A LEADING NEUROFEEDBACK PRACTICE
We are a leading neurofeedback practice with over a decade of experience helping individuals unlock their brain's full potential.
We offer comprehensive therapies to address various mental health issues and developmental challenges. Our practice in Hale provides personalised training programs that incorporate cutting-edge techniques, including QEEG brain mapping, Neurofeedback, and photobiomodulation.
What makes us different?
We are most proud of the relationships we have with our clients and the lasting changes they see in their lives. Some of the other things we believe set us apart are…
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With over ten years of experience in the field, we've established ourselves as a leading provider of neurofeedback therapy. We have provided sessions for children in more than ten mainstream and SEN schools in Manchester while bringing Neurofeedback to adults in a private setting.
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Lauren and Sian, have undergone rigorous training and certifications in Neurofeedback and biofeedback. They continuously enhance their knowledge through workshops and courses focused on brain health. Additionally, our involvement in organisations like the International Society for Neurofeedback & Research (ISNR) and Bee Medic showcase our commitment to staying at the forefront of the field.
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Trust is paramount when working with a therapy that directly impacts the brain. We recognise the significance of this trust and take great care to foster a strong, trusting relationship with our clients. Our commitment to open communication and empathy allows our clients to feel supported and reassured that their wellbeing and progress are in capable hands.
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We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, safe, and relaxed environment for our clients in our practice in Hale. We understand that undergoing therapy for brain-related challenges can be intimidating, and we work hard to ensure that our clients feel comfortable and at ease throughout their sessions.
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We are committed to effectively communicating the benefits and processes of neurofeedback therapy in a manner that clients can easily understand. By avoiding overwhelming technical jargon and leveraging relatable analogies, clients can grasp the concepts and actively participate in their healing journey.
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We understand that each client is unique, with individual goals and challenges. We offer a personalised approach to Neurofeedback, tailoring training plans to address specific needs effectively. We maximise our clients' chances of successful outcomes by developing individualised training programs and using clinically proven methods.
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Our discussions about Neurofeedback are centred on inspiring hope and confidence while creating a supportive and motivating environment for our clients to flourish.
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We have both witnessed first hand the incredible difference Neurofeedback can make to a family member’s life. This drives us to spread the message around the benefits of brain training.
A supportive environment.
At Optiminds, we prioritise building trust and providing a supportive environment for our clients. Our experienced practitioners, Lauren and Siân, have undergone rigorous training in Neurofeedback and continuously expand their knowledge in this field. With over a decade of experience working with individuals and within schools across the North West, we have developed a process which empowers individuals of all ages to achieve their cognitive and emotional goals.
We offer personalised training plans and use clear language without overwhelming technical jargon to ensure our clients fully understand the process and actively participate in their journey towards healing. Every session is non-invasive, enjoyable and relaxing; most clients see results within twenty sessions.
Lauren Sharples BSc MBPsS
Lauren’s story
I discovered Neurofeedback through a life-changing experience that involved my father. It happened years ago when he had a fall during a snowboarding excursion, leaving him with difficulties in focus, mood, and anxiety. Determined to find a solution, he embarked on a weekly journey from Manchester to London for Neurofeedback sessions.
I was a psychology student at the time, so I was both intrigued and slightly sceptical about Neurofeedback. Driven by curiosity, I accompanied my father on one of his trips to understand this unfamiliar approach. As he progressed through the weeks of training, I observed him make huge gains in his cognition memory and wellbeing. Today, he still has regular Neurofeedback sessions to keep him at top of his game.
Twelve years ago, my younger brother was experiencing challenges at school with his learning, and he also started attending neurofeedback sessions. He found significant improvements in his ability to concentrate and regulate his behaviour and emotions.
Inspired by their experiences, I delved head-first into the world of Neurofeedback. I first sought to understand the science behind it and how it could help others grappling with similar issues. The more I learned, the more my interest and enthusiasm in the approach grew.
I started Optiminds in 2014 as I believe that Neurofeedback has so much potential to unlock hidden potentials and alleviate suffering. I’m dedicated to learning the field of Neurofeedback and continual professional development, I have travelled to the US on multiple occasions over the years to sit alongside worldwide experts in the field of brain health.
Some of the workshops and courses attended include the following topics: Neurofeedback and QEEG for Autism, ADHD, Learning Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Peak Performance, progress monitoring and protocol design.
I completed QEEG brain mapping training in Colorado, US, alongside three QEEG diplomats and world leaders in the field of Neurofeedback (Thomas Collura, PhD, David Cantor, PhD, Harry Kerasidis, MD).
In 2017, I was awarded the board of directors position of the International Member at Large for ISNR (the International Society for Neurofeedback & Research), the largest professional organisation in the field of Neurofeedback. During my time on the board, I helped raise awareness and spread the word about this innovative approach to brain regulation and performance enhancement whilst assisting with organising professional conferences and training workshops. I was honoured to receive the ISNR President Award of Merit for my contributions to the board of directors.
In the last decade, I have worked with over 300 individuals, from children in school, to adults struggling with mental health, and nothing beats the satisfaction I get when a client I am working with starts to see positive changes.
WHY I do it
Neurofeedback is not ubiquitous or mainstream. It is complex and different, and I love introducing people to something new. I love that the field is constantly evolving, which means there are continual opportunities for me to learn and challenge myself. Our knowledge of the brain is developing every day, as are the advancements made with technology. When we combine the two, the possibilities seem endless!
Siân Brown MSc GMBPsS
SIâN’s story
I first encountered Neurofeedback when reading 'The Body Keeps The Score' by Bessel van der Kolk. Both my daughter and husband have ADHD, and at the time, my daughter was experiencing significant challenges with sleep and emotional regulation.
Curious to learn more, I googled 'neurofeedback Manchester' and found Lauren. She then started training sessions with my daughter, and the resulting improvements over the next few months to her impulsivity, mood and attention were so markedly noticeable and remarked upon by family and friends that my husband started training, too. He, too, found it enormously beneficial for his concentration and mood.
In parallel, I was considering a career change after many years working in business support. I started studying counselling and psychotherapy part-time which sparked my determination to complete an MSc in Psychology. I subsequently completed a diploma in anatomy and physiology and a Human Brain Anatomy Course at King’s College London. I have a deep interest in the mind-body connection and somatic practices.
Neurofeedback was one of my main areas of interest during the course and allowed me to explore the academic research and theoretical understanding of the technique. My dissertation explored parent experiences of treatments and interventions for ADHD, a subject of interest to me both personally and professionally. I attended the UK’s first conference for Applied Neurofeedback which cemented my decision to work in this field.
WHY I do it
I believe that the understanding and acceptance of technologies for mental health will increase in the coming years and that Neurofeedback can significantly contribute to helping people access improved quality of life and live more fully. I love the intersection between neuroscience and therapy that Neurofeedback offers. It is a practical and tangible way to help people to whom more traditional talking therapies may not be accessible.
OUR VALUES
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Taking great care of our people in our work and our communication
We care deeply about the wellbeing of our clients. We provide a nurturing and supportive environment where individuals feel heard and understood. Everything we do aims to build a strong foundation of trust with our clients, ensuring that they feel safe, respected, and confident in the training process.
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Always doing the right thing
We understand that every individual we work with is an individual, meaning the approach we take with each person is unique. We strive to have open, honest, and professional conversations with every client that walks through our door. We collaborate with both our clients and the professionals we work with within the field of Neurofeedback to ensure we can deliver the best possible outcomes in our practice.
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An openness to change and a curiosity for learning
We embrace cutting-edge innovation to challenge conventional thinking and improve outcomes for our clients. We strive to stay at the forefront of neurofeedback techniques, research, and technology, incorporating state-of-the-art tools and methodologies into our practice.
OUr PRICES
We offer all clients a free initial consultation and from there we provide differently prices packages depending on the service you require.
