Protocol development practicum

Course Description

The goals of this intermediate neurofeedback course are to provide theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice for effective and ethical neurofeedback training (NTF). Throughout the course, we will focus on a proactive integrated approach to conducting a neurofeedback session, which consists of three major components: developing an individual neurofeedback protocol, conducting proactive NFT sessions, and closely monitoring their effect on the client. The importance of incorporating NFT with other treatment modalities, such as biofeedback, is also discussed.

The course explores factors that can increase effectiveness and reduce side effects. Specifically, the factors include objective assessments (e.g. as mini-maps and qEEG), subjective assessments (e.g. arousal assessment), scope of practice and experiences of the practitioner and other factors (e.g. client goals, medical and mental history).

The course includes examples, case presentations, and hands-on practicum conducting assessments as well as neurofeedback sessions. It is geared towards clinicians with introductory knowledge of NFT who are looking to further deepen their theoretical knowledge and gain more hands-on experience for a more effective treatment.

This Course Includes:

1. Developing protocols based on minimap and PDR assessments, arousal assessment, and symptoms.
2. Working towards forward toward your BCIA certification: (a) Performing 3 neurofeedback sessions and conducting 1 minimap, as a clinician, for another participant. This will count as 4 client sessions and 3 mentoring hours towards your BCIA requirements. (b) Optional presentation of a case study. This will count as 1 case presentation.
3. Optional individual brain mapping recording and analysis for a discounted cost. Additional information can be found at the end of this document.

Upcoming Dates and Times

Upcoming dates coming soon!

Faculty

Course Guide

Developing an individualized and targeted NFT protocol is a major component in the success of the NFT. While a successful protocol will improve the client’s condition, the “wrong” protocol can cause negative side effects. In this course, we will dive deeper into the different components when developing an individualized protocol. Specifically, we will use data from the participants’ brain mappings (if you choose to have this done), as well as research, goals, and our experience, to determine successful protocols. Throughout the three days and multiple neurofeedback sessions, we will track the effectiveness of the protocol and learn how to adjust it if needed.  

Another major component of neurofeedback training is when the clinician uses a proactive approach during each session. In this course, we will learn to correlate the brain activities to the mental state of the client and practice using this approach. 

Prerequisite: This is an intermediate neurofeedback course. A prerequisite of a BCIA approved 36-hour Introduction to Neurofeedback Didactic Training or equivalent training is required.

Target Audience: Neurofeedback clinicians and technicians (includes Psychologists, Psychoanalysts, Psychiatrists, Social Workers, MFTs, Counselors, Substance Abuse Counselors, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, MD, chiropractic and other degrees in healthcare that have been pre-approved by BND and BCIA)

Brain Mapping: Receiving a brain mapping at Boston NeuroDynamics is optional for an additional cost and can be used to guide the 10 self study sessions needed for BCIA certification. A full brain mapping provides more individualized information about the brain activity than the minimap and arousal assessment we are using in the training. 

The brain mapping is a standard qEEG where we will record from both eyes open and eyes closed, analyze the data, and provide you with the results after the training. There is also the option of adding in an EPR recording (the brain’s response to a cognitive stimulation) and full typed report. 

The brain mapping options include:

1. qEEG only: 
1. Can be done before, during or after the training 
2. EEG recording (5 mins eyes open, 5 mins eyes closed) – 1 hour recording, 
3. Neuroguide analysis and maps
4. 30 min review two weeks after the training to discuss the maps and determine an individualized neurofeedback protocol
5. Discounted cost: $390 (regular cost is $680)
2. qEEG & ERP:
1. Must be done before or after the training 
2. EEG recording (5 mins eyes open, 5 mins eyes closed)  and ERP recording – 1.5 hour recording 
3. 8 questionnaires to fill out
4. Full report (includes neuroguide analysis and maps, HBI analysis, VCPT analysis, questionnaire analysis)
5. 60 min review two weeks after the training to discuss the maps and determine an individualized neurofeedback protocol
6. Discounted cost: $680 (regular cost is $1,240)

If you are traveling, we recommend coming the day before you want to do the brain mapping record. Please let us know if you would like to schedule this ASAP as we anticipate spots filling up quickly. 

Certification Information

• BCIA Mentoring Hours: The training will provide you with some of the Biofeedback Certification International Alliances (BCIA) mentoring requirements for those who want to get Board Certified. For more information about the BCIA certification, use the following link: https://www.bcia.org/nf-entry-level
• CE Credits: If you are interested in the optional 24 CE credits through R. Cassidy, you can register here: https://www.academeca.com/CEUReg/SeminarInfo.aspx?seminarId=4705
• *More information about CE credits can be found below
• Evaluations and Certificates are available by email and online following course completion at www.ceuregistration.com

COVID-19 Precautions: We will be in close contact during the training and want everyone to feel safe throughout the training. Depending on the situation in June, additional precautions (such as wearing masks) may be put in place to keep us all safe.

Cancellation Policy: All payments will be fully refunded if the cancellation is made 4 weeks prior to the training, with a $50 processing fee. Cancellations made less than 4 weeks, but more than 5 days before the training can be refunded at 50% or fully credited towards the next workshop. Cancellations made 5 days or fewer before class cannot be refunded or credited. In the situation that you are sick or test positive for COVID-19, you can either (a) defer your tuition to attend the next training and receive a complementary 1 hour mentoring session or (b) be refunded the tuition cost minus the $50 needed to secure the meeting space.

Boston NeuroDynamics reserves the right to cancel. Should it be necessary, we will reschedule the training for a future date. If you would like to defer your tuition to attend the next training you will receive a complementary 1 hour mentoring session, otherwise all payments will be fully refunded. We cannot be held responsible for restricted or non-refundable airfares. 

Due to the uncertain nature of in-person trainings since COVID-19, we highly recommend to make refundable / changeable travel arrangements. 

Disclosure Statement: There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.

*For questions or concerns, please email us at education@bostonneurodynamics.com or call/text at (617) 855-9295

Learning Objectives

The goals of this course are to:

1. Conduct NFB sessions as a clinician, receive NFB sessions (self), conduct and interpret minimap. 
2. Apply theoretical knowledge to develop individualized neurofeedback protocols.
3. Demonstrate the ability to use neurofeedback equipment to successfully perform neurofeedback sessions.
4. Design a neurofeedback protocol, determine its effectiveness, and identify any necessary adjustments.
5. Explain the importance of a proactive approach and apply it while conducting a neurofeedback session.
6. Incorporate neurofeedback with other neuroregulation modalities (such as biofeedback) 

Day 1 Objectives:

1. Define neurofeedback, its mechanism and uses
2. Name 4 assumptions related to neurofeedback
3. Identify different artifacts in an EEG recording
4. Explain how to convert EEG data from time domain to frequency domain.
5. Compare two montages (Laplasian and Linked ears) to view EEG activity and describe the advantages and disadvantages of using each one.
6. Analyze a case presentation about a client with ADHD, specifically focusing on these three factors:  (a) Intake Process (client’s goals, symptoms, and both subjective and objective assessments). (b) Protocol development. (c) NFB sessions 
7. List four different types of protocols, describe the advantages, disadvantages, and when to use each one. 
8. Design your own neurofeedback protocol based on your individualized qEEG, goals, symptoms and protocol type. 
9. Demonstrate a neurofeedback session with a proactive approach.
10. Prepare a client for a neurofeedback session with the necessary safety precautions.
11. Conduct the first neurofeedback session using a proactive approach.
12. Practice reducing artifacts during a neurofeedback session.

Day 2 Objectives:

1. Summarize the different assessments used during the intake process and ongoing neurofeedback sessions. 
2. Conduct a minimap and PDR. 
3. List different ways to view the neuroanatomy of the brain. 
4. Review the different Broadmann areas and describe their functionality related to the 10-20 system
5. Identify EEG, neurons contributing to EEG, and EEG mechanisms.
6. Name the brain structures that function as EEG generators.
7. Analyze a case presentation about a client with developmental delays, specifically focusing on these three factors: (a) Intake Process (client’s goals, symptoms, and both subjective and objective assessments). (b) Protocol development. (c) NFB sessions 
8. Discuss ways to adjust a neurofeedback protocol. 
9. Review how to use a proactive approach during a neurofeedback session.
10. Adjust a client protocol based on the previous session.
11. Practice using manual threshold to prioritize the target brain widths.
12. Conduct a second neurofeedback session using a proactive approach.

Day 3 Objectives:

1. Explain biofeedback and other neuroregulation techniques. 
2. Discuss ways to incorporate different treatment modalities with neurofeedback. 
3. Explain various side effects related to neurofeedback and ways to both track and minimize them.
4. Describe the impact of medication on the EEG and in developing neurofeedback protocols.
5. Define ERP and discuss its uses as an assessment tool and to develop neurofeedback protocols.   
6. Analyze a case presentation about a client with trauma, specifically focusing on these three factors: (a) Intake Process (client’s goals, symptoms, and both subjective and objective assessments). (b) Protocol development. (c) NFB sessions 
7. Prepare and discuss case presentations.
8. Practice using various biofeedback sensors as their own treatment modality. 
9. Integrate different treatment modalities with neurofeedback. 
10. Conduct a session that incorporates both biofeedback and neurofeedback  techniques.