What Is Nesplora VR Testing - and Why We're Bringing It to Our Practice
By: Dr. Jennifer Merthe-Grayson, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
If your child has been struggling with focus, impulsivity, or attention - or if you're an adult who has quietly wondered whether ADHD might explain years of difficulty - you've probably already know that getting a clear, accurate answer isn't always simple. Traditional ADHD evaluations are thorough, but they rely heavily on rating scales, clinical interviews, and paper-and-pencil performance tests that can feel disconnected from real life. 🧠
That's why we're excited to share that the Merthe-Grayson Center is in the process of adding Nesplora virtual reality assessment to our evaluation services. 🎉
So, What Exactly Is Nesplora?
Nesplora is a clinically validated neuropsychological assessment tool that uses virtual reality technology to evaluate attention, impulsivity, and related cognitive functions. Rather than sitting at a table responding to stimuli on a piece of paper, the person being evaluated puts on a VR headset and is immersed in a realistic, everyday environment. 🥽
For children and adolescents, that environment is a virtual classroom - complete with ambient distractions like whispering classmates, paper airplanes, and background noise. For adults, the setting is an aquarium, a naturalistic environment designed to assess attention and working memory in a way that mirrors real-world demands. 🏫🐠
The test takes approximately 18-25 minutes, and results are generated automatically at the end of the session. ⏱️
Why Does This Matter for Diagnosis?
One of the ongoing challenges in ADHD assessment is what clinicians call ecological validity - meaning, how well a test reflects what's actually happening in a person's daily life. A child can perform reasonably well on a quiet, highly structured paper task and still struggle enormously in a busy classroom. Traditional continuous performance tests, while useful, have sometimes been described as "shoot-me boring" - and disengagement during the test can affect results. 😅
Nesplora addresses this directly. By placing the individual in a simulated real-world context full of natural distractions, the assessment captures a more accurate picture of how attention actually functions. The system objectively measures:
Sustained and selective attention
Impulsivity and inhibitory control
Motor activity (in children)
Working memory and cognitive flexibility (in adults)
All of this is compared against a normative sample, and the report is generated immediately - no waiting weeks for scoring and interpretation. 📊
Who Is This For?
Nesplora has been validated for two primary age groups:
Children and adolescents ages 6-16 using the Aula (classroom) environment
Adults ages 16-90 using the Aquarium environment
It's a strong fit for families seeking clarity on ADHD, and it's also useful in cases where anxiety, learning differences, or other factors make diagnosis more complex. Because the assessment is objective and fully quantitative, it reduces evaluator bias and adds a layer of precision that complements the clinical interview and rating scale data we already gather. ✅
What This Looks Like at Our Practice
At the Merthe-Grayson Center, VR testing will be one component of a comprehensive evaluation - not a standalone diagnostic tool. ADHD assessment has always required gathering information from multiple sources, and that won't change. What Nesplora adds is a more immersive, objective, and engaging piece of the picture. 🧩
For kids especially, the technology tends to feel more like an experience than a test - which can reduce test anxiety and improve performance validity. 🌟
We'll share more details on availability, fees, and scheduling as we finalize our rollout. If you're currently on our waitlist or are considering an evaluation, feel free to reach out and let us know you're interested. 📅
Questions? We'd Love to Hear From You.
As we prepare to launch this service, we're happy to answer questions from families, adults, and referring providers. You can reach us at
drjenn@mgcenterforpsychologyandwellness.com 📩
At the Merthe-Grayson Center, we're committed to staying at the forefront of evidence based assessment - because accurate answers are the foundation of meaningful support. 💙
The Merthe-Grayson Center for Psychology & Wellness is a private practice based in Amherst, Ohio, offering in-person and telehealth services for individuals across the state. We specialize in psychological assessment and individual counseling.
What Is Neurofeedback? How qEEG-Guided Training Works and What to Expect 🧠✨
By: Dr. Jennifer Merthe-Grayson, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
If you've been hearing more about neurofeedback and wondering whether it's actually helpful or just another wellness trend, you're not alone. More individuals and families are exploring neurofeedback with qEEG technology as a noninvasive, personalized way to support focus, emotional regulation, stress resilience, mental clarity, and overall brain wellness.
Beginning mid-July, we’ll be offering qEEG-guided neurofeedback sessions for those looking for a more individualized, data-informed approach to brain training. If you're curious whether neurofeedback may be a fit for you, your child, or your family, now is a great time to join the waitlist. 🌿
What Is Neurofeedback? 🧠
Neurofeedback is a form of brain training that uses real-time information about brainwave activity to help the brain build more efficient patterns over time.
In simple terms, neurofeedback gives the brain feedback about what it is doing in the moment. That feedback can help encourage healthier patterns related to attention, regulation, stress response, sleep, and performance.
Many people describe neurofeedback as exercise for the brain. Just as the body can strengthen through repetition and training, the brain can also learn through repeated feedback and practice. 💡
What Is qEEG Technology? 🔍
A qEEG, or quantitative electroencephalogram, is a tool used to measure and map brainwave activity. It provides a more detailed picture of how the brain is functioning and can help identify patterns related to areas such as:
Focus and attention
Stress and nervous system regulation
Emotional balance
Sleep quality
Mental processing and performance
When used as part of neurofeedback, qEEG technology helps create a more personalized training approach rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all method. That can make the process feel more targeted, intentional, and aligned with each person's unique needs. 🌟
How Does qEEG-Guided Neurofeedback Work? ⚙️
During neurofeedback sessions, sensors are placed on the scalp to monitor brainwave activity. These sensors do not send electricity into the brain. They simply read information, allowing the system to observe patterns in real time.
That information is then used to provide feedback to the brain, often through visual or auditory cues. Over repeated sessions, the brain may begin to recognize and shift toward more balanced and efficient activity patterns.
For many people searching for how neurofeedback works or what qEEG-guided neurofeedback does, it helps to know that this approach is:
Noninvasive
Comfortable
Drug-free
Personalized
Designed to support training over time
What Happens During a Neurofeedback Session? 🪑🎧
One of the most common questions people ask is: What does neurofeedback feel like?
In a typical qEEG-guided neurofeedback session, you can expect:
A calm, comfortable environment
Sensors placed on specific areas of the scalp
Real-time monitoring of brainwave activity
Visual or auditory feedback during the training process
A session experience that is generally simple and easy to tolerate
For many people, the experience feels surprisingly straightforward. There is no need to force anything or “perform” in a certain way. The process is designed to support the brain’s natural ability to learn and adapt over time. 🙌
What Can Neurofeedback Help Support? 🌱
People often explore neurofeedback with qEEG technology when they are looking for support with concerns such as:
Focus and concentration
Attention challenges
Stress and overwhelm
Sleep difficulties
Emotional ups and downs
Mental fatigue
Performance under pressure
Because each person’s brain and goals are different, neurofeedback is best understood as an individualized training process, not a universal solution.
Can Neurofeedback Help With ADHD, Anxiety, or Performance? 🎯
Many people researching neurofeedback for ADHD, neurofeedback for anxiety, or neurofeedback for performance are looking for options that feel more personalized and supportive.
qEEG-guided neurofeedback may be worth exploring for people who want support with:
Attention and self-regulation
Calming an overactive stress response
Improving consistency in focus
Building mental resilience
Supporting performance under pressure
Individual experiences vary, and neurofeedback is not a magic fix. It is better described as a supportive training tool that may complement a broader wellness, educational, or mental health plan. 🤍
How Many Neurofeedback Sessions Do You Need? ⏳
A common question is: How many neurofeedback sessions does it take to notice change?
The honest answer is that it depends. Goals, consistency, brain patterns, and individual response all play a role. Neurofeedback is generally not a one-time experience. Like other forms of training, it tends to work best with regular sessions over time.
Some people notice shifts sooner, while others benefit from a longer process. Setting realistic expectations from the beginning is one of the best ways to approach qEEG-guided neurofeedback training.
Is Neurofeedback Safe? ✅
For many people, safety is one of the first concerns.
Neurofeedback is noninvasive, and the sensors used during training are designed to read brainwave activity rather than directly change it. That is one reason many individuals are drawn to neurofeedback as a gentle, supportive option to explore.
It is still important to remember that neurofeedback is not a replacement for medical care, mental health treatment, or professional diagnosis when those are needed. It can be part of a broader support plan depending on the person’s goals and situation.
Who Is a Good Fit for qEEG-Guided Neurofeedback? 👨👩👧👦
qEEG-guided neurofeedback may be a good fit for:
Adults looking to support focus, stress regulation, or mental clarity
Children and teens who may need support with attention or regulation
Athletes wanting to strengthen focus, resilience, and performance habits
Families exploring supportive options for ADHD-related challenges
Individuals interested in proactive brain wellness and training
If you've been searching for neurofeedback near me or wondering whether this type of training could support your goals, joining the waitlist can be a simple first step. 📍
Why More People Are Exploring Neurofeedback 📈
Interest in neurofeedback with qEEG technology is growing because many people want more personalized, noninvasive approaches to supporting how they think, feel, and function.
Instead of focusing only on symptoms, neurofeedback often appeals to people who want to better understand patterns related to:
Attention
Stress response
Emotional regulation
Sleep
Mental performance
For those who value a practical and structured approach, qEEG-guided neurofeedback can feel like a meaningful option to explore.
Neurofeedback Sessions Begin Mid-July 🚀
We’re excited to begin offering qEEG-guided neurofeedback sessions in mid-July.
If you're interested in learning more about neurofeedback for focus, stress support, ADHD-related concerns, athletic performance, or overall brain wellness, now is the perfect time to join the waitlist. Joining early helps you:
Get updates when scheduling opens
Learn more about whether neurofeedback may be a fit
Be among the first to hear about session availability
Join the waitlist today to be first in line for upcoming neurofeedback sessions. ✨
Frequently Asked Questions About Neurofeedback ❓
Does neurofeedback hurt?
No. Neurofeedback is generally considered noninvasive and comfortable. The sensors read activity; they do not send electricity into the brain.
Is neurofeedback the same as therapy?
Not exactly. Neurofeedback is a brain training process, while therapy usually focuses on thoughts, emotions, behavior, and relationships. For some people, the two may complement each other.
What is the role of qEEG in neurofeedback?
A qEEG helps measure brainwave activity and can provide information that supports a more individualized training plan.
How soon do people notice changes?
That varies from person to person. Some notice changes sooner, while others need more time and consistency.
Is neurofeedback only for children?
No. Neurofeedback may be explored by children, teens, adults, and athletes, depending on their goals.
Can I join the waitlist before sessions begin?
Yes. Since sessions begin in mid-July, the waitlist is the best way to receive updates and early scheduling information.