How Photobiomodulation and Neurofeedback Work Together for Brain Healing
Discover how photobiomodulation (PBM) and neurofeedback complement each other to improve brain function, balance mood, and support healing. Learn how these two powerful, non-invasive tools work hand in hand at Butterfield Counseling & Neurofeedback.
The Brain’s Remarkable Capacity to Heal
The human brain is designed to adapt. Every moment, it’s forming and reforming connections—learning, healing, and finding new ways to process information.
But when stress, trauma, or imbalance disrupts those neural pathways, symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, poor focus, and mood swings can appear.
At Butterfield Counseling & Neurofeedback, we use cutting-edge, non-invasive tools to help your brain restore balance naturally. Two of our most effective approaches—neurofeedback and photobiomodulation (PBM)—work even better when used together.
What Is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a science-backed brain training method that helps your brain learn how to regulate itself.
Here’s how it works:
– Sensors measure your brainwave activity in real time.
– Feedback is given through visuals or sounds when your brain moves toward healthier patterns.
– Over time, your brain learns to maintain those patterns on its own.
Neurofeedback doesn’t force change, it teaches your brain what balanced feels like. Many clients describe feeling calmer, clearer, and more focused after consistent sessions.
What Is Photobiomodulation (PBM)?
Photobiomodulation, also known as low-level light therapy, uses red and near-infrared light to gently stimulate brain cells.
This light energy penetrates the scalp and interacts with your cells’ mitochondria (the “power plants” of the cell), leading to:
– Increased ATP (energy) production
– Improved blood flow and oxygenation
– Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress
PBM essentially creates a healthier environment for your brain to function, energizing and restoring at the cellular level.
Why These Two Work So Well Together
Both neurofeedback and PBM enhance brain performance, but they do so from different angles:
| Neurofeedback | Photobiomodulation (PBM) |
| Trains the brain’s electrical activity | Improves energy and cellular metabolism |
| Builds new neural connections | Supports cell repair and oxygen flow |
| Regulates networks of communication | Reduces inflammation and increases resilience |
Used together, PBM can prime your brain for neurofeedback by improving energy and blood flow to neural tissue.
This often leads to faster progress, deeper regulation, and longer-lasting results.
Clients frequently report that combining these treatments helps them feel more focused, emotionally balanced, and mentally clear.
The Science of Synergy
Both neurofeedback and PBM tap into neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire itself.
Think of it like this:
- PBM boosts the hardware (the physical health of your brain cells).
- Neurofeedback refines the software (the patterns and pathways those cells communicate through).
Together, they create ideal conditions for deep, lasting change. Whether you’re recovering from trauma, managing anxiety, improving focus, or simply wanting your brain to function at its best—this combination helps your brain do what it was designed to do: heal.
A Natural, Gentle Path Forward
At Butterfield Counseling & Neurofeedback, we believe healing should be empowering, not overwhelming.
By integrating PBM and neurofeedback, we help your brain learn to find balance naturally without medication or invasive procedures.
It’s safe. It’s science-based. And it’s designed for you.
When your brain works better, every part of life starts to feel better too.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re curious how photobiomodulation and neurofeedback could support you or your child, we’d love to connect.
Call us at (801) 525-4645 or visit our website to schedule a consultation and see how your brain can begin to heal from the inside out.