Neurotherapy in Michigan | Counseling & Therapy

Neurotherapy helps your brain and body learn calmer, steadier patterns. If you feel stuck in stress, poor sleep, worry, or focus problems, you are not alone—and there may be a path forward. Our approach to Neurotherapy in Michigan is designed for people who want real tools, not quick fixes. We use safe, structured methods to support symptoms that can affect school, work, and family life.

Neurotherapy is a group of services that work with brain function and the nervous system. It may include neurofeedback, biofeedback, and skills that train your body to regulate heart rate, breathing, and stress responses. Neurotherapy is often used for kids, teens, and adults who have trouble with attention, mood, sleep, trauma stress, or headaches. It can be used on its own or alongside counseling, medication, or occupational therapy, depending on your needs.

Signs You Might Benefit

Brains can get “stuck” in high-alert mode or low-energy mode. Neurotherapy may help if you notice patterns like these:

• Big stress reactions: fast heart rate, panic feelings, or feeling on edge a lot
• Sleep problems: trouble falling asleep, waking often, or waking up tired
• Focus and attention struggles: daydreaming, losing things, starting tasks but not finishing
• Strong mood swings: irritability, frequent crying, feeling overwhelmed
• Trauma stress signs: jumpiness, nightmares, feeling unsafe even when safe
• Headaches or migraine patterns: especially when linked to stress or tension
• Body tension: jaw clenching, tight shoulders, stomach pain during stress
• “Brain fog”: slower thinking, memory trouble, mental fatigue

Benefits can vary, but many people report better sleep, steadier mood, improved focus, and improved stress control. Neurotherapy is training—so progress often happens step by step. We set clear goals, track change, and adjust the plan when needed.

Evidence-Based Approach

We use a careful, evidence-informed process. That means we do not guess. We start with your symptoms, your history, and what research shows can help. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes biofeedback as a method that helps people learn to control body functions like muscle tension, heart rate, and breathing to improve health and performance (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NCCIH], n.d.). Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time brain activity as feedback to support self-regulation.

Modalities We May Use

• Neurofeedback (EEG-based training): Uses sensors on the scalp to measure brainwave patterns. You get feedback (often through sounds or visuals) that encourages more stable patterns over time.
• Biofeedback: Tracks body signals like heart rate variability (HRV), breathing rate, skin temperature, or muscle tension and teaches skills to regulate them.
• HRV training and paced breathing: Builds steadier stress control by training breath and heart rhythm patterns.
• Relaxation and grounding skills: Simple tools you can use at home, at school, or at work when symptoms flare.

How We Choose the Right Plan

We match the approach to your goals and your nervous system “profile.” For example:

• If you feel keyed up or anxious, we may focus on calming signals (breathing, HRV, relaxation training) and neurofeedback protocols that support downshifting.
• If you feel foggy or have trouble starting tasks, we may focus on attention and alertness skills, plus routines that support sleep and energy.
• If trauma stress is part of the picture, we go slowly and use a safety-first plan. We may recommend pairing neurotherapy with trauma-informed counseling.

We also screen for medical and mental health factors that may need other care first. If we believe a different service is a better fit, we will tell you clearly and help with next steps.

Safety and Michigan Standards

Neurotherapy should be delivered by trained professionals working within their scope. In Michigan, healthcare professionals must meet state licensing standards for their discipline (such as psychology, counseling, social work, occupational therapy, or medicine) and follow professional ethics and documentation requirements. We coordinate care when appropriate and encourage you to keep your primary care provider involved—especially if you have seizures, complex neurological history, or medication changes.

What to Expect

When your brain and body have been stressed for a long time, it can feel scary to try something new. We keep the process simple and supportive.

Step 1: Intake and Goals

Your first visit includes a full intake. We talk about your main symptoms, what makes them worse, what helps, sleep habits, school/work stress, medical history, and past treatments. We set 2–3 clear goals, such as “fall asleep within 30 minutes,” “fewer panic spikes,” or “better focus during homework.”

Step 2: Baseline Measures

Depending on your needs, we may use symptom checklists and body-based measures (like HRV or muscle tension). If neurofeedback is part of your plan, we may recommend an EEG assessment. These steps help us tailor training and track progress over time.

Step 3: Sessions (What It Feels Like)

Most sessions last about 30–60 minutes. Sensors may be placed on the scalp (for EEG) or on the skin (for body signals). The sensors do not put electricity into your brain; they only read signals. You will practice skills while watching a screen, listening to tones, or playing a simple game that responds to your body or brain activity.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

This depends on your goals and how your nervous system responds. Many people plan for a series of sessions (often 10–30+). Some people notice early changes in sleep or stress within a few visits, while others need more time. We review progress regularly and update the plan based on your results.

Between-Session Support

Neurotherapy works best when you practice simple skills at home. We may give you a short home plan, like 5 minutes of paced breathing, sleep routine support, hydration goals, and screen-time timing to protect sleep. Small steps can add up.

Insurance

Insurance coverage for neurotherapy can vary by plan and by the exact service used. Some parts of care may be covered under behavioral health or medical benefits, especially when billed as biofeedback or related clinical services. Other parts may be self-pay.

• Copays and coinsurance: Your plan may require a set copay per visit or a percentage coinsurance after a deductible.
• Deductibles: If you have not met your deductible, you may pay more up front until it is met.
• Authorization: Some plans require prior authorization or a referral.
• Mental health parity: Many plans must follow parity rules that aim to make mental health coverage comparable to medical coverage. Coverage still depends on your specific plan and medical necessity criteria.

We can provide a superbill or detailed receipt when appropriate and help you understand what questions to ask your insurer. For the most accurate estimate, we recommend calling your insurance and asking about coverage for the specific service code and diagnosis.

FAQ

Is neurotherapy the same as counseling?

They are different, but they can work well together. Counseling focuses more on thoughts, feelings, relationships, and coping plans. Neurotherapy focuses more on training the nervous system and body signals. Some patients do one or the other; many benefit from both.

Does neurofeedback hurt or cause shocks?

No. EEG neurofeedback uses sensors that read brain signals. It does not send electricity into the body. Most people say it feels like doing a calm computer activity. If you ever feel uncomfortable, we can stop and adjust the plan.

Can neurotherapy help with ADHD, anxiety, or sleep?

Neurotherapy is often used to support attention, stress regulation, and sleep routines. Results vary by person and by the full treatment plan. We will talk with you about realistic goals and how we will measure progress over time.

Is neurotherapy evidence-based?

Biofeedback is recognized as a way to learn control of certain body functions and can support stress-related symptoms (NCCIH, n.d.). Neurofeedback is an EEG-based form of biofeedback used clinically for self-regulation. We use an assessment-driven plan, track outcomes, and coordinate with licensed providers as needed to support safe, ethical care.

Reference (NIH): National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Biofeedback. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/biofeedback