The Sixth Neurotherapy Conference at the Beach 

Phase is one important dynamic of coupled oscillatory phenomena. In phase amplitude coupling (PAC), a second key variable is amplitude, also known as power. Phase and amplitude can be meaningfully correlated and are functionally relevant to the workings of the brain and consciousness. PAC usually refers to a correlation between the amplitude of faster rhythms (high gamma range) and the phase of slower rhythms (2-12Hz range). Gamma oscillations emerge at particular phases of the theta cycle and thereby recruit cell assemblies involved in processing.  This talk will examine how this type of coupling, thought of as an “integration mechanism” between rate and temporal coding, can be used in neurodiagnostics and neurmomodulation to restore functionality in memory-impaired clients.

This lecture will address the challenges faced by the field of neurofeedback/neuromodulation, which has experienced limited growth compared to other therapeutic modalities such as DBT and EMDR. The speaker will discuss the need to lower barriers to entry and appeal to decision-makers to foster growth in the field.

The lecture will explore the potential of peripheral biofeedback as a low-cost, scalable introduction to biofeedback, serving as an entry point to neurofeedback and neuromodulation. Additionally, the speaker will highlight the importance of utilizing event-related potentials (ERPs) derived from EEG, which are more acceptance in the medical and neuroscientific communities due to their extensive research base. Attendees will gain insights into strategies for revitalizing the field of neurofeedback/neuromodulation and increasing its mainstream acceptance.

Our cognition is firmly and irreducibly intertwined with our bodies. Our heart, breath, and stomach are in constant dialogue with our brain and this interaction enables us to perceive our internal state accurately and interlock both nervous system and physiology into a single, dynamic system. Our lab is interested in how this interaction can change within an individual given different states, such as varying levels of psychological stress or emotional valence. This presentation will review 1) the substrates of brain-body interaction, 2) the recent findings in how brain-body interaction is influenced by state-dependent factors -- conducted using NeuroField equipment, and 3) implications for clinical research and practice.

Post COVID, mu rhythm significantly increased in pediatric populations compared to adult populations. This presentation will discuss mu rhythm, how to spot it, what to do about it, why it may be increasing, and the implications of such data.

The outcomes of the ICAN study, which looked at TBR neurofeedback for children 7-11YO with ADHD, were disappointing to many in the field. In this discussion, we will discuss why the ICAN study was, in fact, successful. We will also discuss the predictive and moderating aspects of the changes in connectivity when observed from behavioral comorbidities, ADHD presentation, Slow Cognitive Tempo scoring, and training group. These retrospective analyses reveal insights into brain functional connectivity that can be useful when diagnosing and planning treatment for ADHD.

This lecture examines a unique EEG signature and set of behaviors, which follows the inflammation that follows a traumatic brain injury (TBI), (concussion or pathogenic) and is absent on an MRI. The neuropathic processes that play out following this type of TBI and how they morph into long-term pathology is unique, including its development into Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and CTE. This webinar shows real examples of persons struggling with this condition and the way in which randomized audio-visual entrainment resets this condition and re-establishes brain function.

Traditional evidence-based approaches have so far failed to develop highly efficacious treatments for many mental disorders, as effect size for psychotherapy and pharmacology hovers around 0.3, with a NNT of about 7. Thus, a new strategy is required. Can we learn from the concept of war to develop better treatments for brain disorders? In combined arms warfare the complementary strengths of the air force, ground troops and navy are used in concert to exert a maximal effect. Translating combined arms tactics to mental disorders we should adapt a multimodal approach. This means combining different ways to attack mental disorders, for example by a combination of pharmacology and neuromodulation, or pharmacology and psychology, or all 3 approaches combined, rather than limiting oneself to a unimodal approach.

With the DSM-5 being declared invalid and incapable of predicting effective treatment, there must be a replacement that is not merely another method lacking predictive validity (ICD methods come to mind here).

In an expanded review of the 2014 publication, we will review the various medications that may be used with ADHD clients. The mechanism for each medication or medication class will be discussed along with the biomarkers or phenotypic pattern that indicate a match with the medication.

The cingulate cortex is involved in error detection and performance evaluation and can be uniquely viewed through the ERP. John Dewig and John LeMay performed a 10-person study with pre and post ERP, looking at the results of 10 sessions of the anterior to posterior cingulate intervention. From this, we have found that the anterior to posterior cingulate intervention is appropriate in a variety of different clinical presentations They learned the anterior cingulate is involved in in error detection and reevaluation the anterior to posterior singulate. Both are involved in error detection and performance evaluation heavily and anytime you end up with disorders that interrupt those characteristics you've got a good reason to use those anterior to posterior cingulate interventions. We found that using it in a variety of situations when you see those characteristics in the ERP is what drives utilizing it. We began to develop little novel pieces based on the data that we had gathered. We found changes in the distribution of the ERP.

This lecture will answer the question often posed by those receiving neurofeedback and biofeedback training: “What should I be doing at home?” It will describe what BODES well for exceptionally good clinical outcomes. It covers at-home actions clients can take in the areas of Breathing, On-line activities, Diet, Exercise, and Sleep/Social. In each area, research-based suggestions that practitioners can share with clients (and use themselves) will be described. Paying attention to suggestions for optimizing these activities - suggestions developed across thirty years of enhancing self-regulation skills in clients at the ADD Centre - will improve your success rate while empowering your clients to reach higher levels of functioning.

The extension of neurofeedback into the infra-low frequency regime was a game changer for us in 2006, after 17 years of working in the EEG range with our NeuroCybernetics system. This gives us access to core state regulation that in turn yields a broad and inclusive clinical footprint. The development hinged on our early adoption of endogenous neuromodulation, in which the brain responds to its own signal in the absence of external rewards. This allows the brain to take the lead in the individualization and optimization of the training protocols. The payoff has been most significant in two areas: Developmental trauma and the entire class of cerebral instabilities, from seizures and migraines to narcolepsy and sleep apnea.

How does hearing, listening, and processing sound work?  How is hearing loss and memory disturbance linked in temporal lobe changes?  Can sounds heal the brain?  These and more will be explored!