Neurofeedback 101 Course Outline

Neurofeedback 101 Course Outline / Schedule

PLEASE NOTE: The outline below is a general guideline, giving participants an idea of the content to be covered.  The instructors teaching style is not as linear as presented in the outline and information and events may not occur in the exact time frame and order presented.

Day 1 – Friday

9:00 – 10:50 am
Discussion of what is neurofeedback.
How does it work?
How to discuss it with clients.
Arousal Model basics using C3, C4, and CZ.
Introduction to training by sites.
Introduction to selecting frequencies for training.
Introduction to training based on brain region functions.

10:50 – 11:00 am – Break time (coffee, tea, water & snacks are available)

11:00 – 1:00 pm
Learn by doing: Choose basic protocols for each participant.
Review protocol decisions for each course attendee.
Basics of hooking up an electrode.
Simple review of measuring/identifying training sites.

1st Neurofeedback Training up to 3 people per training room
Under supervision, participants set up neurofeedback system and train each other.
Each participant gets a neurofeedback training session.
Learning to ask key questions during sessions –
What do you observe during training, what changes occur?
How to change frequency in order to change the individual’s response to training.

1:00 – 2:00 pm – Lunch 
Attendees can choose to go with the instructor for lunch and discussion or go somewhere else and take a break. This is a great time to ask the instructor individualized questions about equipment, running a practice, or Neurofeedback questions beyond what’s covered in the outline

2:00 – 2:45 pm
Finish running or receiving Neurofeedback sessions.

2:45 – 4:00 pm
What does the EEG mean?
Frequency and amplitude basics.
Excessive slow, excessive fast activity.
What does a normal EEH look like?
How can you tell if it’s EEG or artifact?
Review of several dysfunctional EEGs.
What are frequency bands?
How does someone learn to change his or her EEG?

4:00 – 4:50 pm
Review in-depth sessions performed earlier for each attendee.
Discussion of why each attendee did or didn’t respond.
Choose protocols for 2nd training.

4:50 – 5:00 pm – Break time (coffee, tea, water & snacks are available)

5:00 – 6:15 pm
2nd Supervised training of Neurofeedback or biofeedback for attendees
Participants train each other and learn to fine tune each training session.

6:15 pm – Course ends for the day

Day 2 – Saturday

8:30 – 10:45 am
Discussion: What external factors interfere with neurofeedback training.
Are there training side effects?

Show and Tell: A review of effective training tools – even home tools – from brain stimulation to supplements to body biofeedback or PEMF that can work well with neurofeedback. Participants can try out different types of tools during the class in addition to neurofeedback.

Review of protocol choices, protocol changes and training outcomes from Day 1 training.
Discussion: How to optimize training protocol changes for each class member – strategies for adjusting and adapting protocols.

Review software – how to set up Neurofeedback Protocols.
Understanding how to use games and feedback.
Review Site placement based on 10/20 EEG system.

10:45 – 10:55 am – Break time (coffee, tea, water & snacks are available)

10:55 – 12:00 pm
Discussion: More choices – how to select different types of protocols (frequencies and training sites) with Neurofeedback and biofeedback.

• More on how to adjust and adapt feedback and protocols for training.

• Attendees: choosing what you want to experience / achieve from training.

• Review of options and decision logic for each attendee’s training.

• Focus on learning protocol decision logic, which can be applied with your clients.

 

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – 3rd Neurofeedback or biofeedback training session for course attendees.

1:00–2:00 pm – lunch with group or on your own

2:00 to 2:45 pm – Complete 3rd training with supervision

2:45 – 4:20 pm
• Symptom model vs. brain-based model vs. EEG model vs qEEG model.
• Additional explanations and demos of training the EEG.
• More about EEG basics including variability and amplitude.
• Concepts for setting thresholds and “auto-thresholding”.
• Discussion of how to mix different equipment during the training, from light to sound to CES to PEMF, to body biofeedback, to nutrition and beyond.

4:20 – 4:30 pm – Break time (coffee, tea, water & snacks are available)

4:30 – 6:15 pm
Review of attendee training.
Help attendees choose type of training and adjust protocols.
Discuss including biofeedback or stimulation as an option.

6:15 pm – Course ends for the day

Day 3 – Sunday

Note – the Day 3 schedule can be adjusted based on feedback from attendees. We adjust time spent based on attendee interest. Every class is a bit different.

8:30-10:30 am
Review 10/20 site placements.
Observe a qEEG cap. Optional: Demonstrate recording a full 19 channel EEG.

Review effects of previous sessions (live cases from the class).
Discuss and analyze training effects.
Review how to assess change – how is client progress utilized in the protocol and training decision process?
Discuss protocol choices and training options with multiple types of equipment – neurofeedback, biofeedback, stimulation, etc.
Discuss more examples of external factors that affect clinical progress.

Practice client intakes with case examples.
Review client intake forms in more detail.
Discuss how to assess progress or lack of progress – and how to use that information to inform protocol decisions.

10:30 –10:40 am – Break time (coffee, tea, water & snacks are available)

10:40 to 11:40 am
Discuss mentoring.
Reviewing multiple types of qEEG.
Discussion regarding utilizing qEEGs vs not using qEEGs.
How and when to use qEEG.
Different types of qEEGs.
About coherence and connectivity.

How long to train before changing protocols?
What training effects to expect with clients and how soon.
Protocol options for other disorders – anxiety, depression, ADHD and sleep.

What is theta/beta ratio?
What is dominant alpha or peak alpha frequency?

11:40 – 12:30 pm
Run 5th Neurofeedback, biofeedback or other type of session.
Adjust protocols during sessions based on the response to training for each individual.
Reinforce how to ask the right questions of clients and how to observe changes in the client to affect the decision process.

12:30-1:00 pm – Order in lunch

1:00 to 2:50 pm 
Observe and/or participate in full cap 19 or 31 channel EEG recording (optional based on class time and interest)
Review more qEEG examples.

Optional depending on class – Discuss in more depth the differences in training equipment.
Discuss ethical training issues.

2:50-3:00 pm – Break time (coffee, tea, water & snacks are available)

3:00 to 3:50 pm
Review protocol and training options for ASD, OCD, Autistic Spectrum, learning disabilities, concussions, migraines and more.

Review course learning objectives

Turn in Course Evaluations

4:00 pm – Course Ends