Johanna Hager, DCFC, LCPC, FAPA, DCFI, CCFIT, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Othmer Method Neurofeedback therapy and the equipment used to assist with talk therapy. About 25 years ago, Sue Othmer, a pioneer in neurofeedback, diverged from the standard practice by allowing the brain to guide its own process, rather than relying on statistical norms. Her approach, now known as the Othmer method, involves adjusting the ‘reward’ frequencies based on individual client responses—tracking sympt...
Johanna Hager, DCFC, LCPC, FAPA, DCFI, CCFIT, joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Othmer Method Neurofeedback therapy and the equipment used to assist with talk therapy. About 25 years ago, Sue Othmer, a pioneer in neurofeedback, diverged from the standard practice by allowing the brain to guide its own process, rather than relying on statistical norms. Her approach, now known as the Othmer method, involves adjusting the ‘reward’ frequencies based on individual client responses—tracking symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or improvement. This real-time feedback eliminates the need for expensive brain maps and often produces quicker, more comprehensive results. While many found success with this method, it hasn’t gained universal acceptance, as most practitioners continue to use traditional neurofeedback assessment strategies.
Interest in brain waves has dramatically grown since Hans Berger discovered electrical brain activity in the 1920s. Researchers now focus on how different mental states and brain diseases correlate with these electrical signals. Neurofeedback, an emerging area of biofeedback, allows individuals to target and modify their brain waves directly. By monitoring brain activity through sensors, users receive real-time feedback—often in the form of sounds or visual cues—to train their minds toward healthier patterns. This approach is being investigated as a potential treatment for disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, and epilepsy, offering new hope for non-invasive interventions.
A pioneering shift in neurofeedback therapy is drawing attention as researchers embrace infra-low frequency (ILF) techniques. Originating around 12 years ago, Carl Shames and Sue Othmer were at the forefront, experimenting with frequencies lower than ever before, measured in millihertz rather than hertz. Contrary to expectations, these ultra-low frequencies produced quicker and more widespread benefits, with patients often noticing effects immediately after their first session. The Othmer Institute has reported a dramatic reduction in the average number of required sessions. The ILF approach is making neurofeedback more effective and increasingly accessible, offering hope for those seeking affordable brain training options.
Researchers at the Othmer Institute have achieved remarkable breakthroughs using ultra-low frequency brain training. By working at frequencies measured in millihertz, between 0.01 and 0.1 Hz, participants reported rapid improvements in just their first session, feeling calm or tired almost immediately. Follow-up accounts after a second session included notable behavioral and cognitive changes. The overall number of sessions required has dropped dramatically, with many individuals experiencing core benefits in just 6-8 visits. This development has not only made neurofeedback faster and more effective but also far more affordable, paving the way for broader, more accessible mental health support.
Johanna Hager is a member of the American Psychological Association and a certified trauma specialist. She recently moved into private practice and is working to get her new office fully established. The equipment and software are available at Bee Medic. Find more information on the equipment and software for ILF Neurofeedback here. There are webinars available if you would like to learn more about neurofeedback from Bee Medic. Johanna has been a therapist for about 35 years and has treated people of all ages and psychological needs. Johanna has experienced great success using neurofeedback. Neurofeedback is a tool used in conjunction with talk therapy, which allows the brain to slow down and relax, helping the patient break down the walls to heal.
You can call or text 309-489-2195 with any questions or to ask what she still needs for her office. To make an appointment with Johanna Hager, call 309-489-2195 or book online. She has in-person and telehealth appointments, and most insurance is accepted through Alberto Minzer & Associates.
Johanna Hager stands out as a leader in psychotherapy, providing hope and healing to those confronting trauma, mood disorders, chronic illness, and significant life changes. With more than three decades of practice, she personalizes every session, ensuring clients feel genuinely understood in a safe, supportive environment. Johanna employs innovative therapies, such as neurofeedback and EMDR, guiding individuals through recovery with empathy and expertise. Beyond the therapy room, she conducted forensic interviews and served as an expert witness, educating courts on trauma’s impact throughout the area. Her commitment extends to mental health advocacy and community outreach, reflecting her dedication to nurturing strength and resilience in every client she meets.
