A simple model of rewarding good (beta/SMR) brainwaves and inhibiting bad (theta) brainwaves no longer predicts or explains the clinical results we find with new neurofeedback training approaches. Our understanding of the neurofeedback process has evolved with a new appreciation of the different roles of reward and inhibit bands in exercising control mechanisms versus detecting out-of-control activity in the EEG. We are also led to a consideration of the relationship of bipolar training to phase and synchrony measurements, and its impact on stability of brain function.

EEG Foundations Course #136): Neurofeedback – A Clinical Model

In order to understand and effectively use neurofeedback, it is helpful to consider how the brain manages its own brain states, and how this process is disregulated in different individuals. Neurofeedback will be seen first as an exercise in self-regulation of state and second as a process for accessing deep states for resolution of learned fears and habits.

A clinical model will be discussed that helps guide neurofeedback assessment and training in order to optimize training benefits for each client. Understanding the specific effects of reward and inhibit frequencies allows the adjustment of training protocol within and between sessions according to the client’s response to training. General and specific effects of training different cortical sites also guide protocol development to address each individual’s specific symptoms.

The clinical model allows us to think about neurofeedback as a process of improving function by increasing self-regulation of brain states. This applies both to symptom reduction and also to peak performance applications. Tools for assessing and tracking performance will be discussed. Expected outcomes will be considered in terms of rate of progress, and short-term and long-term gains with varying clinical complexity.

Workshop #64): Reward And Inhibit Strategies: Recent Advances in Theory and Practice

This workshop will cover (1) the very different roles of rewards and inhibits, and how they relate to normal regulatory rhythms versus abnormal disregulated EEG activity; (2) different clinical options in combining inhibit bands and optimizing reward frequencies with one and two-channel EEG training; (3) the role of bipolar training in desynchronizing EEG activity and stabilizing brain function; and (4) the integration of interhemispheric with single-hemisphere training.

New EEG display and training options will be demonstrated, and the process of optimizing reward frequencies according to the individual’s response to training will be demonstrated with one or more volunteers.

Plenary #43): Beyond Good And Bad Brainwaves: A New Understanding Of Rewards And Inhibits

Improving clinical outcomes with new neurofeedback training approaches have forced us to reconsider what we are asking the brain to do. A simple model of rewarding good (beta/SMR) brainwaves and inhibiting bad (theta) brainwaves does not predict or explain the benefits of rewarding frequencies from zero to thirty Hertz in different individuals, or the general benefit of rewarding and inhibiting overlapping frequency bands.

In this presentation we will consider the different roles of reward and inhibit bands in exercising control mechanisms versus detecting out-of-control activity in the EEG. We will discuss the relationship of bipolar training to phase and synchrony measurements, and its impact on stability of brain function. Finally we will consider the use of EEG and QEEG in assessment versus training. What can we learn from EEG assessments and are we really trying to fix the brainwaves?

Workshop #64): Reward And Inhibit Strategies: Recent Advances in Theory and Practice

Recent advances in neurofeedback instrumentation and clinical application are allowing us to extend and refine our clinical results. The efficacy of these new techniques challenges our understanding of how our brains perceive and respond to the particular EEG information that we are providing as feedback.

We will discuss the very different roles of rewards and inhibits, and how they relate to normal regulatory rhythms versus abnormal disregulated EEG activity. We will consider different clinical options in combining inhibit bands and optimizing reward frequencies with one and two-channel EEG training. We will also discuss the role of bipolar training in desynchronizing EEG activity and stabilizing brain function, and the integration of interhemispheric with single-hemisphere training.

A variety of neurofeedback instrumentation will be used to demonstrate new EEG display and training options, including BioExplorer, BrainMaster and Biograph Infiniti. We will also demonstrate with one or more volunteers the process of optimizing reward frequencies according to the individual’s response to training.

Workshop outline:

1. A developing model of EEG training:
Early work with beta and SMR rewards, theta and EMG inhibits
Event detection versus shaping of EEG
Good and bad frequencies
Activation and arousal
Differing roles of rewards and inhibits
Implications of bipolar training - phase and synchrony
Desynchronization and stability – large and small scale

2. Clinical applications:
Rewards
Optimizing by arousal
Left/right
Left – right (interhemispheric)
Front/back
Inhibits
Wide inhibits
Targeted inhibits
Multiple inhibits
Windowed inhibits

3. Demonstration:
Display and training options with BioExplorer, BrainMaster, Biograph
One and two-channel options
Optimize reward frequency with volunteer subject

Sue Othmer
22020 Clarendon Street
Suite 305
Woodland Hills, California 91367

phone: 818-373-1334
fax: 818-373-1331

sue@eeginfo.com

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Sue Othmer	Sue Othmer Sue Othmer is Clinical Director of the EEG Institute in Woodland Hills, California. She has been involved in clinical research and the development of EEG biofeedback protocols since 1988. She teaches professional training courses in EEG biofeedback, and presents clinical research findings in professional forums.