The two-storey premises, which is 100 per cent privately funded, treats a range of brain disorders and also offers the most advanced applied neuroscience training applications for professionals, providing peak performance training programmes in business, sports and the arts.

"Abnormal brainwave patterns are associated with brain dysfunctions and a wide range of mental disorders, most of which have been treated with psychotropic and neurotropic medications.

"Neurofeedback training offers a drug free, non-invasive and lasting alternative way to normalise and improve brain function," explained Liam Clarke, director and psychotherapist at the clinic.

"We treat a wide variety of disorders, including anxiety, ADHD, autism and migraine," he added.

According to Mr Clarke, there is a huge undermining of resources in the area of mental health in Ireland.

This service, he said, will be informed by the needs of the local community and organisations such as Dochas and Rehab Ireland.

"Frank H Duffy, managing director, a professor and paediatric neurologist at Harvard Medical School, stated in an editorial in the January 2000 issue of the journal, Clinical Electroencephalography, that scholarly literature now suggests that neurofeedback should play a major therapeutic role in many difficult areas," Mr Clarke pointed out.

The centre at 17, Clontarf Place, O' Connell Avenue, boasts a psychotherapist, a psychologist, three occupational therapists and a nutritionist.

According to Ms Sinnott, it is a welcome addition to the more traditional methods of treatment, such as medication.

"I have been hoping for more and more new approaches to treatment. This treatment may not be for everyone, but it will help a lot of people," she said.