the connection between conscious awareness and the autonomic nervous system. Our nervous system controls the “automatic” processes of the body — from the fight-or-flight response to rest-and-digest recovery. By learning how to self-regulate, clients are able to shift out of acute and chronic stress patterns, recover more quickly, and sustain healthier states of balance and focus.

Neurofeedback, or EEG Biofeedback, is a specific form of Biofeedback that trains the brain directly. Using sensors placed on the scalp, Neurofeedback measures live brainwave activity and provides real-time feedback to encourage more optimal brainwave activity patterns that support sustained attention, emotional regulation, and overall nervous system stability.

Types of Biofeedback

There are six types of Biofeedback training, each measuring a different aspect of real-time physiology, and each offering evidence-based efficacy for specific target goals or desired improvements. These methods can be used individually or in combination, depending on the client’s goals.

​

  •  Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback – Teaches regulation by measuring heart rate variability to engage internal resilience, recover from past trauma, and improve stress tolerance, calm, sleep and ability to focus.

  •  Respiration Biofeedback – Uses breathing sensors to help clients reduce over-breathing or shallow breathing patterns and restore balanced respiration, improve meditative practices, and combat reactivity seen in anxiety and panic episodes.

  • Temperature Biofeedback – Monitors peripheral skin temperature, often used to teach relaxation and improve circulation to reduce migraine head pain and warm extremities compromised by Reynaud’s Syndrome..

  • Galvonic Skin Response (GSR) Biofeedback – Measures sweat gland activity as an indicator of stress or emotional arousal, so learning self-regulation helps calm over-activitation, and promote calm and relaxed states.

  • Electromyography (EMG) Biofeedback – Measures muscle tension, and is specifically efficacious for muscle relaxation, pain management, or in injury recovery.

  • EEG Biofeedback (Neurofeedback) – Measures live brainwave activity, providing evidence-based efficacy for improving attention, mood regulation, circadian rhythm improvements for deeper more restorative sleep, retraining the “fight-flight-freeze” limbic system, and for overall nervous system balance.

​

Each modality has unique strengths. HRV Biofeedback and respiration training are particularly effective for relieving symptoms of stress and anxiety, promoting restorative sleep patterns, and improving trauma responses. EMG and temperature Biofeedback are often used when pain and tension are interfering with life. Neurofeedback provides brain optimization results spanning 50 years of published peer-reviewed research on applications as diverse as ADHD, anxiety, concussion recovery, trauma, mood regulation, and performance enhancement.

Benefits of Biofeedback & Neurofeedback

Biofeedback of all methods, including Neurofeedback, help the nervous system stay balanced and self-regulated to perform at its best. Here are some of the most common benefits:

​

ADHD & Attention Challenges

Neurofeedback has been shown to improve focus, impulsivity, and sustained attention. By training brainwave patterns associated with concentration and impulse control, children and adults with ADHD often experience better academic and work performance, less distractibility and restlessness, and greater emotional stability, naturally. For those that do not tolerate medication side-effects, or those who prefer to avoid medication, Neurofeedback offers a non-pharmacologic solution with lasting, measurable improvements.

​

Anxiety & Stress Management

Chronic stress can trigger the body to maintain a constant state of “fight-or-flight.” Biofeedback teaches you how to shift the coherence of the mind and body into a calm, regulated, clear-headed state, at will. Over time, this builds resilience to stress, helping you stay grounded in stressful situations and recover more quickly after challenges.

​

Sleep & Insomnia

Difficulty falling or staying asleep is often tied to nervous system dysregulation. Neurofeedback can reduce over-arousal in the brain that is disrupting sleep, while HRV Biofeedback helps shift the body into a calmer state before bedtime to make it easier to fall asleep. Many clients report deeper, more restorative sleep and improved daytime energy.

​

Peak Performance (Athletes, Executives, Students)

Top performers know success isn’t just physical skill or knowledge — it’s the ability to stay calm and perform better under the pressure of competition. Biofeedback enhances focus, sharpens reaction times, and helps manage stress so you can stay in “flow” longer. Executives, athletes, and students often use it to improve clarity, resilience, and decision-making.

​

Concussion & Brain Injury Recovery

After concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries, the brain can get stuck in irregular activity patterns. Neurofeedback supports recovery by helping the brain re-establish balanced rhythms. This may improve cognitive function, mood, and energy levels, and reduce lingering post-concussion symptoms.

​

Overall Wellbeing & Emotional Balance

Even without specific “problems” identified, Biofeedback supports anyone looking to experience greater balance. By retraining the autonomic nervous system, clients often report better stress tolerance, improved mood, fewer signs of stress (like headaches, brain fog, hypervigilance), and a greater sense of control over their health and wellbeing.

Biofeedback vs. Therapy vs. Medication

Biofeedback is not the only approach to managing stress, mood, or attention challenges. Many people use a combination of methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and prescription medication. Understanding the differences helps you choose the approach—or blend of approaches—that best fits your needs.

Approach

Medication



CBT Therapy



Biofeedback

 

Non-Invasive

No



Yes



Yes

 

Targets

Symptoms or Diagnoses



Thoughts, emotions, behaviors in conscious control

The source of the struggle, working directly with the Nervous System and limbic system beyond conscious control

Pros

Fast relief, widely available, can be effective for acute issues

Provides insight, supports long-term growth, builds coping skills

Non-invasive, drug-free, rewires neural connections, builds self-regulation skills, measurable progress

Cons

Potential side effects, may not address root causes, ongoing dependence on prescriptions

Progress is gradual, results depend on therapist fit and client engagement

Progress is gradual, results depend on therapist fit and client engagement

How Biofeedback Works at CBFC

At Carolinas Biofeedback Clinic, we believe in a one-size-fits-one approach, which means that rather than generic protocols, we custom fit the individual protocols to each person using any combination of our comprehensive array of offerings. We offer all six modalities of Biofeedback, including five distinct modalities of Neurofeedback, so that we can marry the best combination approach for what that person needs. We start by offering the most advanced brain mapping technology available worldwide. Unlike the widely-available standard qEEG maps that capture temporary brain states, our map measures brain trait wiring — how the brain is structurally integrating function across its networks, and precisely pinpointing which of 55 Brodmann areas have limbic (fight/flight/freeze) intrusion. Think of it this way - a standard brain map reveals “how loud” each frequency band of the brain is at the time of the test - it’s the “volume knob” map, while our advanced brain map discovers who controls the knobs day in and day out (the limbic system or the cortex).

With this insight, our board-certified specialists can design a training protocol tailored specifically to your brain — asking it to rewire for optimal corticolimbic integration, the foundation for emotional balance, focus, and resilience. We also capture a measure of brain-body stress resilience and reactivity to know which methods of Biofeedback would specifically address regulation issues. Each program is custom tailored to the individual for precision and progress checks along the way ensure that milestones are celebrated and transformation is achieved.

Step 1: Advanced Brain Map & Intake

  • Comprehensive intake to understand history, goals, and symptoms.

  • Trait-based brain map to identify underlying wiring patterns (not just temporary states).

  • Cognitive-based assessment and subjective questionnaires to get more than just one baseline measure

  •  A brain-body stress test to learn how your body reacts to and recovers from stressors.

 
Step 2: Customized Protocol Design
 
Step 3: Neurofeedback Training Sessions

  • Clients experience real-time audiovisual feedback as the brain learns to shift toward healthier neural connections and brain-wide regulation.

  • In-office Neurofeedback sessions allow up to 1 hour, one-on-one with a Graduate Level practitioner, and depending on the method, may occur 2 (or more) times per week, depending on what is best to maximize the brain’s neuroplastic yield.

  • Remote Neurofeedback training sessions are typically 15-30 minutes in length and can occur daily.

  • The total number of training sessions varies based on the method of training and the complexity of the individual case, however a general rule of thumb is at least 6 months of training on a rhythm of twice-weekly visits.

  • Our repeat Advanced Brain Mapping is typically timed after 25-30 training sessions–versus standard brain mapping which may be necessary as frequently as every 10 training sessions.

 
Step 4: Biofeedback Training (Physiological Self-Regulation)

  • Clients experience real-time audiovisual feedback to learn mastery over autonomic functions.

  • Biofeedback Sessions are available in 1 hour group sessions, or in private 30 minute sessions, once a week.

  • Clients also practice daily at home using a sensor for between session practice.

  • Most Biofeedback techniques can be mastered in 6-10 sessions.

 
Step 5: Progress Tracking

We use a combination of quantitative and subjective measures to track results:

  • Quantitative: Follow-up qEEG brain maps and cognitive testing.

  • Subjective: Symptom tracker, validated questionnaires, and client-reported progress.

This dual approach ensures clients see measurable improvement not just in brain wiring, but also in how they feel and function day to day.

CBFC Training Methods at a Glance

Category

​

​Neurofeedback

​

​

​

​

​

Biofeedback

​

​

​​​

​

Neuromodulation

​​

​​​

​

​

NeuroDevelopmental Movement

Techniques & Tools
​
Hemodynamic NF, ILF (Othmer Method), Amplitude training, Alpha-Theta, Synchrony, Remote NF (Amplitude training or self-guided performance training)
​

HRV, Respiration, Temperature, GSR, EMG, Open Focus synchrony
​
Photobiomodulation, Microcurrent Electrotherapy, Vagus Nerve Toning, SomniResonance Sleep Device
​

Targeted movement-based protocols

Primary Purpose

​

Retrains brainwave patterns, improves focus, mood regulation, sleep, stress resilience, energy, memory, and trauma resolution

 

​

​Teaches self-regulation of the autonomic nervous system (stress reduction, calm, awareness, pain reduction, body tension, etc.)

 

Supports nervous system balance, sleep quality, relaxation, mood stabilization, sleep onset

​​​​​

​

Enhances brain-body integration, emotional regulation, focus and impulse control, developmental repair

Choosing the Right Clinic in Charlotte

With more providers in Charlotte offering Biofeedback and Neurofeedback, it’s important to know what to look for. The quality of care can vary widely depending on the clinic’s certification, experience level, equipment, and approach. Here are key factors to consider:

A. Credentials & Certification
​

  • Look for centers who are board-certified through BCIA (Biofeedback Certification International Alliance), as it is the gold standard credentialing body for this field.

​

  • If you will have a brain map, look for centers with specialized training in qEEG acquisition, analysis, protocol planning, and design.

​

  • Standard Approach: Many counselors, therapists, wellness practitioners, or chiropractors may offer a single method of Neurofeedback after an initial introductory-level class, but lack the depth knowledge required of certification to provide individualized protocols to ensure the most effective results.

​

  • CBFC’s Approach: We insist on Board Certification in Neurofeedback and Biofeedback by BCIA, and hire Master-level education for our practitioners. Every member of our team is rigorously trained and participates in weekly team meetings to discuss all aspects of cases in process. Our qEEG team is certified by the American Neurotherapy Association with Diplomate status in qEEG acquisition, analysis, interpretation, and protocol planning.

 

B. Assessment Method
​

​

  • Standard Approach: Most clinics use standard or mini-qEEG systems that provide only a snapshot of brain activity (accurate at the time of the test but fluctuates based on the time of day of the test). Standard brain maps are typically computer-analyzed based on normative averages and produce generic “one-size-fits-all” protocols (e.g., “downtrain theta and uptrain beta” or “downtrain high beta and uptrain alpha”). Brain state (frequency-band measures) typically require more frequent remapping to stay on track.

​

  • CBFC’s Approach: We use the Kaiser NeuroMap, an advanced brain map that offers reliable data accurate regardless of the time of day of the test, reducing the need for frequently repeated brain maps. The advanced mapping pinpoints where the limbic system is interfering with functions of any of 55 Brodmann Areas on each hemisphere, allowing us to design precisely tailored training protocols for each individual that accelerate progress and reduce or eliminate adverse responses to training.

 

C. Customization of Neurofeedback Training
​

  • Look for centers who are trained in multiple modalities of Neurofeedback.
     

  • Standard Approach: Most practice only one method of Neurofeedback, and many of those systems are plug-and-play — meaning everyone receives standard Neurofeedback protocols with limited options for customization and no options if that one method is ineffective or not well-received for the individual.

​

  • CBFC’s Approach: Every protocol is uniquely designed for that individual and may include any combination of five distinct methodologies (HemoDynamic, InfraLow, Alpha-Theta, Amplitude, Computer-Aided Meditation), and our level of training means we will know how to make adjustments when needed.

​

D. Expertise in Biofeedback
​

  • Look for centers who specialize in Biofeedback or Neurofeedback, rather than as an add-on service at a center who has another focus (e.g., chiropractic or wellness practices).

​

  • Look for centers with expertise in multiple methods of Neurofeedback.

​

  • Look for centers with a lot of experience.

​

  • Standard Approach: Expertise may be in another related field (e.g., counseling, chiropractic, wellness) with limited emphasis on advanced technologies in Biofeedback or Neurofeedback. This often means that training, expertise, and credentialing will be limited to a single methodology, or that they may rely on less experienced, undergraduate technicians for administration of the training.

​

  • CBFC’s Approach: Our practice was founded in 2008, we have completed over 2,000 advanced brain maps, and have more than 150 training sessions per month. We are the only full-service Biofeedback and Brain Optimization Clinic in Charlotte, in the Carolinas, and possibly in the nation, to offer the full range of brain-body training modalities to address the whole autonomic nervous system: five methods of Neurofeedback, six methods of Biofeedback, multiple methods of Neuromodulation, and NeuroDevelopmental Movement all under one roof. We have a team of Masters-level practitioners who are rigorously trained and experienced in all training modalities, and BCIA Board Certification is our standard.

 

E. Tracking Progress
​

Two of the most important questions clients ask: “How will I know if this is working for me?” and “How willI know when I’m done?” At CBFC, we believe progress should be measured both objectively and subjectively all along the way, so we can ensure that progress is being monitored and goals are being met.

​

  • CBFC’s Quantitative Measures:

    • Baseline and repeat Advanced qEEG Brain Mapping provides a reliable, detailed, objective measure of improvements in brain wiring and functional integration. This allows us to precisely refine training based on individual responses. Advanced brain mapping requires fewer check-points to stay on track.

    • Baseline and repeat Standardized Cognitive Testing provides performance metrics to objectively evaluate improvements in attention, memory, reasoning, visuospatial processing, and overall executive function.

    • Baseline and repeat evaluation of the brain-body stress response offers quantitative measures of the peripheral nervous system’s activation level, vasoconstriction, heart rate, and heart rate variability as indications of stress-response and recovery. This helps us customize the training program tuned to the needs of the individual.

​

  • CBFC’s Subjective Measures:

    • Symptom Tracker: Clients complete a self-reported symptom-tracker at intervals throughout their training. This helps monitor for what each person experiences in terms of improvements to sleep, mood, focus, stress levels, or customized goals..

    • Validated Questionnaires: Tools like anxiety, depression, or quality-of-life inventories provide a reliable way to measure emotional and behavioral change subjectively.

    • Client Reports: Your lived experience matters. We review your own perceptions in session and between sessions to ensure that changes are not just measurable quantitatively, but also in meaningful ways in your day-to-day life.

​

  • CBFC’s Results:

    • With data from more than 2,000 brain maps collected and analyzed, we have amassed some quantitatively derived statistics. Clients who complete our program typically see 50-100% improvement in at least 80% of the brain areas trained, as evidenced in pre-post Kaiser Neuromap comparison of all 55 brain areas. These improvements are typically reflected in self-reports captured in the GAD-7, PCL, PHQ-9, ASRS, objective QIKtest continuous performance test, and in quantitative performance improvements to memory, focus, reasoning, and impulse control as measured by their cognitive task performance.

​

  • Why This Matters: Progress isn’t just about “feeling better in the moment.” By combining brain-based metrics, standardized testing, and client subjective feedback, we ensure that improvements are visible, measurable, and lasting. This rigorous process is what allows CBFC clients to see not only symptom relief, but also the deeper nervous system rewiring that supports long-term resilience.

 

Bottom Line
​

When choosing a clinic, consider asking these questions:

  • What are your practitioner credentials and expertise?

  • Are you BCIA Board Certified in Biofeedback or Neurofeedback?

  • How many years of experience do you have and how many Neurofeedback sessions do you do per week.

  • Which brain map do you utilize to customize the Neurofeedback training protocols?

  • Are you certified in qEEG analysis in house?

  • How many methods of Neurofeedback do you offer? Which one(s)?

  • How will my overall training program be customized to me?

  • How and how often will progress be monitored?

  • What is your client success rate?

​

For Charlotte residents, Carolinas Biofeedback Clinic stands out by combining world-class technology and techniques, Neurofeedback and Biofeedback Board Certified expertise in a full range of methods, training plans that are fully customized to the individual, comprehensive quantitative and qualitative progress improvement monitoring, and a wealth of experience. Our clients don’t just get training — they get a roadmap for lasting nervous system resilience.

FAQs

What’s the difference between Biofeedback and Neurofeedback?

  •  Biofeedback is the umbrella term for nervous system training that measures something physiological in real time (ex: heart rate variability, skin conductance, muscle activity) and feeds it back to you in real time so you can learn how to regulate body functions like heart rate or muscle tension. Biofeedback is excellent at teaching you the language of your body so you can improve your stress levels. Neurofeedback is a specific type of Biofeedback, also called EEG Biofeedback, used to teach the brain to self-regulate for better focus, memory, mood regulation, sleep regulation, recovery from post-concussive symptoms, trauma resolution, and stress resilience.

 

How safe is Biofeedback or Neurofeedback?

  • Biofeedback and Neurofeedback are non-invasive and drug-free. Feedback techniques represent human learning (operant conditioning) and do not involve electrical or pulse stimulation (no brain zapping). Over 150,000 peer-reviewed, published studies spanning the last five decades attest to efficacy for a wide variety of applications for both children and adults. Reports of adverse responses to training are rare, and when they do occur, they are usually mild and temporary, such as slight fatigue or headache.

 

Who can benefit from Neurofeedback?

  • Children, teens, and adults of all ages can benefit from self-regulation training to help symptoms related to ADHD, anxiety, sleep problems, concussion recovery, peak performance, stress management, and more. Because the training can be customized, it can be helpful across a wide range of applications and goals; over 150,000 peer-reviewed, published studies spanning the last five decades attest to efficacy for a wide variety of applications.

 

 How many sessions does Neurofeedback take?

  • The number of total sessions varies depending on the individual’s goals and complexity, and the method of Neurofeedback training being utilized. Most published studies standardize 40 sessions of training when reporting their results. Many people begin to notice improvements in the first 5–10 sessions, but sustained results may require more than 50 sessions in complex cases involving trauma or developmental delays.

​

How do I choose the right clinic?

  • Look for certified or board-certified providers, expertise in multiple training methods, and a proven track record of results. The more structured and personalized the program, the better.

 

Why choose CBFC over other providers?

  •  Carolinas Biofeedback Clinic is North Carolina’s largest and most experienced Board Certified Biofeedback practice with a team of seven Masters-level specialists. We combine World-class, advanced qEEG brain mapping with fully customized protocols in 5 science-backed methods of Neurofeedback and 6 efficacy-based methods of Biofeedback, NeuroDevelopemental Movement, and state-of-the-art Neuromodulation, ensuring safe, effective, and lasting results for clients in Charlotte and beyond.

How to Get Started

Taking the first step toward Biofeedback or Neurofeedback doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At CBFC, we’ve designed a simple, supportive process to help you understand your options and see if our clinic is the right fit for your needs.

Your 3-Step Roadmap to Getting Started

What Happens

Speak directly with a CBFC clinician about your goals, questions, and symptoms.



Easy, non-invasive recording of your brainwave data for our analysis, interpretation, and protocol planning.


A formal report with a tailored plan will be shared in 2-hour results review session 10-14 days after the assessment. Individual protocols will be tailored to include the best techniques from our vast array of offerings.

Why It Matters

Consultative conversation with a knowledgeable and experienced practitioner, not a sales person to help you understand if Biofeedback is right for you, and your best first step

See how your brain is wired, what is holding you back, and learn how to move forward to be your best self.


No two brains are alike. Our custom plan ensures your training plan is specific to your brain and goals, supporting lasting nervous system regulation.

1.




2.




3.

Step 1: Schedule Your Free 20-Minute Strategy Call

Every client begins with a complimentary personal strategy call. This is your chance to share your goals, ask questions, and learn how Biofeedback or Neurofeedback may help. Our clinicians listen carefully and explain the next steps in plain language. We offer solutions at every price point and commitment level. We will answer your questions about costs, logistics, and will help you select the best next step for you.

​

Step 2: Book Your Advanced Brain Map

If Neurofeedback is right for you, we may begin with our Advanced Brain Map. This world-class assessment provides a detailed picture of your brain’s wiring across 55 Brodmann Areas, showing how the limbic system is integrated into your overall function.

 

Step 3: Receive Your Customized Training Protocol

Our qEEG Diplomates analyze, interpret and plan the individualized training protocol in house, by hand, one at a time. Once your plan is designed, our BCIA Board Certified clinicians design a personalized training plan tailored to your brain and your goals. This may include a custom combination of Neurofeedback, Biofeedback, Neuromodulation, and/or NeuroDevelopmental Movement — chosen specifically to help your nervous system rewire for optimal regulation.

​

Ready to Begin?

If you’re in Charlotte and ready to explore what Biofeedback can do for you, your first step is simple: Book your free 20-minute strategy call. From there, we’ll guide you every step of the way toward measurable, lasting change.

bottom of page