Welcome to The Healthy Brain Clinic. Here’s everything you need to know for your first appointment — what to expect, what to bring, and how we help.

At The Healthy Brain Clinic, we are committed to providing personalised, evidence-based care designed to optimise your brain health and overall well-being. Our comprehensive approach

includes Neurofeedback, Biofeedback, and tailored Neuro Nutritional and Neuro Supplement
recommendations to support your cognitive function. Each aspect of our service is grounded in
the latest scientific research and customised to meet your unique needs.

Forms to Complete Before Your First Visit

To make the most of your appointment, we ask that you fill out the following forms in advance. This helps us better understand your medical background and prepare for your visit.

Please download and complete these forms before your appointment:

Lifestyle/Background Questionnaire
Brain Region Localization Form

To provide the best care during your biofeedback and neurofeedback sessions, we ask you to complete two forms: the Brain Region Localization Form and the Lifestyle/Background Questionnaire. The Brain Region Localization Form helps us identify which areas of your brain need attention, allowing us to target specific regions for more effective treatment. The Lifestyle/Background Questionnaire gives us insight into your daily habits, mental health history, and lifestyle, helping us understand how factors like stress, sleep, and diet impact your brain function. This information helps us create a personalized treatment plan.

First Appointment Overview:

Your first appointment is a key step in understanding your unique needs and creating the best treatment plan for you. This session includes:

  • Quantitative EEG (QEEG) Brain Mapping
  • Neurofeedback and Biofeedback Evaluations
  • Personalized Neuro Nutritional and Supplement Guidance

To help us get started, please arrive 15 minutes early to complete some important forms. These will give us insight into your symptoms, medical history, and any medications or supplements you’re currently taking. This information is vital for tailoring your care plan to your specific health goals.

EEG and QEEG Brain Mapping

During your first visit, Dr. Ash will conduct a Quantitative EEG (QEEG) to map your brain’s electrical activity. This involves placing a soft EEG cap on your head to measure brainwave patterns. The process is completely safe, non-invasive, and comfortable, with no electrical stimulation. A special gel is used to ensure accurate readings.

What is QEEG Brain Mapping?

  • QEEG is a specialized EEG that measures brain activity and compares it to a database of typical brainwave patterns for your age group.
  • Z-scores tell us how much your brain activity differs from the average. A Z-score of zero means your brain activity is normal, while positive or negative scores show areas of variation.
  • swLORETA (Standardized Weighted Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography) helps us identify specific areas in the brain responsible for different functions.

Benefits for You:

  • Personalized Care: By mapping your brain activity, we can pinpoint areas that may need attention.
  • Targeted Treatment: Identifying specific brain areas allows us to create a tailored Neurofeedback plan to address your symptoms.
  • Scientific Approach: Z-scores and swLORETA ensure our treatment is based on solid data, making it more effective.

After reviewing this data, we will begin crafting a personalized Neurofeedback protocol for your next sessions.

ERP (Evoked Response Potential)

If needed, we may also conduct an Evoked Response Potential (ERP) test during your appointment. This measures your brain’s response to specific stimuli like sounds or lights, helping us understand which brain areas could benefit most from Neurofeedback or Biofeedback. We will repeat this test during later sessions to track your progress.

 

Biofeedback with Peripheral Sensor & Stress Test

As part of the assessment, we may use Biofeedback to monitor your body’s response to stress. This involves placing a sensor on your finger to track:

  • Skin Conductance (sweating)
  • Peripheral Temperature
  • Heart Rate & Variability (HRV)
  • Respiration

We might also perform a stress test, which could include simple math or word challenges, to better understand how your body reacts to stress.

Benefits for You:

  • Self-Regulation: Learning how your body responds to stress helps us teach you techniques for managing it.
  • Customized Protocols: The data from the test allows us to create a Biofeedback plan to improve your stress resilience and overall well-being.

Neuro Nutritional Advice & Supplement Guidance

What you eat plays a crucial role in brain health. We’ll provide you with personalized nutrition and supplement recommendations to support your cognitive function and overall health.

Neuro Nutritional Recommendations:

  • Omega-3s: Found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), these support brain function, memory, and learning.
  • Antioxidants: Foods like berries, leafy greens, and colorful veggies protect the brain from oxidative stress.
  • Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread help maintain steady glucose levels for improved focus.
  • Lean Proteins: Foods like poultry, eggs, and beans provide amino acids needed for neurotransmitter production.
  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of water supports memory and attention.

Neuro Supplement Recommendations:

We may suggest supplements like:

  • Magnesium: Supports nerve function, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep.
  • B Vitamins: Important for energy production and brain health.
  • Vitamin D: Helps with mood regulation and cognitive function.
  • Probiotics: Supports gut health, which influences brain function.
  • N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): An antioxidant that supports brain health.

Benefits for You:

  • Holistic Support: Combining nutrition and supplements with Neurofeedback and Biofeedback can improve overall results.
  • Personalized Guidance: All recommendations are tailored to your individual health needs and goals.

All supplement recommendations are made based on your specific needs and will not interfere with any medications you’re currently taking.

Prepairing for your first visit:

To ensure the most accurate assessments and effective treatment, please follow the guidelines below:

Medications and Supplements

  • Consult with Your Doctor: Please do not change any prescribed medications without first consulting your healthcare provider.
  • Avoid Certain Medications: Ideally, refrain from using medications that affect brain function prior to your session.
    • Short-Acting Medications: If you take stimulant or short-acting medications, please consult your doctor in advance to determine if it’s safe to skip them for 48 hours before your session.
    • Long-Acting Medications: Do not alter your use of long-acting medications. Please bring a detailed list of these medications and inform Dr. Ash during your appointment.
  • Over-the-Counter Medications and Supplements: If possible, refrain from taking these for 3–4 days prior to your brainwave recording appointment to prevent any potential interference with the results.

Hydration and Nutrition

  • Stay Hydrated: Be sure to drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment to help achieve the most accurate results.
  • Balanced Meal: Please eat a nutritious meal, including protein (e.g., meat, eggs, beans), within 2 hours of your appointment to maintain energy levels.

Sleep

  • Adequate Rest: Ensure you get a full night’s rest before your appointment. Adults should aim for at least 8 hours of sleep, ideally going to bed by 10:30 PM. Children should aim for at least 8.5 hours, ideally going to bed by 9:30 PM.

Avoid Stimulants

  • No Caffeine or Stimulants: On the day of your appointment, please avoid coffee, tea, energy drinks, and caffeinated sodas (e.g., Coke, Mountain Dew) to ensure the accuracy of your brainwave recordings.

Personal Care

  • Hair Care: Wash your hair the night before your appointment, avoiding conditioner or styling products. Arrive with clean, dry hair to ensure optimal electrode contact during EEG measurements.
  • Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting attire to help you relax during the session.
  • Health Status: If you are feeling unwell, even with mild cold symptoms, please contact us to reschedule your appointment. This helps ensure the accuracy of your results and protects the well-being of others.

Thank you for taking the time to prepare for your visit! Your attention to these details will help us provide the best possible care.

What to expect during during your clinic session?

 

  1. Arrival:
    Upon your arrival at The Healthy Brain Clinic, you will be greeted by Dr. Ash or a staff member, who will escort you to your designated room. Restroom facilities will be available for your convenience prior to the start of your session.

  2. Setup:
    You will be seated in a comfortable chair for approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the assessments required. During this time, Dr. Ash and the clinic staff will ensure your comfort and explain the details of the upcoming procedures.

  3. EEG Cap Fitting & QEEG Brain Mapping:
    Dr. Ash will begin by measuring your head to ensure the correct fit for the EEG cap. This cap contains small silver electrodes, which may leave temporary marks on your forehead. These marks will fade shortly after removal. A special conductance gel will be applied to ensure accurate readings. While the gel may feel slightly cool, it is safe for sensitive skin.

    • QEEG Brain Mapping: Once the EEG cap is in place, Dr. Ash will conduct a Quantitative EEG (QEEG)to map your brain’s electrical activity. This will involve recording your brainwave patterns with your eyes open and closed, and potentially during specific tasks. The data collected will be analyzed using Z-scores and swLORETA to identify specific Brodmann areas of the brain for targeted treatment.

  4. Biofeedback with Peripheral Sensor & Stress Test:
    In addition to EEG recordings, we may incorporate a Biofeedback session using a peripheral sensor placed on your finger to monitor physiological responses such as heart rate, skin conductance (sweating), and peripheral temperature. These measurements provide valuable insights into your body’s response to stress.

    • Stress Test: To assess your Autonomic Nervous System’s response to stress, you may be asked to:

      • Solve simple arithmetic problems.
      • Engage in cognitive word challenges.
      • Recall a stressful event in a supportive setting.

    • Benefits for You: This process allows us to better understand how your body reacts to stress, which enables us to develop a customized Biofeedback protocol aimed at improving stress management and enhancing resilience.

  5. Interactive Activities:
    You may also be invited to participate in various interactive activities or cognitive tasks. These tasks are designed to observe how your brain activity changes in response to different challenges, providing both informative and engaging insights into your brain’s functioning.

  6. Completion:
    At the end of the session, the EEG cap and peripheral sensor will be removed. Any remaining gel will be easily washed off using shampoo and warm water at home, as it is water-soluble.

  7. Results Discussion:
    Dr. Ash will review the results of the session and provide an overview of the findings. Following this, a discussion will take place regarding the next steps in developing your personalized care plan.

Frequently Asked Question

Each Neurofeedback training session you attend will require the use of a cap and gel.

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and avoid applying any products (such as gel, oils, or hairsprays) to your hair before the session, as these can interfere with the sensors. If you prefer, you are welcome to bring a towel to help with any gel that may remain in your hair after the session.

Many individuals begin noticing changes within a few sessions, such as improved concentration or relaxation. However, the full effects may take several weeks to become noticeable, and the benefits can continue to improve with ongoing sessions.

Yes, it is normal to feel some fatigue or tiredness after a Neurofeedback session, especially as your brain adjusts to the training. This is a temporary response, and many individuals report feeling more relaxed or focused after a short period of rest. If you experience persistent fatigue, it’s advisable to consult with your practitioner.

Please contact us if you have any questions

Follow-up Appointments:

Follow-up appointments are designed to implement your personalized Neurofeedback and/or Biofeedback protocols, based on the findings from your initial assessment.

Neurofeedback Sessions

  • Process:
    Conducted with an EEG cap, these sessions focus on retraining your brainwave patterns, utilizing your brain’s natural ability for neuroplasticity.
  • Interactive Activities:
    You will engage in on-screen activities such as videos, games, or puzzles, where your brainwaves control the outcome. These activities are designed to reinforce the desired brainwave patterns according to the set protocol.

Biofeedback Sessions

  • Process:
    Using a peripheral sensor placed on your finger, these sessions aim to improve your physiological responses and strengthen neural pathways.
  • Interactive Activities:
    By modulating physiological markers such as heart rate and skin conductance, you will control on-screen activities, improving your ability to manage stress and enhance performance.

First Follow-Up Appointment

  • The session begins with a brief 10-minute report of findings, followed by the appropriate Neurofeedback and/or Biofeedback session.

  • Duration:
    Each follow-up session typically lasts about 30 minutes to complete the training protocols.

Progress Evaluation Appointments

  • After a series of training sessions, a Progress Evaluation Appointment will be scheduled to assess your progress and the effectiveness of the interventions.

  • Timing:
    Progress evaluations generally occur after 10 visits, including your initial assessment and eight training sessions.

Please note: ELECTRO-GEL will be applied to the head caps during each Neurofeedback training session. Towels will be provided for easy cleanup, or if you prefer, feel free to bring your own.

Invest In Yourself

At The Healthy Brain Clinic, we are committed to making our services accessible and tailored to your needs:

Healthy Brain 12-Week Program Pricing

  • Week 1 (Initial Visit): AU $350

  • Weeks 2–9: AU $175 per session

  • Week 11 (Re-Examination): AU $175

  • Week 12 (Results & Review): AU $175

What’s Included:

  • Baseline & Week 10 QEEG Brain Scans — receive comprehensive brain maps with full, easy-to-understand reports.

  • Personalised Neurofeedback & Biofeedback Protocols — tailored training to help your brain function at its best.

  • Functional Neurology Home Exercises — practical exercises to reinforce progress between sessions.

  • Neuronutrition & Supplementation Guidance — science-backed recommendations to support cognitive health.

  • Progress Workbook / Journal — track your improvements, reflections, and milestones throughout the 12 weeks.

Optional Add-On:

Targeted NeuroSupplement Bundle (Cost varies) — specially curated to match your brain map and personal goals, enhancing results and recovery.

No Referral Required

NB: Treatment is Claimable Through Health funds , Medicare Care Plan and NDIS (self-Managed).

 

QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalography)
Definition: An advanced EEG technique that measures electrical activity in the brain and compares it to normative data using statistical analyses like Z-scores. Benefit: Helps identify specific areas of brain dysregulation, allowing for targeted Neurofeedback interventions.
Z-Scores
Definition: A statistical measurement that indicates how many standard deviations a data point is from the mean of a reference group. Benefit: Using Z-scores allows us to determine how your brain activity compares to a typical population, identifying areas that may require intervention.
swLORETA (Standardized Weighted Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography Analysis)
Definition: A computational method used to localize the sources of electrical activity within the brain in three dimensions. Benefit: Enables precise targeting of specific brain regions (Brodmann areas) for more effective Neurofeedback training.
Brodmann Areas
Definition: Regions of the cerebral cortex defined by their unique cellular structure and organization, each associated with specific brain functions. Benefit: By identifying which Brodmann areas may be under- or over-active, we can tailor interventions to improve functions like attention, memory, or emotional regulation.
Brainwave States
1. Delta (0.5-4 Hz): Associated with deep sleep and healing processes. 2. Theta (4-8 Hz): Linked to deep relaxation, meditation, and creativity. 3. Alpha (8-14 Hz): Represents relaxed alertness, often observed during daydreaming or light meditation. 4. Beta (14-30 Hz): Involves active thinking, focus, and problem-solving. 5. Gamma/High Beta (30-100Hz): Associated with higher cognitive functions like learning and consciousness.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Definition: Measures the variation in time between heartbeats. Higher HRV indicates better adaptability and stress resilience.
Click Here
Frequency Bands in HRV:
VLF (Very Low Frequency): Reflects sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and long-term regulatory mechanisms and provides insight into chronic stress and overall health. LF (Low Frequency): Reflects both sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity, indicating a balance and readiness. HF (High Frequency): Represents parasympathetic activity, associated with relaxation and recovery.
Click Here
Autonomic Nervous System
Sympathetic Nervous System: Activates the body's "fight-or-flight" response during stress or danger. Parasympathetic Nervous System: Promotes "rest-and-digest" activities that occur when the body is at rest, helping to conserve energy and recover.

Contact us

If you have any questions or need to reschedule your appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us on

Ph: (03) 5593 2934

Email: thehealthybrainclinic@gmail.com

We look forward to partnering with you on your journey to better brain health..