March 25, 2022 (continued)
PLEASE NOTE: The schedule is preliminary, tentative, and subject to change. We will live stream and record keynote presentations and select breakout sessions for virtual ONLY attendee participation. Pre-conference Workshops will be held onsite, for “in-person” only participation. Virtual Registration for the conference will be offered separately in early 2022 for those who cannot or prefer not to travel. Thank you for your patience as navigate and accommodate.
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2:45pm – 4:15pm 90-MINUTE BREAKOUT SESSIONS - SYMPOSIA
BOS09: Autism: New Directions in QEEG Subtypes and Neurofeedback for Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Presented By:
- Michael Linden, Psychologist
- Estate (Tato) Sokhadze, Ph.D.
- David Cantor, PhD, Psychology
SESSION SYNOPSIS: The prevalence of Autism has increased dramatically to epidemic proportions, however there is no brain functioning test regularly utilized in diagnosis. Aspergers remains highly undiagnosed in both children and adults; many people with Aspergers are misdiagnosed (ADHD, Anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Bipolar) and prescribed medications which make their symptoms worse. This talk will present QEEG diagnosis and new directions in Neurofeedback treatment of ASD (Autism, Aspergers). The presenters (David Cantor, Ph.D., Michael Linden, Ph.D., Sato Sokhadze, Ph.D.) have published numerous research articles since 2004 (Biofeedback & Self-Regulation; Journal of Neurotherapy; Autism Science Digest; Images of Autism; etc.) and presented at Autism One, TACA, ISNR, ECNS, National Autism Association, and other national and international conferences about QEEG brainmap subtypes of ASD. The use of QEEG brain mapping to discover which subtype of Autism and Aspergers be explained. Biofeedback & Neurofeedback have been used successfully to improve anxiety, communication, social skills and attention in ASD since 1994 (Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 2010). Over our many years of experience, there have been numerous types of biofeedback and neurofeedback utilized. Standard (QEEG Guided Neurofeedback, biofeedback) and new types of Neurofeedback home training for younger children (Mente auditory stimulation) & social-emotional regulation (Socialize ACE) will be presented. Research studies with ASD and Neurofeedback, including results of QEEG, fMRI and DTI will be reviewed.
- Hot Topics
- Intermediate
- 40% Clinical/60% Research
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Understand QEEG subtypes pattens in individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Learn about new types of Neurofeedback home training options for ASD.
Learn about new developments in Auditory Stimulation Neurfeedback for Young Children with ASD.
TARGET AUDIENCE: psychologists/therapists, physicians/neurologists, neurofeedback therapists, educators
DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS: QEEG and Neurofeedback do not have cultural issues and apply to all cultures.
BOS10: Integrating Bio- and Neurofeedback in Psychedelic Assisted Therapies
Presented By:
- Jeff Tarrant, PhD, BCN
SESSION SYNOPSIS: Interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT) has increased dramatically based on clinical research showing that Psilocybin (magic mushrooms), MDMA, and Ketamine can be effective for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, addictions, end-of-life anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, it is important to recognize that these benefits are attained within contexts that provide specialized preparation for the psychedelic experience, active support during, and structured integration sessions for follow-up. Although it is tempting to view psychedelics as a “magic bullet” that can permanently solve personal problems and mental health conditions, it is probably more accurate to think of them as medicines that induce a state of increased brain plasticity, also known as a "pivitol mental state". This neuroplasticity facilitates new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving for those who use it medicinally (Carhart-Harris & Friston, 2019). With this understanding, it becomes increasingly important to 1) prepare the brain/nervous system for the shift experienced during a psychedelic session, and 2) to take advantage of the increased flexibility created by the experience in the days following a psychedelic session. In addition to incorporating targeted psychotherapy, it can also be helpful to include mental state training in the form of neurofeedback and neurofeedback-guided meditation (neuromeditation) into PAT’s. This workshop will present the neuroscience, research findings, and practice of psychedelic assisted therapies. We will explore this data in the context of the entropic model of consciousness, and conditions related to therapeutic outcomes. We will discuss how neurofeedback therapies are poised to offer a method to support the various states of awareness that underlie positive outcomes as well as practices that help sustain the “afterglow” after a psychedelic session. A model for neurofeedback supported PAT’s will be presented along with case study data.
- Basic Science
- Intermediate
- 75% Clinical/25% Research
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Describe the science behind psychedelic assisted therapies (PAT's)
- Discuss the entropic model of consciousness and its connection to mental health
- Apply bio and neurofeedback approaches to the preparation and integration phases of PAT's
- Explain a model of neurofeedback supported PAT
TARGET AUDIENCE: Clinicians interested in learning more about bio- and neurofeedback approaches to complement and advance psychedelic assisted therapies.
DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS: We strongly emphasize the importance of recognizing and honoring diversity-in all its forms. The approaches taught in this workshop are discussed in the context of individual differences based on a person's culture, background, and neurological state.
BOS30: Bridging Physiology, Science and Daily Life when Providing Stress Management Services
Presented By:
- Harry van der Lei, PhD
- Wesley Sime, PhD, MPH
SESSION SYNOPSIS: Stress is a normal aspect of life, but stress is also often misunderstood and mismanaged. Poorly managed stress can vastly affect our performance and health. Motivation, education, assessment, and training are important components when delivering stress management services. In addition, an evidence-based framework and objective measures can be very helpful when providing clients tools how to change and enhance their stress management in life. The speakers will deliver a complementary presentation of a comprehensive stress management education, assessment, and training program. This program is based on the presenters’ practical experience and includes an applied-research based stress model and a recent developed stress management consulting service.
- Clinical Interventions and Optimal Performance
- Intermediate
- 50% Clinical/50% Research
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- The learner will be explained how stress can be described from a clinical and a performance perspective
- The learner will be able to explain specific effects of stress on performance and health based on a scientifically validated stress model.
- The leaner will be able to assess proven training results of stress management programs on performance and health.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Biofeedback and Applied Psychophysiology for the enhancement of performance and health in life.
DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS: Stress is a universal aspect of life. The presentation therefore is designed for providers and consumers of stress management services.
4:30pm – 5:30pm 60-MINUTE BREAKOUT SESSIONS - SYMPOSIA
BOS12: What’s All the Noise About? Aperiodic Noise in the Brain and Its Colors of Pink, White and Brown
Presented By:
- Tiff Thompson, PhD, R.EEG.T., BCN, QEEG-D, MFT
SESSION SYNOPSIS: This talk covers the fundamentals between signal (i.e. EEG rhythms and patterns) and aperiodic noise in the brain and the latest findings of aperiodicity, as well as its clinical application. In the infancy and childhood of life, there are rapid changes in the complexity and diversity of neurons and neuronal connections. At the same time there is lessening aperiodic activity and increasing oscillatory frequencies and signals occurring throughout the span of childhood, while overall amplitude decreases. By seniority, the signal to noise ratio is relatively flattened (i.e. periodic noise increases), reflecting in lessened neuroplasticity, resiliency, and malleability to change. Until recently, aperiodic noise was thought to be “filler,” against which the signal was superimposed; analogous to a blank canvas and colorful paint. New research is finding that there is information in the noise, which likely hold undiscovered secrets to the inner working of the brain. Turns out, this 1/f pattern crops up frequently in many aspects of nature and phenomena like the stock market; some believe it represents a yet unknown law of nature. This talk looks at the analysis of aperiodic noise, as well as the application of white noise, brown noise, and pink noise in neuromodulation.
- Hot Topics
- Advanced
- 37% Clinical/67% Research
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Participants will be able to define pink noise from brown noise and white noise.
- Participants will summarize an enhanced understanding of the principle of aperiodic noise in modern neurology
- Participants will be able to apply pink, white and brown noise in their clinical settings with an enhanced understanding of their respective utilities
TARGET AUDIENCE: Any and all interested in neuroanalysis (beginners to advanced)
DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS: The neurological phenomena covered in this talk are universal to all of humanity.
BOS13: What Our QEEG May be Missing in Children’s Brains: Ethical Considerations for Practice
Presented By:
- Ronald J. Swatzyna, PhD, LCSW
- Robert P. Turner, MD, MSCR, BCN, QEEG-D
SESSION SYNOPSIS: Children and adolescents are very difficult to treat, both with medication and therapies including neurofeedback. Efforts to treat based solely on the presenting symptoms too often fail. There may be neurological abnormalities that the quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) is unable to discern. During this of rapid brain growth, as puberty approaches and hormonal surges occur, we see a variety of ever-changing symptoms. Stimulants that address challenges with focus, attention, and hyperactivity are prescribed first. Antidepressants are prescribed to treat anxiety. With the onset of puberty, behavioral issues are commonly treated with antipsychotics. All stimulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics lower seizure threshold and increase the likelihood of brain instability. At least a third of children and adolescents who have had a negative response to past medication trials have isolated epileptiform discharges (IEDs). In a recent study of 772 children and adolescents without epilepsy, we identified 286 (37%) to have IEDs. In the last decade, multiple studies have found a high prevalence of IEDs across multiple diagnoses. As neurofeedback clinicians, we often see children on multiple medications and, if they have IEDs, we are trying to counter factors that the medication is making worse. QEEG brain mapping fails to identify IEDs for two reasons. First, the qEEG artifacting process removes or averages out IEDs. Second, only a board certified electroencephalographer has the training to detect subtle abnormalities. Without this interpretation, protocols to address the IEDs cannot be made from just the qEEG data alone as they will remain unidentified. Psychiatrists need to be made aware of IEDs. Having a report from an MD who is a board certified electroencephalographer goes a long way to a working relationship with treating psychiatrists.
- Hot Topics
- Intermediate
- 50% Clinical/50% Research
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- What brain abnormalities can be made worse by commonly prescribed medications for children
- What is a very common EEG abnormality in children and adolescents.
- Why it is important to have the EEG read by an MD board certified in electroencephalography
- Why it is ethically important for clinicians not to comment on what abnormalities they see in the EEG
TARGET AUDIENCE: This presentation is targeted for all of those who treat children and adolescents even if they do not do qEEGs or neurofeedback.
DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS: EEG and qEEG data are blind to culture, race, or religious bias. This demographics information is not collected.
ORAL04: Oral Presentations Session 4: Neurofeedback Focus
The following 30-minute abstract presentations will be featured: 1. Differentiating Neurofeedback Paradigms: The Time has Come 2. Taking Neurofeedback Research to the Next Level: Lessons from Literature and Research
Differentiating Neurofeedback Paradigms: The Time has Come
Presented By:
- Judy Carlson, EdD., MSN, APRN, BCN
SESSION SYNOPSIS: The time has come to differentiate the differing paradigms of Neurofeedback (NFB). We now have paradigms of NFB that are vastly different in approach, protocols, and mechanism of action. Although, it is clear that all paradigms have degrees of efficacy, receiving one type of NFB intervention is not the same as having another and the distinction is important to clarify to neurofeedback community and the public at large. Confusion abounds when articles are published without the specificity of the paradigm indicated in the title nor is the reader clear of the mechanism of action of the specific type of NFB used. Those that receive NFB usually do not know the paradigm, name, or type of NFB received. There is a general perspective that all neurofeedback is the exactly the same. However, NFB has grown from the alpha-theta and early Sensory-motor rhythm paradigms to the focus on comprehensive assessments and treatment of dysrhythmic patterns of brain-waves and blood oxygen levels. Now with the newest paradigm, a break away from a operant conditioning model, Infra-Low frequency (ILF) NFB is more of a endogenous neuromodulation model. Described in this presentation will be different paradigms assessment techniques, focus for improvement, training model, mechanism of action, therapists role, the trainee's role and the self regulation process.
- Hot Topics
- Intermediate
- 100% Clinical
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- differentiate 5 different paradigms of neurofeedback
- summarize the mechanisms of the predominant neurofeedback paradigms
- recognize the therapists and trainees role in the differing neurofeedback models
TARGET AUDIENCE: Biofeedback therapists, theorists, and scientists and those interested integrative health modlaities.
DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS: Will be addressing the differing neurofeedback models and a new cutting edge model that may change the neurofeedback operant conditioning culture and approach to care.
Taking Neurofeedback Research to the Next Level: Lessons from Literature and Research
Presented By:
- Caitlin Tyrrell, PhD
SESSION SYNOPSIS: Neurofeedback using electroencephalography (EEG NF), and in particular infra-low neurofeedback (IFL NFB), has generally demonstrated favorable outcomes, including reduction of significant clinical symptoms. ILF NFB is hypothesized to increase regulatory functioning by providing feedback to the brain on its present functionality that allows for self-correction through a process of “endogenous neuromodulation” (Othmer, Othmer, Kaiser, & Putman, 2013). ILF NFB helps return the brain to a baseline regulatory state of functioning that is thought to strengthen brain connectivity, increase efficiency at the cellular level, and enhance functionality in the nervous system as a whole, similar to the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. Given the recent development of ILF NFB, data have been published from clinical settings, but at present no data from large controlled trials exist to support efficacy of this treatment modality. Research available on EEG NFB more broadly presents intriguing data on efficacy of the intervention, and at the same time has been met with challenges that make it difficult to generalize findings and lead to critiques of comments on efficacy. Some of the key concerns that have been raised include: adequacy of control conditions in being able to isolate the effectiveness of EEG NFB above and beyond that of a placebo effect; difficulty with double-blind research designs, given the nature of the intervention; small numbers of participants and heterogeneity in research design impacting statistical significance and meaningful meta-analyses; and lack of clinical diagnostic outcomes or common measure of treatment efficacy reports. The present discussion will endeavor to highlight critiques of the field and offer possible solutions for the consideration of future research in this area, drawing from review of EEG NFB literature as well as the challenges faced by clinical researchers conducting an ongoing randomized control trial of clinical efficacy of ILF NFB among veterans.
- Hot Topics
- Intermediate
- 100% Research
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Discuss the challenges and successes in neurofeedback research;
- Describe the placebo effect and the impact it can have on clinical and research data;
- Apply principles from clinical trials in other diverse areas to neurofeedback research design.
TARGET AUDIENCE: Researchers in the area of EEG neurofeedback or anyone interested in research on EEG neurofeedback
DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS: My proposal will address threats to internal and external validity of neurofeedback research, which directly relates to translation of the data on neurofeedback efficacy to clinical application with diverse clientele.
6:00pm - 7:15pm
KEY02: Distinguished Scientist Lecture: The Integration of Lifestyle Change, Self-Care, and Professional Treatment Interventions for Chronic Conditions: The Pathways Model
Presented by: Donald Moss, PhD, BCB, BCN, BCB-HRV
SESSION SYNOPSIS: The major challenge for human health in the 21st century is chronic diseases and chronic conditions. This is a global problem, burdening health care systems and economies worldwide. Factors contributing to the increase in chronic illness worldwide are aging populations, rapid urbanization, and the globalization of unhealthy lifestyles. Palliative medicine provides both medical and behavioral interventions offering relief from pain and suffering caused by chronic conditions that are not amenable to cure. Lifestyle medicine emphasizes reversing negative lifestyle elements that cause or exacerbate illness and introducing positive lifestyle elements that enhance wellness.
The Pathways Model, developed by McGrady and Moss (2013, 2018), integrates features of both palliative and lifestyle medicine. The Pathways Model provides a step-wise framework for combining patient-directed lifestyle change and self-care, skills acquisition, and the use of community resources, with professionally administered treatment, to reduce suffering, manage illness, and optimize mindbodyspirit wellness. The presenter will close with case narratives to illustrate the Pathways Model and show the clinical benefit of coordinating lifestyle change and regular use of self-care strategies with professional treatment interventions, for chronic medical illness and chronic mental health disorders.
Donald Moss, PhD, BCB, is Dean, College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences, at Saybrook University, Oakland, CA. There he has built training programs in biofeedback, clinical hypnosis, integrative mental health, wellness coaching, and integrative/functional nutrition. Dr. Moss is currently President of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. He is also the ethics chair and international certification chair for the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance. He has served as president of Division 30 (hypnosis) of the American Psychological Association, and president of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB). He is also a member of the International, Interdisciplinary, and Interreligious Research Group on 'Consciousness Studies,' at the Pontifical Academy, "Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum," Rome, Italy. He has a book to be released in July 2018 with co-author Angele McGrady on Integrative Pathways: Navigating Chronic Illness with a Mind-Body-Spirit Approach (Springer). He also has a book in preparation with co-editor Inna Khazan on Mindfulness, Compassion, and Biofeedback Practice (AAPB) and a book in preparation with co-editor Fredric Shaffer on Physiological Recording Technology and Applications in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback (AAPB). Moss is co-editor of Foundations of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (AAPB, 2016), co-author of Pathways to Illness, Pathways to Health (Springer, 2013), and chief editor of Handbook of Mind-Body Medicine for Primary Care (Sage, 2003) and Humanistic and Transpersonal Psychology (Greenwood, 1998).
- Clinical Interventions and Optimal Performance
- Intermediate
- 70% Clinical/30% Research
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Summarize global increase and global burden of chronic diseases and chronic conditions.
- Recognize the role of aging, unhealthy lifestyle changes, and urbanization in the increasing the incidence of chronic illness and chronic conditions.
- Apply the Pathways Model to develop comprehensive patient-directed treatment plans, integrating lifestyle change, the acquisition of skills, with biofeedback and other professional interventions.
- Enhance the involvement of patients in active participation in their own healthcare and health maintenance.
TARGET AUDIENCE: This address will be useful for practitioners in biofeedback, neurofeedback, and lifestyle medicine, with guidance for the integrative care for medical and mental health disorders.
DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS: This invited address will include discussions of the need to adapt treatment for diverse populations and the importance of cultural competence for effective treatment.
