Professional Training, Workshops, Manuals:
NEUROFEEDBACK FUNDAMENTALS WORKSHOP
Lynda Thompson Ph.D., C. Psych.
Additional Faculty:
Professor Dr. Vietta (Sue) Wilson
Andrea Reid-Chung, M.A., C. Psych. Assoc.
5 Day Didactic Workshop Accredited BCIA
Basic Concepts in Applied Psychophysiology
Join us here @ Stoney Lake Ontario, Canada
Dates: TBA
www.addcentre.com
Canada 416-488-9963 Addcentreto@gmail.com
Alternate 905-803-8066 Addcentre@gmail.com
Introduction To Basic Concepts in Applied Psychophysiology:
Neurofeedback Combined with Biofeedback and Metacognition
Hosted by ADD Centres® Ltd. & Biofeedback Institute of Toronto® Accredited by the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America
(Course provides up to 36 hours of BCIA didactic training*)
Put the Fun in Fundamentals!
This workshop combines comprehensive instruction in the basics of neurofeedback with an experience of Canada’s North. The location is Burleigh Falls Inn near Burleigh Falls, an inn on the shores of Stoney Lake in the beautiful Kawartha Lakes District northeast of Toronto. The Workshop will have a strictly limited enrolment due to its unique location and also to ensure the possibility of hands-on experience for all participants. There will be time during the first 3 afternoons for relaxing and for the enjoyment of water sports (boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, sailing and Archery from the roof of the Thompson Castle) as well as the possibility of nature walks, excursions to a nearby Indian Art Gallery/Crafts Shop, and a visit to the ancient Peterborough Petroglyphs (rock paintings) at the far end of the lake. Bring a warm sweater, rain jacket, & hat, just in case it is cold. Bring a bathing suit if you like to swim. It promises to be a unique learning experience.
Seminars, workshops, courses, and individual training will cover as much as possible (given time constraints) of the contents of The Neurofeedback Book: An Introduction to Basic concepts in applied Psychophysiology 2nd edition (2015) by Thompson & Thompson. This book will be available by early October 2015 (and available for purchase at aapb.org). Comprehensive handouts that cover this material and include figures from all the workshop PPs will be provided.. These cover much more material than could be covered in any 5 day workshop. The handout has additions that have been made to the second edition of the Neurofeedback Book including sections on 19 channel assessments to guide training parameters, LORETA z-score NFB, ERP analysis, Heart Rate Variability, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), and other treatment modalities.
Training emphasizes combining neurofeedback with recent advances in heart-rate-variability feedback. QEEG and BFB Stress Assessments are done by all participants during hands-on training times. Single channel, two channel, and LORETA z-score NFB are taught. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and other treatment modalities may be demonstrated as time permits. The time spent on each area of knowledge and hands on learning will correspond to the needs of the trainees and, as a guideline, the demands of the BCIA blueprint hours.
* BCIA requires 36 hours of didactic instruction. Only 1 rather than 2 hours concerning Ethics is covered since professionals will likely have covered sufficient ethics during training in their own discipline. This teaching program is universal in terms of theory, assessment, and intervention techniques. We have numerous EEG instruments from 10 different companies at our two centres in Toronto and Mississauga.
For demonstrations we usually use instruments including Thought Technology (Infiniti), Mitsar, and Evoke NeuroScience (eVox) but other instrumentation may also be available and participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments for hands-on assessment and training work that takes place in the evenings.
Who Should Take This Course?
In past years professionals have come from: Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Belgium, China, Cuba, Columbia, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, South Africa, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Trinidad, in addition to many areas in Canada and the United States.
This course is suitable for clinical EEG biofeedback practitioners of any disciplinary background (psychologists, physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, teachers, etc.) who wish to improve their basic knowledge concerning this field. We have always had a mix of both beginners and advanced practitioners and have therefore designed the course to allow the beginners to receive the essential basics and assistance in putting on electrodes and learning how to do assessments and interventions while at the same time providing those who have had years of experience with advanced material and the opportunity to learn first hand from world leaders such as Dr. Wilson, how to do cutting-edge assessments and more complex interventions such as LORETA z-score NFB combined with HRV.
The course provides a review of basic knowledge and will cover topics from areas that comprise the blueprint of knowledge for specialty certification in EEG biofeedback developed by the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America. It is a helpful course whether or not a practitioner intends to take the BCIA examinations. For those who intend to take the BCIA exam the course will provide a sample of the domain of knowledge needed to perform well. If you do wish to take the BCIA written exam on the day following final day of the workshop you must first contact Judy Crawford at BCIA (BCIA.org).
Workshop Arrangements:
Dates for the 5 days of training are given on the first page of this document. The course is usually run in the late Spring (May or June) and the early Fall (late September or early October) in order to obtain off-season (less than half the usual rates) at the hotel. Plan to arrive the evening prior to the first day of the workshop because it begins at 8:30 AM. The exceptions are people from Toronto or others who are within a two hourdriving distance.
Participants may want to stay an extra day till Saturday and enjoy more of the countryside which includes some of Ontario’s loveliest lakes but they will have to make hotel reservations early to do this. Seminars will be taught mornings and evenings on the first three days, with afternoons free for activities on or around Stoney Lake.
The exception will be on Thursday when classes will go through the day and a dinner party and sing-song will be held at The Burleigh Falls Inn or on the Thompson Family Island at their Cottage on the lake and Friday when we end officially at 4 PM for those who are driving back to Toronto that evening.
If any participants wish to write the exam, it will be on the day following the 5th day of the workshop (often a Saturday), from 9AM to 12 noon. If requested, Dr Thompson will be available on the day following the workshop for those who do not have to return home immediately and wish to review material. (Again we emphasize that it is very important that requests to write the BCIA exam should be made early and cleared with Judy Crawford at BCIA. You must pre-register with BCIA in order to write the examination.) You can reach her by contacting the BCIA. The website is bcia.org.
Burleigh Falls Inn & Suites a beautiful, and easy, 2-hour drive from Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Canada. You can rent a car or use Century Transportation Line - a Van service from the airport which is also easily arranged but you should make a reservation at least 2 weeks in advance. This can be discussed with Lena at the ADD Centre at addcentreto@gmail.com. We can also help arrange transportation from the airport.
Workshop Costs:
Very Early Bird Rate: registration prior to May 31 2022: $1325 + tax (Canadian $)
Early Bird Rate: registration prior to July 1, 2022: $1475 + tax (Canadian $)
Regular Rate after July 1, 2022: $1575 + tax (Canadian $)
Returning Participants, "Friends of Stony Lake" receive very special consideration and a low rate.
Special Rates:
Group Rates: If 2 people are attending from a centre then we will offer a $50 reduction for each person. If 3 people come from the same centre, then we offer a $75 reduction for each person. All participants must register and submit payment at the same time to qualify for this discount.
Student Rates: We want to encourage students and we therefore offer markedly reduced rate of $950. We will need proof of enrolment at a college or university for you to qualify for this reduced rate.
Payments:
Payments can be made by credit card, money order, or cheque. All cheques should be made out to ADD Centres Ltd.
A $500+tax deposit will secure your spot. Full payment should be received 2 weeks prior to the starting date at the very latest. $100 is NON-REFUNDABLE should a participant have to withdraw before 2 weeks before the first day of the workshop. For withdrawal after that time we must charge $175 non-refundable to pay some of our committed costs. Thank-you for your understanding in this matter. However, should you register for another ADD Centre 5-day workshop we will be happy to deduct this from your workshop fee at that time.
Important Notes:
Organizers reserve the right to cancel the workshop if there are fewer than 12 paid-up participants 4 weeks prior to the meeting. (Notification of a cancellation will be by both e-mail and telephone message to address and number provided by participant.) Full refund of fee paid for the course will be returned by cheque to the address and name provided by participants. However, we are not responsible for any other expenses such as restricted or non-refundable airfares or room and board. – NOTE: We have never had to cancel a Stoney lake workshop in the past.
1. Lodging: Participants are responsible for their own lodging. The Burleigh Falls Inn & Suites (phone 1-705-654-3441, www.burleighfallsinn.com, email - reservations@burleighfallsinn.com) has reserved a block of rooms for a limited time at a very special off-season corporate rate. Please call them to reserve a room and also tell us that you have done this. They will reserve your room on your credit card. Please ASK FOR our special ADD Centre conference rate when you phone to book a room.
Note: In past years some participants wanted to have a cottage for their family on the Lake and if this meets your needs please contact Colleen and Bob Tedford at 1-705-654-3616. They have a small number of cottages for rent at a reasonable rate.
2. Individual costs: for excursions, motor boat rental, etc.
3. Transportation: In past years most people either drove in from the United States or rented a car at the airport. Others used Century Transportation Line.
The possibilities are as follows: (NOTE: All prices could change in the new year.)
A. Century Transportation Line: 1-705-748-3961
If you would like to use the van to get to stony lake and back, please contact us to make a reservation. The van will meet you at the airport. They have a “out of town van” booth at each of the three terminals. The fare is approx. $157 for one person (one way fare). However, fares are shared and therefore greatly reduced if there are more people taking the van. If you would like to share transportation with other participants please email Lena at addcentreto@gmail.com and ask about details.
Other: Monarch Charter Limousine Services.
They run 24 hours a day. (They are situated in Peterborough which is near Burleigh Falls Inn & Suits.) They only work by reservation and they will meet you at the airport - you tell them what time and which terminal and ask them how to identify their car and where it will park. Telephone (several days before) 705-743-3230
B. Driving
A rented car can also be a good option. AVIS or Budget or Hertz can all give you prices and make a reservation for a car pick up at the airport.
Some people are driving up from the United States or from places in Canada. From Toronto it is a 2 to 21/2 hour easy drive. You will go East, along 401 towards Montreal to Highway 35 & 115 (about 1 hour). You then travel for1/2 hour along highway 115(until it ends) to highway 7 and then turn right towards Ottawa. You are on #7 for 6 minutes and then you will make a left turn at the stop-lights for highway 134 now also called #28. It goes all the way to Burleigh Falls Inn & Suits.
4. Equipment:
This teaching program is universal in terms of theory, assessment, and intervention techniques. We have numerous EEG instruments from different companies at our two centres in Toronto and Mississauga. For this workshop for ease of transportation and demonstration we will bring the “Infiniti/Biograph” system for single and 2 channel EEG, HRV, assessment and intervention and for stress assessments ; the eVox (Evoke Neuroscience) for QEEG, ERP, CPT, and HRV / EKG assessment demonstration; the BIAT (mitsar) instrument for Full-cap 19 channel NeuroGuide assessment and LORETA z-score NFB demonstrations
If you have a portable EEG / Biofeedback instrument and a Laptop computer we encourage you to bring them to the workshop. You can then use them in the afternoon and evening demonstration sessions. We will also bring several instruments so everyone will have hands-on experience. (If you have Thought Technology Equipment we will be happy to share with you screens and scripts that we have developed for use with the Infiniti/Biograph.) In the past some participants have brought equipment from other manufacturers and this is most welcome. The principles for assessment and training are the same and are not equipment-dependent.
Further details of the program and the lodging and available adventures will be mailed &/or e-mailed to participants and can also be found at www.addcentre.com. E-mails to addcentreto@gmail.com or addcentre@gmail.com should be headed Stoney Lake Workshop, or call us (often best) in Canada at 1-416- 488-9963 or1-905-803-8066.
COURSE OUTLINE / SYLLABUS
ACCREDITED TRAINING IN EEG BIOFEEDBACK
From:
The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance
(This will be altered according to any new changes in the Syllabus)
The Provider certified in Neurofeedback will have knowledge of:
I. Orientation to Neurofeedback – 4 hours
A. Definition of Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback)
Neurofeedback 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. Neurofeedback is a specialized application of biofeedback of brainwave data in an operant conditioning paradigm. The method is used to treat clinical conditions as well as to enhance performance
B. History and Development of Neurofeedback
1. Pioneers in EEG and Neurofeedback
(e.g., Caton, Berger, Adrian, Kamiya, others)
2. Discuss highlights of the seminal studies in Neurofeedback (e.g., Sterman 1968, 2000, Lubar 1976, Birbaumer 1982, others)
C. Overview of principles of human learning as they apply to biofeedback
1. Learning theory (e.g. habituation, classical and operant conditioning, discrimination, shaping, generalization and extinction.)
2. Application of learning principles to Neurofeedback (e.g., generalization to the life situation, discrimination training, length and number of sessions, etc.)
D. Assumptions underlying Neurofeedback:
1. Concepts of feedback and control in biological systems.
2. Basic psychophysiology of stress and attention
II. Basic Neurophysiology & Neuroanatomy - 4 hours
A. Neurophysiology
1. Bioelectric origin and functional correlates of EEG (pyramidal cell and dipole activity, resonance and synchrony, etc.)
2. Definition of ERPs and SCPs
3. Relationship of post-synaptic potentials and action potentials to EEG
4. Neuroplasticity (e.g. LTD, LTP)
B. Functional Neuroanatomy
1. Basic neuroanatomy of ascending sensory pathways to cortex
2. Thalamic, cortical, and subcortical generators of EEG.
3. General cortical and subcortical anatomy.
4. Major functions of cortical lobes and major subcortical structures and Brodmann areas.
5. Overview of connectivity, phase, and coherence concepts related to EEG networks and tracts (e.g. default network, nodes & modules.)
III. Instrumentation & Electronics – 4 hours
A. Essential Terms & Concepts
Basic metrics and terminology in electronics and instrumentation such as, impedance, differential amplifier principles, analog and digital filters, basic electrical terms (e.g. AC, DC, sine waves, volume conduction, Nyquist principle, gain, Fourier transform, low/high bandpass and notch filters, etc.), and common mode rejection
B. Signal Acquisition
1. 10-20 International Standard measurement and nomenclature for 19 recording sites, both classical and modified
2. Comparison of QEEG to other neuroimaging techniques (e.g. PET, fMRI, CT, MEG, SPECT, etc.)
3. Use of limited number of electrodes (fewer than 19).
4. Montage options and their characteristics
5. Recognizing and correcting signals of noncerebral origin, such as but not limited to:
a. Electromyographic
b. Electro-ocular
c. Cardiac (pulse)
d. Sweat (skin impedance)
e. Cable sway
f. 60 Hz (grounding)
g. Electrode “pop”
6. Recognizing normal EEG patterns
a. posterior dominant rhythm
b. difference between eyes open and eyes closed resting conditions (e.g. posterior alpha attenuation)
c. developmental aspects of EEG
d. diurnal influences on EEG
7. Evaluation of subject variables during acquisition
a. alertness-drowsiness
b. medication/drug/alcohol effects
c. physical relaxation
d. eyes closed/eyes open/anxiety
C. Signal Processing
1. Analog, raw EEG
2. Basic signal measurement terms (e.g. amplitude, magnitude, power, Hz)
3. Filtering methods and subjective characteristics of frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta, gamma)
4. Waveform morphology
5. Source localization (LORETA inverse solution, Laplacian analysis)
6. Clinically significant raw EEG
waveforms (e.g. Mu, spike & wave, SMR, sleep spindles, etc.)
D. Aseptic Techniques
1. Client and trainer hygiene
2. Equipment sterilization
3. Cross contamination
E. Instrumentation Demonstration
Client preparation, basic set-up and operation of EEG equipment, proper electrode attachment and location of 10-20 sites, elimination of artifact from EEG recording, recognition of spike/wave activity in the raw EEG, etc.
IV. Research Evidence Base for Neurofeedback – 2 hours
A. Interpretation of the methodological and statistical criteria and procedures for determining levels of efficacy and effectiveness of neurofeedback, as outlined in the Template for Developing Guidelines for the Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of Psychophysiological Interventions and Evidence- Based Practice in Biofeedback & Neurofeedback.
B. Key research studies establishing current efficacy levels of major applications of Neurofeedback (e.g., ADHD, Substance Abuse, Optimal Performance, etc.)
D. Introduction to Alpha-Theta Training
1. Applications (e.g., to over arousal conditions: anxiety, alcoholism, PTSD, etc.)
2. Indicators for using revised or original Peniston Protocol
3. Issues related to alpha-theta crossovers, emotional abreactions, etc.
4. Psychotherapeutic skills and additional training beyond Introductory level course required for Alpha-Theta practitioners
E. Guidelines and Cautions for Remote Training – refer to the ISNR Guidelines
F. Full Neurofeedback Session Demonstrations.
IX. Current Trends in Neurofeedback – 2 hours
A. Identify current trends such as z-score training, LORETA z-Score training, etc.
B. Combining neurofeedback with other modalities (e.g., HRV, respiration, HEG, neuromodulation systems, etc.)
X. Ethical & Professional Conduct – 2 hours
A. Ethical and Legal Practice
Familiarity with the BCIA Certification Guidelines, Professional Standards and Ethical Principles of Biofeedback, ISNR Practice Guidelines for Neurofeedback and ISNR Code of Ethics, and the practice guidelines of one’s primary profession
1. Experimental vs. commonly accepted neurofeedback treatment
2. Advertising, marketing of services, and public statements
3. Continuing education and training
B. Clinical Practice
When treating a medical or psychological disorder, one is required to carry a valid state-issued health care license from a BCIA-approved health care field or agree to work under supervision.
C. Scope of Practice
Neurofeedback services should be limited to the practice standards and guidelines of one’s license or the license of their supervisor and also to those areas where one has:
1. Sufficient training (e.g., alpha/theta)
2. Familiarity with the client population and
disorders (e.g., age, diagnosis, etc.)
D. Client rights
1. Privacy, confidentiality, and privileged communication
2. Informed consent to assessment and treatment, treatment contract apprising of possible adverse effects
3. Accepting clients, abandonment, and appropriate referral
4. Equal access to health care
5. HIPAA compliance
E. Supervision
1. Appropriate consultation and supervision in neurofeedback;
2. Purposes and process of supervision and consultation
3. Purposes and process of mentoring
F. Professional relationships
1. Dual relationships
2. Conflicts of interest and exploitation of clients
3. Consultation, referral, and relationships with other professionals
4. Medical and medication monitoring
5. Procedures for dealing with unethical behavior and consumer complaints
Total: 36 hours
Instructors:
Lynda Thompson, Ph.D., C.Psych., BCIAC-EEG is a Psychologist who has done teaching, clinical psychology, school psychology and owned learning centres. She became Executive Director of The ADD Centre in Toronto in 1993. Her doctoral dissertation (1979) dealt with hyperactive children treated with methylphenidate. She is co-author with William Sears of The A.D.D. Book: New Understandings, New Approaches to Parenting Your Child. She has coauthored many professional papers and chapters on a number of subjects including: ADHD, TBI, Asperger’s Syndrome, Neural Networks, Heart Rate Variabiity, Seizure Disorders, and Stress Management including Setting Up for Clinical Success with the Biograph Infiniti and also of the recent AAPB publication, The Neurofeedback Book: An Introduction to Basic Concepts in Applied Psychophysiology. Lynda has been a guest speaker numerous times on radio and television. She has been invited to teach about Neurofeedback on five continents: Australia (4 trips), China, Africa (Cape Town), Europe (Belgium, Germany, Israel, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Wales), Korea, Mexico, and in many cities in the United States.
She has contributed chapters on ADHD to a number of books on this subject and written professional journal publications on ADHD on both children and adults. With respect to BCIA she is the author of: Thompson, Lynda ( 2004) Electroencephalographic Applications. Module 6, Andrew Crider, Doil Montgomery (Eds) Introduction to Biofeedback: An AAPB Independent Study Program, Wheat Ridge Colorado: AAPB. Recently, she coauthored with Dr. Thompson a new chapter on NFB + BFB for Stress Management: Thompson, L. (2007) Neurofeedback for Stress Management. Chapter in Paul M. Lehrer, Robert L. Woolfolk and Wesley E. Sime (Eds.) Principles and Practice of Stress Management, 3rd Edition. New York: Guilford Publications and wrote other text book chapters for an up-coming publication: Thompson, L., Chapter 14: and Thompson, L., Chapter 15: Asperger's Syndrome Intervention: Combining Neurofeedback, Biofeedback and Metacognition, both in Budzynski, T., Evans, J., Abarbinol, A., (eds.) (in press, 2008) Introduction to QEEG and Neurofeedback: Advanced Theory and Applications (second edition)
More recent chapters include:
• Sterman, M. B., Thompson, L. (2014). Chapter 12, Neurofeedback for Seizure Disorders. In David S. Cantor and James R. Evans (Editors), Clinical Neurofeedback: Applications and Techniques for Treatment. Academic Press, San Diego, USA., 301-314.
• Thompson, L. & Reid, A. (2014). LORETA z-score Neurofeedback Combined with Heart rate Variability Training. In Thatcher, R. & Lubar, J. (eds.), EEG Z Score Neurofeedback: Clinical Applications, Academic Press.
• Thompson, L., Thompson, J., Reid, A. (In Press, 2015). Biofeedback Interventions for Autistic Spectrum Disorders. In Mark S. Schwartz & Frank Andrasik (Editors), Biofeedback: A Practitioner’s Guide (4th Edition). New York: Guilford Press.
Lynda has recently published:
• Thompson Lynda, (2015) The Neurofeedback Book: An Introduction to Basic Concepts in Applied Psychophysiology, 2nd edition. Association for Applied Psychophysiology: Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
• Thompson Lynda, (In press) Functional Neuroanatomy Organized with Reference to Networks, Lobes of the Brain, 10-20 Sites, and Brodmann Areas. Association for Applied Psychophysiology: Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Andrea Reid-Chung will also attend the workshop and assist with demonstrations and hands-on training:
Andrea Reid-Chung, M.A, C. Psych. Assoc., is a Psychological Associate registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She is the Clinical Director at the ADD Centre and Biofeedback Institute of Toronto in Ontario. In this position she is involved in the assessment of clients, treatment planning using neurofeedback, biofeedback and LORETA neurofeedback as well as staff training. Ms. Reid-Chung is certified by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) as an EEG-Biofeedback practitioner and is also a mentor for professionals worldwide learning to enter the field of neuro/biofeedback. She has presented at international conferences and assisted in teaching workshops and online training sessions. Ms. Reid-Chung was the first author on a paper investigating the effects of heart rate variability on sensorimotor rhythm and has assisted in the publication of 9 other published works in the field of neuro/biofeedback.
We are particularly honoured to also have as guest faculty, pending availability, Professor Vietta Sue Wilson Ph.D. She has been a professor for many years in Kinesiology & Health Science at York University. Sue is well known for her numerous scientific publications and presentations on the use of Biofeedback with elite athletes.
Our Web site is: www.addcentre.com
Our e-mail is: addcentreto@gmail.com, addcentre@gmail.com
Our Telephone number is: Canada 905-803-8066
Our Fax number is: 905-803-9061