Privacy & Consent Policy

INFORMED CONSENT FOR BRAIN TRAINING THERAPY

 

Please read this informed consent document carefully. Your signature on this document indicates that you have read, understood, and accept its provisions. Where the client is a minor (under 18 years of age), this form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian on the child's behalf.

 

WHAT IS HEG THERAPY?

 

HEG (Haemoencephalography) Therapy is the primary brain-training modality used in this practice and is the first-line intervention for eligible clients. HEG is a non-invasive, painless technique that measures and trains blood flow and oxygenation in specific regions of the brain — most commonly the prefrontal cortex. It is used with both children and adults.

 

A small sensor is placed on the forehead to detect infrared heat (pIR HEG) or near-infrared light (nIR HEG) as an indicator of cerebral blood flow and metabolic activity. The data is fed back to the client via a computer display, encouraging the brain to increase blood flow and activation in targeted areas. HEG requires no scalp electrodes and involves no electrical stimulation of any kind.

 

HEG is particularly effective for improving prefrontal functioning, attention regulation, impulse control, emotional regulation, and executive functioning in both children and adults.

 

WHAT IS NEUROFEEDBACK?

 

Neurofeedback (also referred to as EEG Biofeedback, Brain Balancing, or Brain Training) is used as a complementary and secondary modality alongside HEG Therapy, where clinically indicated. One or more small sensors are placed on the scalp and/or ears to detect the brain's natural electrical activity (brainwaves). This activity passes through an amplifier and is displayed on a computer monitor.

 

The brainwaves are fed back to the client as audio and/or visual signals. Reward and inhibit cues gently guide the brain toward more balanced patterns, supporting the development of new neural pathways and the gradual release of unhelpful patterns. Your practitioner will advise whether neurofeedback is recommended in addition to HEG for your individual programme.

 

SCOPE OF PRACTICE AND IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS

 

HEG Therapy and Neurofeedback are not medical treatments and are not intended to diagnose, cure, or permanently fix any certified medical or neurological disorder. These are non-medical brain-training interventions. While both modalities have been shown to significantly reduce the symptoms associated with many conditions — in both children and adults — they do not alter an underlying diagnosis.

Conditions where symptom reduction has been reported include, but are not limited to:

 

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Anxiety and stress-related conditions

• Learning difficulties and academic challenges

• Sleep disorders

• Emotional dysregulation and behavioural challenges

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Closed head injuries and concussion recovery

• Tourette's syndrome

• Seizure disorders (only with prior approval from a neurologist)

• Stroke recovery (as an adjunct to medical care)

• Migraines and chronic headaches (HEG is particularly indicated for this)

 

It is important to understand: a formal diagnosis such as ADHD, ASD, or bipolar disorder is a certified medical classification and will not be "removed" or "cured" by brain training. The goal of this therapy is to support the brain in functioning more efficiently, which may result in a meaningful reduction of symptoms and an improved quality of life — for both children and adults.

 

MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE AND PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION

 

As part of a commitment to providing the best possible outcomes for each client, your practitioner may — where appropriate and always with your prior knowledge and consent — consult with or refer to other healthcare professionals. These may include:

 

• Psychologist – for psychological assessment, therapy, or diagnostic support

• Psychiatrist – for medication management and psychiatric evaluation

• General Medical Practitioner (GP) – for overall health monitoring and medical clearance

• Occupational Therapist (OT) – particularly for sensory processing, fine motor development, and daily functioning in children

• Educational Psychologist – for learning assessments, school-based support, and academic intervention planning

• Speech and Language Therapist – for communication and language development

• Neurologist – where a seizure disorder or other neurological condition is suspected or present

 

Any sharing of your information with other professionals will occur in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act No. 4 of 2013. You will always be informed before any consultation takes place with another professional.

If you are experiencing severe trauma, depression, a psychiatric disorder, or any condition requiring ongoing clinical support, you are strongly encouraged to engage simultaneously with an appropriate mental health professional. Both HEG Therapy and Neurofeedback work most effectively as part of a holistic, collaborative care approach.

 

EFFICACY AND EXPECTATIONS

 

Both HEG Therapy and Neurofeedback are recognised internationally as legitimate complementary interventions. Results vary from person to person and no guarantees or promises can be made that these modalities will be effective for every individual. However, significant improvements in the following areas have been reported in both children and adults:

 

• School and work performance

• Concentration, attention, and focus

• Emotional regulation and impulse control

• Behaviour management

• Sleep quality

• Reduced frequency and severity of migraines (HEG)

• General sense of wellbeing

 

In some cases, clients — under the guidance of their medical practitioner — have been able to reduce or adjust medication for their condition. Any changes to medication must always be managed by the client's physician and/or psychiatrist — never independently.

 

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

 

Both HEG Therapy and Neurofeedback are generally well-tolerated by children and adults. However, as with any neurological intervention:

 

• Some clients may temporarily experience light-headedness, tingling, fatigue, or mild sensitivity following a session.

• Occasionally, painful memories or emotions may surface during training. This is part of the brain's natural healing and growth process.

• Some clients may feel worse before they feel better, particularly in the early stages of training. This is a normal response.

• If at any point during or after a session you or your child feel confused, disoriented, or unwell, please inform the practitioner immediately. Do not drive a vehicle until any such symptoms have fully subsided.

• If a seizure disorder is suspected, neurologist clearance is required before commencing sessions.

 

SESSIONS, CANCELLATIONS, AND FEES

 

Session Scheduling

 

Sessions are by appointment only. Duration and frequency will be determined by the practitioner based on the client's individual needs and goals.

 

Cancellation Policy

 

A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Appointments missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged at the full session rate.

 

Fees

• Initial assessment (1 hour): R750

• HEG Therapy sessions: R350 per hour

• Neurofeedback sessions: R650 per hour

• Combined or extended sessions will be quoted separately.

 

Payment

Payment is due at the time of service unless a prior financial arrangement has been made. Accepted methods: Cash, Card (via Yoco), Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

 

Banking Details

• Account Name: Adri Clayton

• Bank: FNB

• Branch Code: 250655

• Account Number: 63132198656

• Reference: Your invoice number

 

Your signature on this form confirms that you, as the client or responsible party, accept full financial responsibility for all charges incurred.

 

POPIA COMPLIANCE AND CONFIDENTIALITY

 

This practice operates in full compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), No. 4 of 2013 (South Africa).

 

• All personal and health information collected is used exclusively for providing and managing your brain training therapy.

• Your information is stored securely and treated with strict confidentiality.

• Your personal information will not be shared with any third party without your written consent, except as required by law or as necessary for your care (see Section 4 above).

• You have the right to request access to your information, request corrections, or withdraw consent for processing, subject to applicable legal obligations.

​

CONSENT AND DECLARATION

 

By signing below, I confirm the following:

 

• I have read and understood this Informed Consent for Brain Training Therapy in full.

• I understand that HEG Therapy and Neurofeedback are brain-training interventions and do not cure or permanently fix any certified medical disorder, but may significantly reduce symptoms.

• I understand that results are not guaranteed and that some individuals may not respond to the treatment or may temporarily experience increased discomfort before improvement occurs.

• I consent to the practitioner consulting with other healthcare professionals (such as psychologists, psychiatrists, GPs, occupational therapists, or educational psychologists) where appropriate and with prior notice to me.

• I acknowledge that any changes to medication must be managed exclusively by the relevant medical professional.

• I accept full financial responsibility for all services rendered.

• I consent to the collection and processing of my (or my child's) personal information in accordance with POPIA as described above.

• I release Adri Clayton, Brain Training Practitioner, from liability for any effects caused directly or indirectly by HEG Therapy and/or Neurofeedback sessions, provided that all reasonable care and professional standards have been observed.