A registered psychologist for 34 years in Johannesburg, South Africa, Inette Taylor found herself the one in need when she was diagnosed in 2009 with multiple sclerosis.
“I had concerns about what pharmacology might do to my brain,” she said. “I was particularly interested in and passionate about finding out how training my central nervous system could optimize my life and my mobility.”
“Sold completely” on neurofeedback
After hearing about neurofeedback, Inette attended a two-day workshop, “Calming the Fear-Driven Brain,” by the renowned neurofeedback pioneer Sebern Fisher. She said it “sold her completely” on the importance of adding neurofeedback to her psychotherapy practice.
“I went to Sebern’s class thinking I would learn about neurofeedback for myself, but I suddenly realized that I needed it as much for my clients as for me,” she said.
Learning the basics
Inette started with a basic neurofeedback training course offered by a BCIA-accredited trainer. She then she sought additional training from Mitzi Hollander, a pioneer of neurotherapy in South Africa who had received some of her training from Mike Cohen.
Not yet “ready to fly”
Inette bought a neurofeedback system for use on herself and clients, earning her BCIA certification along the way. However, even with all that study and work, she realized that she wasn’t, as she put it, “ready to fly yet.”
A “giant leap in humility”
When Inette received an e-mail about Mike Cohen’s Neurofeedback 201 course for intermediate students, and remembered his name from the high praise Mitzi had given him, she enrolled.
“Taking that course was a giant leap in humility,” Inette said. “I realized very quickly that there was quite a bit I had yet to learn, even in areas where I thought I knew a lot.”
On the first day, Mike taught course attendees something Inette found invaluable: the critical difference between what was a real brainwave and what was artifact.
“When you first start doing neurofeedback your eyes are glued to so many things you have to manage at the same time. It’s like learning to drive a car. I realized I was paying attention to the client but not paying attention to the brainwaves. I also learned that some people do better looking at their brainwaves than playing a game.”
She observed that Mike was “very relaxed, well-paced and professional in the webinar.” “I was able to retain a lot of the information he presented because he went over the new material to be sure we understood it before proceeding to the next,” she said.
“I was also impressed with the materials that he and Liz (Doyle) provided both before, during and after the webinar. It was much more than they needed to provide. And there were no technical glitches.”
She said the course also left her with the realization that adding neurofeedback to her practice was going to be “a serious commitment,” due to the level of learning and the understanding of technology required.
Neurofeedback takes her practice to “a whole new level”
Inette reflects on the fact that adding neurofeedback to her therapeutic practice took her work as a psychologist to “a whole new level.” Understanding more about the brain’s electrical activity also influenced the way she tackles client situations by asking questions based on insights she learned from the course.
Helping herself
For the past three years Inette has been applying neurofeedback on herself. She says it has helped her, in combination with proper medication, to avoid a major M.S. relapse.
Praise for Mike Cohen’s courses
“Anyone thinking of starting a neurofeedback practice should take beginner and intermediate courses from Mike,” said Inette. “He’s a really good teacher, able to simplify material, provide excellent examples, and draw from his extensive professional experience. Mike has the wisdom and humility of a great teacher.”