Your Brain Has Pathways
Transform Your Life
With Neurofeedback
Your brain is unique. We work with you one-on-one to help you regulate the networks within your brain giving you clarity to create the life you've always imagined.
Neurofeedback provides brain regulation which has helped many improve unwanted behaviors.
Picture Yourself....
Experiencing mood stabilization and no longer feeling ‘on the edge’
Feeling grounded and able to cope with a past trauma
Ability to focus seamlessly on varying tasks whether at work or school
Navigating life amid emerging environmental anxiety
Sleeping restfully through the night and waking up energized
Maintaining mental clarity enabling you to make your best decisions, regardless of age
Finally, a different approach for
those with mental illness
Do you have…
Insomnia, attention deficit behaviors, a traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, a mood disorder or another mental illness? Are you experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one? Is your child or family member on the autism spectrum? Or perhaps you feel a cognitive decline due to aging. The list of concerns is endless, but neurofeedback brain training can address all of them by guiding your brain to self-regulation.
At the Alpha Theta Center, we combine the worlds of cutting edge computational neuroscience and consumer knowledge. This is not an easy task, for it involves not only comprehending the research but packaging it so it is easy for everyone to understand. Our neurofeedback protocols are highly personalized and rooted in computational neuroscience. We implement the research into our clinical operations.
See neurofeedback in action at
The Alpha Theta Center
Consultation
We discuss your needs and goals to see how neurofeedback can benefit you.
Mapping
We map your brain so the doctor can create a custom neurofeedback protocol for you.
Brain Training
We work with you to train your brain using visual and auditory feedback.
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You can set an appointment in a matter of minutes
We are conveniently located next to the I5 and I805 freeways in Sorrento Valley
We offer flexible scheduling throughout the week and on some Saturdays
Call Now To Schedule An Appointment
We are located at:
3252 Holiday Ct SUITE 225
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 352-6802
info@alphathetacenter.com
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a personalized training approach which guides your central nervous system towards efficient self-regulation. Our process often results in improved cognitive function, emotional stability, and dynamic communication within brain networks. First, we use a 19 channel EEG cap to record your brainwaves also called a 'qEEG' or 'brain mapping'. We then (a) analyze your raw EEG data, (b) create topological brain maps, and (c) perform Independent Component Analysis thus giving us a variety of EEG data necessary to create your customized neurofeedback protocol.
How does Neurofeedback Work?
Using computer technology and software, neurofeedback is a technical approach that uses real-time audio and video displays of your brain’s electrical activity that teaches you how to regulate your brain's different states.This approach is quite engaging and teaches you to attain a relaxed state of awareness often associated with neural efficiency.
Neurofeedback session are generally done in 60 minute appointments where individual surface electrodes are placed on designated scalp locations. The resulting monitored brain wave activity is then fed back to the brain via visual, auditory, or kinesthetic feedback. This dynamic feedback process can be imagined as showing your brain a mirror thus enabling it to self-correct. An individual generally feels more relaxed by the end of every session.
Schedule your first appointment
with Dr. Villanueva!
We offer many different services to meet your needs
Goal Oriented
Neurofeedback
Insomnia
Depression/Anxiety
PTSD
Traumatic Brain Injury
Grief
ADD/ADHD
OCD
Autism/Spectrum
Migraines/Headaches
Peak Performance
Counseling/ Psychological Services
Clinical therapy services specializing in two domains: psychological symptoms and neurophysiological conditions
Introducing Telehealth!
EEG Consulting Services
MATLAB / EEGLAB
WinEEG
Research Design
Data Analysis
EEG Mentoring
Hands-on Workshops
We use the leading neurofeedback software to ensure you receive the best training possible
NeuroField X3000 Plus NeuroField Q20 EEG
Qwiz by Pocket Neurobics with BioExplorer software by CybeRevolutions
EEG NeuroAmp IICygnet
by Bee Medic
ProComp5 Infiniti System by Thought Technology
Analysis Image Examples
WINEEG
LORETA
EEGLAB
Dipole Fitting
Check us out on social media
Testimonials
Ariane B, as seen on Yelp
While my issues are not as severe as those who have lived through or been injured in war, I have felt relief from many issues within a short period of time, while under the care of Dr. Villanueva. Neurofeedback addresses issues such as OCD, Sleep, anxiety, PTSD, stunted emotions, and physical pain, all through the manipulation of brain wave frequencies that all of us make....
Dr. Villanueva's skill level in the field of Neurofeedback is tremendously encompassing & I've had the privilege to work directly with him for three months running. He is well-versed in one than one neurofeedback (NF) modality & is acquainted DIRECTLY with the professionals who wrote the various NF software programs.
When questions arise concerning the nuances of my case, Dr. Villaneuva sets up direct consults with the experts....so that a deeper understanding of my issues or test results can be accurately measured & interpreted...I have been treated by other NF specialists & this was never mentioned. Dr. Villanueva's meticulous handling of my unique situation make me feel as if I am receiving a treatment plan that is comprehensive & vertically integrated...if he is unable to provide answers directly, he always follows up within his network & gets back to me.
Dr. Villanueva's approach has been to shepherd or guide me through my own healing & thus, empowers me with articles & abstracts to further my own understanding of a topic...ie. pain receptors and how the brain interprets these, diet and cognition as seem through FMRI techniques...the learning I experience has been an added bonus and provides for a richer, fuller & possibly faster result!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Neurofeedback Have Side Effects?
Neurofeedback is similar to exercise for your brain. Like any physical exercise, it is possible to over do it and experience 'side effects'. In the same way, both sore muscles and ripped washboard abs could be considered a side effect from working out.
Patients with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or any sort of head trauma will likely be sensitive to neurofeedback as they learn to regulate their neural firing. One with a TBI might experience nausea, dizziness, and light sensitivity as their central nervous system learns to regulate itself.
Will I Still Need Medication?
As a person’s central nervous system become more regulated, we do often see a reduction in the amount of psychiatric medication required to achieve any given effect. This dynamic is usually first apparent with sleeping medications in that the usual dosage required to get to sleep becomes less. Nonetheless, you should NEVER stop taking or alter your dosage of prescribed medications without consulting with the prescribing physician first. If you are on psychiatric medications it is necessary that your prescribing doctor be aware that you are undergoing neurofeedback. We have worked effectively with many prescribing doctors and psychiatrists in the past.
Does Neurofeedback Benefit Those with ADD/ADHD Behaviors?
Yes, it can: Neurofeedback appears to globally regulate most all causes of ADD/ADHD. There are numerous publications that speak to neurofeedback's efficacy in the symptom reduction of ADHD/ADD. Neurofeedback is a recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a level 1 (meaning effective) treatment for children and adolescents with attention and hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). It is also effective in adults.
Does insurance cover neurofeedback?
Maybe. Have a PPO? Your insurance carrier may still reimburse you depending on your plan.
After services are rendered, we will provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company. Unfortunately, the insurance companies we are contracted with do not cover neurofeedback for behavioral health.
Our Team
Michael Villanueva, PhD
Clinic Director
Clement Lee, M.S.
Computational Neuroscience Engineer
We use neurofeedback to address the brain’s dysregulation because the approach is backed by empirical evidence and because scientific research tends to support neurofeedback’s effectiveness. Our use of qEEG analysis and normative brain mapping helps us personalize our approach and roots us more firmly in science; however, it is in the manner, the yet unknown process by which Neurofeedback manifests itself, that earns our deep commitment and passion: For it does far more than merely ease symptoms. There is often a re-emergence, a re-connection of our humanity, for lack of a better word, a renewal of “us.” It can relieve human suffering, but the magic in its application is the growth and transformation of the human spirit, making brighter that individual spark of consciousness.
Neurofeedback and neurostimulation technologies collectively form a complex intersection between science, spirit, energy, philosophy, and the mind. We research our effectiveness, we present our findings (the good and the bad), and when necessary we develop new methods using EEGLAB and MATLAB to visualize unique aspects of brain functioning. We continually challenge both our own – and our colleagues – assumptions about brain dynamics.
The Alpha Theta Center is a powerhouse of innovative thinking, science-grounded research, and clinical effectiveness. Our scope of services is diverse and includes clinical, educational, data analytics, as well as personalized training in EEG digital signal processing.
We are a dynamic company and I thank you for taking your time to read about us.
Michael Villanueva, PhD
CEO/Clinic Director
Alpha Theta Center
Clinic Work Hours
Monday to Friday
9.00am to 5.00pm
Saturday
By Appointment Only
Sunday and Public Holidays
We Are Closed
Schedule an
appointment that fits
your needs.
We are located at:
3252 Holiday Ct SUITE 225
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 352-6802