Neurofeedback Certification

Module 1 (4hrs)

Chapter I Perspectives in Neurofeedback

  1. History And Development Of EEG Biofeedback
  2. Some Assumptions Underlying the Field
  3. Barry Sterman & Joel Lubar (Margaret Ayers): The Neuropsychological Arousal Model
  4. Joe Kamiya & Tom Budzynski: A Psychological Model
  5. Robert Thatcher & Jay Gunkleman: qEEG Medical Perspective
  6. Siegfried and Susan Othmer: Regulatory Systems model
  7. Elmer Green, Gene Peniston, & Nancy White: The Alpha-Theta Model
  8. Les Femi & Adam Crane: The Profound Attention Model
  9. Valdeen Brown: A Non-linear Dynamical Systems Approach
  10. Anna Wise: The High Performance Mind
  11. Tom & Collura & Robert Thatcher: Z-Score Training
  12. Len Ochs: LENS
  13. Nick Dogris: Neurofield

Chapter II Learning Theory

  1. Learning Theory and EEG Training
    1. Operant Conditioning
    2. Reinforcement
    3. Establishing Operations
    4. Shaping
    5. Extinction
    6. Variable Ratio Reinforcement Schedule
    7. Ratio Strain
    8. Dichotomous Reinforcement
    9. Proportional Reinforcement
    10. Tones
  2. Optimal Conditioning
  3. Classical Conditioning
    1. Neutral Stimulus
    2. Reflexive Response
    3. Subcortical System
    4. Amygdalic Network
    5. Systematic Desensitization
    6. Post Reward Synchronization
  4. Length of Training
  5. Assumptions Underlying Neurofeedback
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Module 2 (4hrs)

Chapter III Basic Neuroanatomy

  1. Introduction
  2. Basic Anatomical Features
    1. Cerebrum (beta)
    2. Limbic System (theta)
    3. The Striatum or Basal Ganglia
    4. Brain Stem and Cerebellum (delta)
    5. Thalamus (alpha)
    6. Somatosensory Cortex (SMR)
  3. Getting More Specific
    1. Neuron
    2. Synapse
    3. Neurotransmitter Systems
    4. Neurotransmitter EEG Connection
    5. Neurotransmitter Systems and EEG Correlates
    6. Cortical Systems: Pyramidal Cells, Cell Columns, and Layers
    7. Fiber Systems
    8. Brodmann’s Areas: Connecting The Dots
    9. Projection Tracts
    10. Thalamic Projection System
    11. Thalamic Gating
Take Module Test #1

Chapter IV Neurophysiological Sources of EEG

  1. Electrophysiology-Neocortical Dynamics
    1. Oscillators and Wavefronts
      1. Excitatory Postsynaptic Membrane
      2. Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potential
      3. Standing Wavefronts
    2. Slow Cortical Potentials
    3. Amplitude & Magnitude
    4. Global, Regional, & Local Activity
      1. Resonant Loops
        1. Local Resonances
        2. Regional Resonances
        3. Global Resonances
      2. Standing Waves
  2. Nonlinear Dynamics and EEG
    1. A Contained Maelstrom
    2. Hypercoupling, Hypocoupling, and Coherence
  3. Evoked Potentials
Take Module Test #2

Module 3 (8hrs)

Chapter V Instrumentation

  1. Concepts and Terms in Electronics
  2. Basic Electronics Theory
    1. Voltage
    2. Amperage
    3. Resistance
    4. Power
    5. Current
    6. Impedance
    7. Capacitance
    8. Phase
    9. Ohms Law
  3. How Your Equipment Works
    1. Amplifiers
      1. Waveforms
      2. Frequency Ranges
      3. Filters
    2. Filter Theory
    3. Differences in Equipment
      1. Number of Leads
      2. Type and Number of Filters
      3. Viewing Raw EEG
      4. Dichotomous & Continuous Feedback
      5. Graphics
      6. Display
      7. Session Averaging
      8. Voltage
        1. Peak to Peak
        2. RMS (root mean square)
  4. Buying Equipment
    1. Service is #1
    2. Manufacturer’s Theoretical Perspective With Respect to EEG
    3. Practice on Yourself
    4. The “Which Computer is Right” game

Chapter VI Montages & Hooking Up

  1. Reference Areas
  2. 10-20 System
  3. Monopolar Montage vs. Bipolar Montage
    1. Ground
    2. Ear Lobes
      1. Linked Ears
      2. Single Ear
    3. Mastoid
  4. Other Montages
    1. Bipolar Montage or Serial Montage
  5. Spectral Analysis & Classic Neurofeedback Spectral Analysis
Take Module Test #1

Chapter VII Artifacts

  1. Artifacts
    1. Poor connections
      1. Clean Scalp
      2. Hair Out of Way
      3. Sufficient Paste
      4. Proper Grounding
    2. Eye Blinks
    3. Eye Movement
    4. Heat From Scalp
    5. Gum Chewing
    6. Gritting the Teeth
    7. Holding Tongue at Roof of Mouth
    8. Swallowing
    9. Physical Movement
    10. Heart Beat
    11. Scalp Tension
    12. Electrostatic Interference
  2. Electrical Sources of Artifact
    1. 60-Cycle Hum
    2. Electrostatic Interference
    3. Don't Panic
  3. Eyes Closed vs. Eyes Open EEG
    1. Medication Effects
    2. Diurnal Influences
    3. Developmental Differences Due to Age

Chapter VIII Signal Processing

  1. Overview and Commonly Encountered Wave Types
    1. Rhythmic Delta
    2. Non-Rhythmic Delta
    3. Rhythmic Theta
    4. Non-rhythmic Theta
    5. Alpha
    6. Beta
    7. Spikes & Sharp Waves
  2. Other Wave Forms
    1. Kappa
    2. Lambda
    3. Mu
    4. Gamma & Sheer Rhythms
    5. Sleep Spindles etc
    6. Slow Cortical Potentials
  3. Source Localization Methods
    1. Laplacian & Weighted Averages
    2. LORETA
    3. Aseptic Techniques
Take Module Test #2

Module 4 (2hrs)

Chapter IX Research Evidence for Neurofeedback

  1. Template for Developing Guidelines for the Evaluation
  2. Research Support for Neurofeedback
  3. Key Studies
    1. ADHD
    2. Seizure Disorder
    3. Migraine
    4. Depression
    5. Anxiety Studies
    6. Autism
    7. Peak Performance
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Module 5 (2hrs)

Chapter X Psychopharmacology

  1. Psychopharmacology and EEG
  2. Drug Classifications
    1. Sedative-Hypnotics
      1. Benzodiazapines
      2. Alcohol
    2. Behavioral Stimulants and Convulsants
      1. Amphetamines
      2. MAO’s
      3. Tricyclics
      4. SSRI’s
      5. Caffeine
      6. Cocaine
      7. Wellbutrin
    3. Antipsychotic Agents
    4. Narcotic Analgesics
      1. Opiates
      2. Marijuana
    5. Psychedelics and Hallucinogens
  3. QEEG Based Prescription
  4. Dangers of Commonly Used Medications For ADHD
  5. Sleeping Pills
  6. Dealing With Street Drugs
  7. Sugar and EEG
Take Module Test

Module 6 (12hrs)

Chapter XI Intake, Evaluation, and Treatment Planning

  1. Getting Started
    1. Intake
    2. Initial Interview
    3. History
    4. Forms
  2. Testing
  3. Relating History and Meds
  4. Initial Assessment Without qEEG
    1. Intro
    2. T.O.V.A.
    3. Results
    4. Raw Data
  5. Taking Baselines
  6. Hemispheric Dominance and EEG
  7. Monopolar Analysis: The MiniQ
  8. Challenges and Effectiveness
  9. Ratios and Trends as Indicators
  10. Examples
    11.

Chapter XII QEEG Brain Maps

  1. Utilization and Validity
    1. Absolute Power
    2. Relative Power
    3. Asymmetry
    4. Coherence
    5. One Hertz Bins
  2. Evaluation of qEEG and Reading Topographical Displays
    1. Sequence of Evaluation
    2. Tables and Statistics
    3. Other Measures and Interpretation
  3. A Brain Map Example
  4. Further Learning
  5. Ongoing Assessment
  6. Evaluating Progress
    1. When to Evaluate Progress
    2. Keeping Records
    3. Plasticity
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Module 7 (12hrs)

Chapter XIII Disorders and Protocols Part I

  1. Protocol Evolution
  2. Treatment Planning
    1. Priorities and Perspective
    2. Writing the Plan
    3. A Note on Insurance Companies
  3. Protocol Determination
    1. Arousal Model and the Three Systems
    2. Alternative Approaches
  4. Seizure and EEG
    1. Introduction
    2. Generalized Seizures
    3. Partial Seizures
  5. LD & ADD/ADHD
  6. TMJ, Headaches, & Chronic Pain
    1. TMJ
    2. Tension Headaches
    3. Migraine Headaches
    4. RSD
  7. Depression
    1. Profile
    2. Linking Depression and Anxiety
    3. Heredity and Physiology
    4. Depression in the EEG
  8. TBI, Stroke, Coma & Dementia
    1. Traumatic Brain Injury
    2. Strokes and Dementia
  9. Parkinson’s Disease
  10. Tourette Syndrome
  11. Schizophrenia
Take Module Test #1

Chapter XIV Disorders and Protocols Part II

  1. Anxiety, OCD, PTSD
    1. Anxiety
    2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
    3. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  2. Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue
    1. Introduction
    2. Fibromyalgia
    3. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  3. Lyme’s Disease
  4. Hypertension
  5. Dissociative Disorder
  6. Bipolar Disorder
  7. Addictions
  8. The Common Thread
  9. We Now Return You to Protocol Selections...
    1. The Sensorimotor Strip
    2. Standard Protocols
    3. Research Supported Protocols
    4. Othmer Protocols
    5. Other Common Protocols
Take Module Test #2

Module 8 (4hrs)

Chapter XV
Treatment Implementation

  1. Client Etiquette
    1. Information and Awareness of Change
    2. Client Responses
    3. How Often Should I Come in?
    4. The 30 Sessions Myth
  2. Outsources
  3. The Big Picture
    1. Implementing Protocols
    2. Do What Works
    3. Training Off Site
    4. The Brain Has Its Own Wisdom (Adverse Reactions)
    5. Contraindications to Treatment and Training
    6. Interpreting Training Graphs
  4. New D
    1. Alpha Theta Training
    2. Remote Training
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Module 9 (4hrs)

Chapter XVI
Treatment Implementation

  1. Methods
  2. Combining NFB with Other Modalities
  3. AVE - Audio Visual Entrainment
  4. Other Adjunctive Modalities

Module 10 (4hrs)

Chapter XV
Professional Conduct

  1. Ethics and EEG Biofeedback
  2. Clinical Practice
  3. Scope of Practice
  4. Respect, Responsibility, Competence, Confidentiality
    1. Respect and Responsibility
    2. Competence
    3. Confidentiality
  5. Informed Consent
  6. Recognize Your Counseling Limitations
  7. Professional Competence
  8. Explaining Risks and Benefits
  9. Liability
  10. BCIA Requirements
  11. Continuing Education Units
  12. Record Keeping
  13. Referrals
  14. Healthcare Providers
  15. Dealing with Unethical Behavior
Take Module Test

Copyright 2005
by Richard Soutar, PhD
All rights reserved. No part of this course may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in academic analysis, critical articles and reviews

Introduction to EEG Biofeedback (Neurofeedback)

Where is this written down? That is the question I get at every one of my workshops. Many people entering the field are frustrated because there is no basic source to draw upon. Although books exist, they do not offer the kind of specific detail about doing neurofeedback that people are often seeking. The New Mind Neurofeedback of Atlanta now provides a comprehensive web course which is BCIA approved. This interactive course is designed to be the “how to” guide that leads you to be prepared for certification.

According to the Biofeedback Association of America “EEG Biofeedback is employed to modify the electrical activity of the CNS including EEG, event related potentials, slow cortical potentials and other electrical activity either of subcortical or cortical origin.” In addition they state that the goals of EEG Biofeedback are as follows: “The alteration of brain functioning determined from comparing the patient’s Quantitative EEG with databases of normal populations.” This course is an explication of the preceding definition and goal as defined by that certifying body. It is designed to assist those who wish to become certified in obtaining their didactic hours toward that goal. It is written in a manner which explains how to do neurofeedback as well as the theory and research behind it.

In addition to this material you will be doing supplementary reading in James Evans and Andrew Abarbanel’s Introduction to Quantitative EEG and Neurofeedback. You will also do supplementary readings in a special edition of Clinical Electroencephalography. This course is written specifically to be used in conjunction with these two other publications to provide a detailed understanding of neurofeedback and how it is applied. A course syllabus is provided to indicate what you should read in the supplementary readings and when you should read them. At the end of each section you will take a multiple choice test designed to test your knowledge of that section. If you fail to pass the multiple choice test you will be asked to go back and review the material again and be given a second test. If you fail to pass that test the instructor will contact you and will determine what remedial steps need to be taken for you to pass that section of the course.

How to use this course

The course is divided into modules. It is suggested that you read the course material and suggested readings for each module before continuing on to the next module.

If you have questions about the information, sign onto the discussion group and ask questions. The course instructor will be monitoring the discussion group site and will be answering any questions on a regular basis. It is important that you read the suggested readings in the books, journals and referenced articles before getting a “quick answer” from the instructor or fellow students.

Review any articles or journals that are cited if you are interested in the original research. Once you are comfortable with the material and feel that you are ready to take the exam, you can log onto take the tests section for each module at take the exam. Note that you will only be able to log on one time to any individual test. Forty five (45) minutes will be allowed for each module exam. You will be contacted within 48 hours of the results. If you have not received notice during this time please contact the instructor. As noted above if you do not pass the exam you should start over on the module and a second exam will be given. If you fail that exam the instructor will contact you about remedial work that can be done.

Continuing Education Information

Satisfactory Completion

Learners must complete an evaluation form to receive a certificate of completion. If you are seeking continuing education credit for a specialty not listed below, it is your responsibility to contact your licensing/certification board to determine course eligibility for your licensing/certification requirement.

Accreditation Statement

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and New Mind Technologies. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Psychologists (APA)

Amedco LLC designates this activity for a maximum of 36.00 Psychologist contact hours.

The following state boards accept courses from APA providers for Counselors: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, ME, MO, NC, ND, NH, NE, NJ, NM, NV, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY

MI: No CE requirements

The following state boards accept courses from APA providers for MFTs: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, MD, ME, MO, NE, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY

MI: No CE requirements

The following state boards accept courses from APA providers for Addictions Professionals: AK, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IN, KS, LA, MD, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY (outstate held)*, OK, OR, SC, UT, WA, WI, WY

MA / MFTs: Participants can self-submit courses not approved by the MAMFT board for review.

The following state boards accept courses from APA providers for Social Workers: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, ME, MN, MO, NE, NH, NM, OR, PA, VT, WI, WY

* If the activity is held live in the state of NY, then direct addictions board is required, ie: NAADAC. If the activity is held outside NY, is virtual, enduring or remote, it is considered "outstate" and this reciprocity applies.