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 Feb
5, 2004
- One Day
Neurofeedback /
- EEG
Biofeedback Foundations Course
The
full faculty list is incomplete, but you'll get a feel for it from the
list below.
Buy our 15 hour audio version of the course
($289) and attend it live, within one year of purchase, free.
           
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- New this year:
Tom
Collura
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- Returning: Joel
Lubar, , Sig Othmer, Michael & Linda Thompson, Paul
Swingle, Rob Kall, Helena Kerekhazi, Anna Wise, Peter Van Deusen,
Hershel Toomim, Richard Soutar, Valdeane Brown, Jay Gunkelman, Nancy
White, Michael Cohen, Robert Gurnee, Tom Collura, Grant Bright, KH
Wong
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2004
Neurofeedback Foundations Course Schedule |
| 8:00
Rob Kall Brief History of Neurofeedback and biofeedback; Cats,
monkeys, jets, Gaia, yogis....an overview of the early
history of the field of biofeedback and neurofeedback |
| 8:40
Sig Othmer- From
Brain Models to Therapies Neurofeedback started with a focus on
brain mechanisms, and first clinical applications were to neurological
conditions such as epilepsy. Over time neurofeedback came to be more and
more associated with psychological/psychiatric diagnoses, and symptoms
drove therapeutic approaches. Increasingly, however, evolving protocols
have shed any obvious linkage with symptoms being addressed. We are
returning to more purely brain-based models to define how neurofeedback is
to be done. Symptom relief and performance measures are still the arbiter
of clinical success, but the challenges we employ in brain-training are
increasingly being derived from strictly EEG-based criteria. It is
necessary, therefore, to develop an over-arching model for brain
self-regulation that accounts for this state of affairs. If such a
comprehensive model is possible, then we would expect it to be accompanied
by a more generic, non-specific approach to brain self-regulation
applicable to a broad range of disorders as well as to optimum mental
fitness training.
|
| 9:20
Michael Cohen |
| 9:40
Stretch Break |
| 9:50
Joel Lubar
Understanding The EEG It's
Origins, It's Characteristics and Its Application for Neurofeedback-
Neurotherapy.
In this foundations course I will
demonstrate a number of EEG pattern characteristics that are important for
the basic understanding and for application in the fields of neurofeedback
and neurotherapy. EEG is an extremely complex phenomenon. Understanding
neocortical dynamics, the origins of EEG and how it is recorded, analyzed
and processed is of primary importance in order to utilize EEG
neurofeedback techniques and neurotherapy approaches. First, I will
familiarize the attendees with the basic EEG patterns such as delta,
theta, alpha, beta, SMR, lambda, mu, sleep spindles, and other commonly
recorded EEG characteristics.
Next I will demonstrate some of the
abnormal EEG patterns associated with seizure disorders and other types of
neuropathology.
This foundations course will discuss
in detail the more important and somewhat more complex concepts such as
harmonic analysis of EEG, phase and coherence, and their importance in
understanding functional linkages within the cerebral cortex and between
the cortex and the thalamus. The importance of coherence and phase will
become particularly apparent in a discussion about the difference between
referential and bipolar EEG montages. The relationship between phase and
coherence measurements and the characteristics associated with closed head
injury and possibly attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder and learning
disabilities will be discussed.
My portion of the course will also
include a discussion of the different types of signal processing
methodologies that are utilized in the development of neurofeedback
instrumentation and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each
approach. These methodologies include active bandpass filters, analog and
digital filters, Fourier analysis, pattern analysis, and combined analog
and digital techniques based on several of these approaches used
simultaneously |
| 11:10
Jay
Gunkelman Using QEEG with Neurofeedback
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| 11:40
Robert Gurnee "QEEG-Based
Neurofeedback with ADD" The
three research-based QEEG subtypes of ADD will be presented.
The key discriminating factors such as the highest power elevations
in the frontal poles, right worse than left frontal and posterior
asymmetry, reduced Delta, posterior attention circuit (P4 -T6)
abnormalities, frontal pole hypercoherence will be explained as will be
their implications for treatment. The
case for the risks of standard protocols versus the need for
individualized treatment interventions will be presented.
|
| 12:00-1:10
Lunch |
| 1:10
Anna Wise Training
the Awakened Mind. Anna’s unique contribution to neurofeedback is the
marriage of science and spirituality. Working with both the state and
content of consciousness, she uses the Mind Mirror III EEG to identify and
train higher states. In this half hour Anna will demonstrate the Mind
Mirror and detail her work in training the Awakened Mind. |
| 1:55
Tom Collura: Technical
Foundations of Neurofeedback:Instrumentation and Processing This
workshop will describe the technical foundations of neurofeedback
instruments, with an emphasis on neurophysiological, electronic, and
computer aspects. A signal is traced from its origin in the brain, through
the instrumentation, until a visual or auditory feedback signal is
presented to the trainee. Aspects of real-time processing and feedback
will be emphasized. Technical data in the form of digital traces, timing
measurements, and statistical summaries, will be presented and discussed.
Material covered will not be specific to any particular instrument, and
will pertain to all types of equipment.
Each
participant will have the opportunity to articulate the technical
foundations of EEG neurofeedback, including neurophysiology, electronics,
signal processing, and user-interfacing. Understand specifications such as
bandwidth, accuracy, and response time, in scientific and engineering
terms. |
| 2:25
Richard Soutar Protocol Strategies:
A Theory Driven Decision Tree For
those starting out in neurofeedback, one of the great mysteries is which
protocol to implement, how long to do it, and when to change and try
something else. This segment
of the Foundations Course will address these questions. A theory driven decision tree based on the existing
literature and extensive clinical experience will be presented. How to relate this decision tree to the various prevailing
paradigms in neurofeedback will also be discussed. |
| 2:55
break |
| 3:00
Nancy White Transpersonal and
energy Considerations in Biofeedback: The
Quantum view of reality sees a person as a matrix of energy and
information. In this paradigm, we can attain states of consciousness that
allow us to exchange information with non-local fields in ways that change
our perception of reality. Under specific conditions that the therapist
can induce, Alpha/Theta Neurofeedback therapy provides a gateway to
non-local reality and the transpersonal realm of individual
transformation. |
| 3:30
Valdeane Brown Targeting
Emergent Variability: A Robust Approach to NF Training.
NF
training can be done in very simple, yet comprehensive ways, thanks to
advances in technology. Remember
DOS and those cryptic commands? A
lot of NF training can seem to done that way, with the burden of “extra”
knowledge of “special assessments” being needed.
With advances in computing technology as well as the software to
implement more comprehensive training, we can now operate in a more
streamlined way – doing “less” as the trainer, but accomplishing “more”
for and with the client. This
means training more targets at the same time – because the program and
computer can keep up with the details for us – instead of having to use
a long sequence of “smaller” targets – each of which has to be
decided upon by the practitioner. The
more specific the decisions needed, the more likelihood there is of
getting it wrong. There are
profoundly simpler and more robust approaches.
NF training can be done like a kind of aerobic cross training for
the CNS. Using central “tuning“
mechanisms, the CNS can simply be given very comprehensive information in
“real-time” and it will restore its own functioning – no need to
directly “push”, “nudge”, “lead” or “perturb” the client.
Almost everyone has learned to ride a bicycle at some point in
their life. The more adept
one is at riding, the less “wobble” there is as you ride.
Instead of the bike leaning to one side and then the other –
bobbing back and forth with each pedal push – the expert cuts a small
path with very little wobble. This
makes the riding very efficient and creates a base of stability from which
rapid changes in direction and speed or made possible.
It is no different for the CNS.
The more disorder, the more the CNS “wobbles” in ways that can
be easily seen and directly trained.
The less wobble, the less emergent variability and the more stable
the CNS is – and the more capable and ready it is to change states when
appropriate. Pribram used the
ideas of efficiency and effectiveness to characterize the functioning of
the CNS – these are the twin pillars upon which this approach to NF
training is based. This makes
it simple to use yet equally applicable across the range of contexts in
which NF training has been used successfully.
Moving to this new paradigm involves an unlearning and “letting
go” of other, older ideas but carries with it the advantages of elegance
and applicability across virtually all areas of application.
This presentation will introduce you to this newer, inherently
simpler and robust paradigm to NF training and give you an elegantly
comprehensive understanding of actually implementing this approach in
real-time training. |
| 4:00
Les Fehmi What is Coherence
training and why do it? Coherence
applies to brain waves of a given frequence which maintain a consistent
relationship with each other, extremes of which are often thought of in
neurofeedback circles as undesirable.
The optimizing effects of training phase synchrony, a particular
kind of coherence, one in which brain waves of specific frequency peak and
trough at the same time, will be described. |
| 5:00
Dinner break |
- 6:00 Grant Bright
“Targeting Where It
Hurts Most, i.e. Simple approaches to NF are not as Robust as Well
defined Laundry Lists.”
- The
most effective Neurofeedback is accomplished when a clinician uses “Four
Step Apprach:”
- 1.
Examine eeg features and make notes
- 2.
Run a Qeeg Database and make notes
- 3.
Uses notes to compare client presenting problems to eeg and
Qeeg
- 4.
Make a “Laundry List” with priorities to train
- While
advances in technology make the task of doing NeuroFeedback somewhat
easier, advanced modalities are no substitute for expert knowledge in
understanding the big picture. One or two leads recording some eeg are
no substitute for a full 20 channel recording. From this recording we
observe wave forms, search for “sharp things,” search for what is
too high in amplitude in the wrong place. Reducing excessive voltage
normalizes eeg and improves the presenting clinical presentations of
poor functioning in the mood, movement, motivation, and cognitive
functioning areas. Secondary gain influences must also be examined, as
well as “security blankets.” Recognizing psychotherapeutic issues
is fundamental to making progress in NeuroFeedback—if the clinical
is licensed to do psychotherapy.
|
| 6:30
Lynda and Michael
Thompson Fundamentals of a
Neurofeedback Training Session We
will demonstrate how to manage a neurofeedback training session.
This will cover everything from generating EEG profiles to the decision
making involved concerning where to put the electrodes, what frequency
ranges to reward and inhibit, right through to the nuts and bolts of how
to get a good connection with low impedance readings so that you have
valid feedback. Along the way we will talk about the EEG profiles seen
most frequently in young clients (ADHD, Asperger's) and adults (anxiety,
depression, optimal performance). We will also model what you say and do
during the session; that is, how you initially explain what you are doing
and then actively coach your client to help them meet their goals. In this
regard we will touch upon combining metacognitive strategies with
neurofeedback to give added value to the session for children. As time
allows we will discuss how to combine this with a stress assessment and
biofeedback when working with adolescents and adults.
|
| 7:00
Helena Kerehkazi Monopolar vs. Bi-polar Montage for Beginners First
we will cover the differences between the two types of wires used. It is
important to start out slow to get to know your client as well as to gauge
the clinical results. A brief description of the two brain hemispheres and
placement over each. Gradually ease into bipolar placements. |
| 7:30
K.H. Wong The
Role of QEEG in Neurofeedback Among
others, quantitative EEG, with or without topographic brain mapping,
ascertains the brain status prior to training, facilitates
training/treatment protocol design and pre-post treatment comparisons.
However, there are issues from hardware, software to different processing
approaches that could change the dynamics or interpretation of the QEEG,
especially with regard to reference or normative databases. Furthermore,
what do you train when the QEEG is “within normal limits” ?
Is deviancy less than 2 standard deviation normal ? These and
related issues will be addressed.
|
7:55
Hershel Toomim Hemoencephalography
(HEG): A New Form of Neurofeedback
With Potential for Enhancing Brain Function in Multiple Conditions
Hemoencephalography (HEG) is an innovative method of biofeedback-guided
brain exercise, which can enhance brain function through targeted
activation of underfunctioning brain areas. The brain recruits its
localized blood supply based on moment-to-moment needs. When a
specific area of brain is activated, blood flow to that area momentarily
increases to meet the demand. As the local brain activation returns
to baseline, the local blood flow returns to baseline as well.
Patterns of local brain blood flow thus provide an ongoing map of patterns
of local brain activation. |
| 8:25
Stretch,
restroom Break |
| 8:30-9:00
Peter Van Deusen
The 8 Jobs of the Brain Trainer
Successful client outcomes require more than knowledge of
the brain and technology of neurofeedback. This practical
structure of the trainer's functions provides a model for your
development growing out of 10 years of educating
trainers. It covers the gamut from the basics of
site-finding and lead placement to answering the classic questions of
when to change protocols and when training can be terminated.
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| 9:00-10:00
PAUL G. SWINGLE Beginners Grand Rounds Following
the GRAND ROUNDS format, actual patient records will be scrutinized to
provide step-by-step procedures for the neurotherapeutic treatment of a
wide variety of disorders.
The problem of artifacts that compromise treatment will be
examined.
Complementary treatments that potentate neurotherapy will be
discussed in detail so that participants can incorporate these procedures
in their practices. |
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Futurehealth
Winter Brain, Optimal Functioning &
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Meeting
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