Neurofeedback has been used for over 60 years to help people overcome a wide range of struggles, including trauma and PTSD, with hundreds of studies supporting its effectiveness and thousands worldwide experiencing its benefits.

But how come it's so effective?

One reason is that neurofeedback works directly with the brain and nervous system. As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains, talk therapy alone isn't always enough, especially when the nervous system needs regulation first.

This is where neurofeedback comes in. It helps reset the brain's natural rhythms and improve the body's response to stress.

We sat down with Crystal, a Myndlift user who has a history of childhood trauma, to hear how at-home neurofeedback helped her and what her experience was like. 

"You can know everything there is to know about trauma, but it won't change your brain or your built-in nervous system responses. You can completely understand that you're not supposed to act or respond in a certain way, but try telling that to your nervous system. This is the first thing that's not a band-aid. It goes in and actually changes the dysfunction of your nervous system," Crystal shared with us.

How Crystal made neurofeedback work for her

Crystal is a registered nurse who spent many years researching trauma therapies, not only to help herself but also to help the patients she works with. 

Through her research, she came across the concept of neurofeedback. However, living in a rural area, attending neurofeedback sessions at a clinic wasn’t an option for her. 

“It would have been very costly and time-consuming, requiring me to take off work. It just wasn’t doable for my life. I was looking for a way to make this work for me and to actually try it. Of all the modalities I had researched, neurofeedback had really good statistical benefits, with many people sharing positive experiences, so I was eager to give it a try. That’s how I found Myndlift, and it has been phenomenal for me”, says Crystal.

For many, like Crystal, the convenience of at-home neurofeedback offers not just accessibility but also the chance to prioritize their mental wellbeing without compromising work, family, or financial stability.

But how does it work exactly?

Getting started 

Before starting her training, Crystal completed a 40-minute app-based assessment, which included standardized questionnaires, auto-generated reports, cognitive tests, and EEG tracking. 

Afterward, she had a call with her personal Myndlift Neuro Coach, who reviewed her test results and created a personalized plan tailored to her needs.

"The experience was incredible. The results review was almost funny because it felt like someone was telling me things about myself that I’ve never shared with anyone. As he (Neuro Coach) described how my brain works, I kept thinking, 'That’s right. That’s exactly right. How did you know?' It was like hitting the nail on the head every time", explains Crystal.

Wearing an EEG headband with four dry electrodes and one wet electrode for maximum flexibility, Crystal trained using the Myndlift app, which connected to the headband via Bluetooth.

The Myndlift app provided her with visual and auditory feedback through videos and games. Whenever her brainwaves were in the desired range, she received positive feedback, allowing her brain to gradually learn self-regulation.

Throughout her training, Crystal’s Neuro Coach set and adjusted her training protocol while monitoring her progress to help her achieve her goals.

Quick fix or lasting change?

Neurofeedback is a powerful modality. However, to fully reap the benefits, this type of brain training requires both consistency and regular practice.

In fact, a recent review of neurofeedback studies found that the success rate is 70%, meaning that 70% of participants can successfully learn how to self-regulate their brain activity with consistent training.

Crystal was one of them.

“The difference it made was astonishing—like a complete 180. I knew I struggled with racing thoughts and anxiety, but I also had a low-level irritation that I hadn’t fully recognized. I was easily irritated, and my capacity to deal with things was very low, though I didn’t realize just how low. After about a month of doing neurofeedback, it was like those feelings of irritation and anxiety were just gone—not fading away, but completely gone," explains Crystal.

As a result, she found herself handling her workload more effectively and improving her relationships with others.

"I didn’t need to withdraw and recharge from feeling overstimulated. It increased my capacity to live my life and manage things. That constant itch that made me regress and withdraw simply vanished, allowing me to feel calm, balanced, and capable in ways I hadn’t before," adds Crystal.

Crystal's journey is a powerful reminder that healing goes beyond understanding trauma: sometimes, it requires tools that can create real, neurological change.

If you identify with the symptoms of PTSD, seeking guidance from a mental health professional is a crucial first step. They can help you develop a personalized plan for healing. Neurofeedback may be one of the tools in that journey, but whatever path you choose, taking action toward recovery is the most important step you can take!

Myndlift provides a personalized expert-guided brain health program that can help you elevate your wellbeing by improving your sleep quality, focus, calm, and self-control over mood. Take this 10-second quiz to check if you’re eligible to kick-start your journey for better brain health.