May 2014
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AAPB Newsletter
President's Letter
Dear Fellow AAPB Members, I hope this column finds you well and enjoying this onset of warmer temperatures. As this is my first column I would like to start out by thanking my predecessor Dr. Richard Sherman for all the work he has done and continues to do for AAPB. Thanks, of course, also apply to all the current and previous board members whose work goes largely unnoticed. Without them, AAPB would not exist. In preparing for this column I asked the question "What is AAPB?" It is not a licensing body for it does not grant licenses to practice. It does not give out degrees. Most members of AAPB have licenses issued by state or provincial bodies which give them the right to practice. To demonstrate ones concentrated knowledge in biofeedback and neurofeedback, the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) offers specialty certifications. So who belongs to AAPB? I asked this question which leads me to some interesting thoughts. Most members of AAPB want to help others. We are basically all care givers or want to train care givers. Our range of disciplines and types of practice are diversified, but we all share this one goal. The next thing that occurred to me is "we don't fit." By this I mean we straddle the line between physical and psychological/behavioral. My psychological colleagues don't know what to say to me. I don't do counseling, don't use traditional psych tests and prefer to talk about data and Z scores and the like. Mind you I don't like talking about id, ego and super-ego and the latest personality theories. So here we sit neither fish nor fowl: psychophysiologists, physician, therapists, or whatever you want to call us. Basically we look for psychophysiological reactions to stimuli and judge whether the reaction is healthy or not. For example, if someone were to yell fire, most of us would go into a stress mode and get ourselves out of danger. This we consider normal. However, there are a few people who are attracted to fire. These we consider abnormal. But there are also firemen. Through training and supervision they can learn to control the stress response. But how do you know they have monitored the stress response. The firemen can exhibit all the overt signs of coping, while underneath it all they are reacting physically. This is the basis of psychophysiological monitoring: to see the hidden and make it overt. So the first thing we do is monitor and measure providing data for analysis. However our databases, with a few exceptions, are weak and poorly developed which leads directly to challenges from other health care providers. Also, we get judged by the gold standard of double blind studies, which in most cases are not applicable. However, if I am reading the current research correctly the halo of double blind studies is tarnishing. More on this in a future column... We then step in as health care providers using numerous types of biofeedback techniques to make the hidden overt. The problem is everybody in our fields has their own version of how to do things some of which are based on rather shaky physiology. It is no wonder people outside of our world look at us and shake their heads. So who belongs to AAPB? People who want to help others, using a technique called biofeedback, usually isolated, and targeted as flakes and are neither fish nor fowl. This is where AAPB can help. There is no excuse to be isolated. All the resources of AAPB are at your fingertips; an email away. Having trouble with a treatment protocol: email the AAPB list serv for assistance from your peers. We will get someone, hopefully an expert in the field to help you. Having trouble understanding physiology (who doesn't) we have two physicians on the board with fabulous knowledge ready to help. The board and staff are here to help you, to help at the chapter level and at the individual level. AAPB is establishing a fund to provide money to chapters who can use it to provide student scholarships to the chapter conferences. AAPB working with the local chapters can provide continuing education credits for psychologists through the American Psychological Association (APA). Click here to access the CE Provider Application Packet. Our management services, the Resource Center for Associations, has merged with Kellen Company to provide us with even more resources than before. AAPB is making plans to change its website, to make it easier to navigate. We are targeting the individual practitioner over this next year with programs in marketing. You may have a great practice but if nobody knows about it, you starve. We are making an effort to improve but we can't do it without your input. WE SUCCEED WHEN YOU SUCCEED!!! Feedback on this material is appreciated. Be safe and take care. See you in Austin for the AAPB Annual Scientific Meeting - March 11-14, 2015. Thank you,
AAPB Webinar Presented by: Stuart Donaldson, PhD, BCB - Director, Myosymmetries DESCRIPTION: This session will focus on fibromyalgia examining it from the perspective of neuroplasticity, studying 3 nervous systems: the central, peripheral and autonomic and how these systems change due to chronic pain. Neuroplasticity will be discussed covering everything from cellular changes to nervous system changes. The 3 parts of the nervous system will be examined using qEEG techniques with LENS treatment, SEMG techniques with muscle balancing techniques and stress profiling with various peripheral treatment techniques. The discussion will be concluded with presentation of case studies and how to integrate these treatments into a comprehensive treatment program. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Professionals who complete this webinar will be able to:
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER: Dr. Stuart Donaldson received his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Calgary in 1989. He is presently an adjunct professor in Applied Psychology at the University. His original interests lay in the area of surface electromyography (SEMG) studying muscle activity and low back pain. His doctoral works lead to the development of the use of SEMG in dynamic assessment and treatment in various muscle conditions. He studied myofascial pain syndromes, carpal tunnel syndromes, low back pain and headaches. In 1995 his work on headaches was recognized as he won the prestigious award "The Outstanding Contribution To The Interdisciplinary Pain Management Literature" as presented by the American Journal of Pain Management. In 1995 he became interested in fibromyalgia combining the SEMG work with qEEG assessments. In 2000 Stu was appointed to the Expert Consensus Panel by the National Fibromyalgia Association and Government of Canada to study and develop a consensus document about fibromyalgia. He has published extensively in the areas of chronic pain, myofascial pain and fibromyalgia. His present interests include the use of the qEEG and SEMG in combination in evaluating chronic pain patients. Psychologists: BCIA Recertification:
AAPB Webinar: Presented by: Patrick R. Steffen, PhD - Associate Professor, Brigham Young University DESCRIPTION: LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Professionals who complete this webinar will be able to:
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER: Patrick Steffen's broad research interests lie in the areas of health psychology and behavioral medicine, with specific interests in culture, spirituality, and health. He is particularly interested in the Hispanic Paradox and how disadvantaged groups display resiliency and positive adaptation in spite of significant stressors. He has authored and co-authored articles in Psychosomatic Medicine, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Journal of Behavioral Medicine, American Journal of Hypertension, Ethnicity and Disease, and Mental Health, Religion, and Culture; and co-authored chapters in the Oxford Handbook of Health Psychology and the Handbook of Primary Care Psychology. Dr. Steffen is currently an associate professor and associate director of clinical training in the Brigham Young University clinical psychology program. Before coming to BYU, Steffen was a postdoctoral research fellow in cardiovascular behavioral medicine at Duke University Medical Center. He received his PhD and master's degrees at the University of Miami in clinical health psychology, and a bachelor's degree in psychology with minors in statistics and philosophy from Brigham Young University. Psychologists: BCIA Recertification:
Thank You for Making the 45th AAPB Annual Scientific Meeting a Success! We would like to hear from all of you that attended, so if you have not done so already, please complete the online evaluation. Special Thanks to the AAPB 2014 Program Planning Committee
SAVE THE DATES - March 11-14, 2015 Important 2014 Reference Resources
Important Details on Continuing Education: FORGET TO TURN IN YOUR CE FORM? Steven M. Baskin Receives AAPB's 2014 Distinguished Scientist Award At the 2014 AAPB Annual Scientific Meeting, Dr. Steven Baskin received the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback's (AAPB) 2014 Distinguished Scientist Award. Steven M. Baskin, PhD, started the Behavioral Medicine Service at the New England Center for Headache in Stamford, Connecticut and is an attending psychologist at Greenwich Hospital of Yale-New Haven Health. He is a past president of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB). He is a current member of the board of directors of the Headache Cooperative of New England and a past board member of the American Headache Society and the Connecticut Psychological Association. He is on the editorial board of the Journal of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback and a frequent reviewer for the journals Headache and Cephalalgia. He has published extensively on primary headache disorders most recently on comorbid psychiatric factors that may chronify migraine and complicate treatment. The purpose of the AAPB Distinguished Scientist Award is to recognize an individual's outstanding career and their scientific contribution to biofeedback. This award acknowledges an AAPB member who has advanced biofeedback through a significant body of research conducted, as judged by publications, awards and peer reviews, and has made a major impact upon the field of study, both nationally and/or internationally. Nominees must hold a doctoral degree in a psychology, biomedical science, medicine, or other health-related field. Criteria for evaluation are: 1. Scientific importance of research discoveries 2014 FERB Scholarship Winners At the 2014 Annual Meeting, the Foundation for Education and Research in Biofeedback and Related Sciences (FERB) announced the 2014 recipients of two mini-grant awards, of $3000 each, to the following applicants:
2014 FERB Student Travel Scholarship Recipients Thirty-three students attended the annual meeting as part of the travel scholarship program: Jabari Allen A Note of Thanks... from a student scholarship winner Eleven students from Dr. Fred Shaffer's Center for Applied Psychophysiology at Truman State Ram Golan
Membership Committee Chair AAPB strives to ensure that it is meeting the wants and needs of its membership. As the association evolves and changes, it is imperative that we have capable and dedicated committee leadership in place to lead us toward the achievement of our strategic goals and objectives. We are currently seeking a member volunteer to chair its Membership Committee. By volunteering, you will have the opportunity to be involved in a way that provides meaningful support to your peers and gives you a voice in the association. The purpose of the Membership Committee is to:
If you would be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Michelle Cunningham at mcunningham@kellencompany.com or (800) 477-8892, ext. 6120.
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Submit Your Next Paper to Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Contact Editor-in-Chief Frank Andrasik (e-mail: fndrasik@memphis.edu)with any general inquiries about the journal and/or your suggestions for special thematic issues. Sign up for SpringerAlerts for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
Missed an AAPB Webinar? Recordings are available! AAPB is bringing educational seminars to you - literally. Several Virtual Education webinars are currently available for purchase online. These webinars offer continuing education credits and the opportunity to gain cutting-edge knowledge from the comfort of your home or office. The credits you receive are approved by APA and satisfy the BCIA recertification requirements. Additionally, the credits may be used to maintain your license - a great value! Click here to visit the AAPB Store, and learn more about the following webinar recordings and purchase one today!
Educational Opportunities May 3, 2014: The Mid-Atlantic Biofeedback and Behavioral Medicine Society will present their spring conference: Physiology & Neuropsychology of Head Injury at Loyola University, Columbia, MD May 6, 2014: The BFE has partnered with Bio-Medical Instruments, Inc. to present a FREE webinar, How Biofeedback Benefits Your Clients and Practice, presented by Linda Walker, MHR, LPC, BCN, BCB May 7-10, 2014: The Society for the Advancement of Brain Analysis (SABA) will hold their annual conference at Catalina Island, CA May 29, 2014: AAPB presents the next installment of its webinar series - Fibromyalgia: Neuroplasticity Gone Wrong by Stu Donaldson, PhD, BCB July 30, 2014: AAPB presents the July installment of its webinar series - Inflammation and Psychophysiological Reactivity to Stress by Patrick Steffen September 19-21, 2014: The Biofeedback Society of Texas presents its Annual Meeting in Plano, Texas October 16-19, 2014: ISNR Annual Conference will be held in San Diego, CA. Preconference sessions begin on October 13 November 1-2, 2014: Midwest Society for Behavioral Medicine and Biofeedback's annual conference "Approaches to Pain and Inflammation" November 6-9, 2014: The Biofeedback Society of California will celebrate its 40th year at their annual conference in Oakland, CA November 6-9, 2014: The Southeast Biofeedback and Clinical Neuroscience Association's Annual Conference: Brain Based Interventions: The Role of Biofeedback & Neurofeedback in Health Care, will be held in Charlotte, NC November 7-9, 2014: The Northeast Regional Biofeedback Society will have its fall conference in Philadelphia, PA
The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance BCIA certifies individuals who meet education and training standards in biofeedback, neurofeedback, and biofeedback for pelvic muscle dysfunction, and progressively recertifies those who advance their knowledge through continuing education. For more information on certification or recertification, contact BCIA today: Phone: (720) 502-5829 |
THURSDAY, May 29 
University were fortunate enough to attend the 45th Annual Scientific Meeting in Savannah, Georgia. This conference was an incredible experience and we cannot thank you enough for the scholarships, accommodations, and hospitality. As undergraduates, the chance to network with professionals was an invaluable experience. Not only did we get exposure to graduate/post-graduate-level research, but we also received a wealth of feedback on the four studies we presented as oral papers and posters. The encouragement and sense of community deeply touched all of us. This experience has helped to motivate our entire research team to refine our studies and prepare for the 2015 conference in Austin. You have our warmest thanks!
