It is well known that some techniques, such as brain-computer interfaces and neurofeedback are subject dependent, to the extent that researchers even use the term BCI-illiterate []. This is a general phenomenon relevant also to many other techniques and treatments in which the active participation of the subject is absolutely necessary. Here I will try to collect references to studies exploring this path.
My first recommendation for reading on this topic is in fact a collection of many such treatments - a fascinating book by Norman Doidge called "The Brain's Way of Healing". It tells several unique stories of patients, each helped by a different researcher who developed an innovative method for treatment, along with in-depth explanations on the method (targeted for the general audience). While these methods need to be further investigated and better understood, they definitely make one think of the hidden potential of such methods.