equipment and training advice

[Guest guest]

Sonya,

I strongly believe that you're in the right place and encourage you to get training through Pete.

From my perspective, there are three approaches to neurofeedback:

1. Symptom-based training. This approach relies on self- or parental-reporting of concerns to be addressed. Then, these concerns are compared with what we know has worked on those concerns in the past, and training based on that past experience. Sometimes, this works really well. However, with this approach, no one is taking a look at what is really happening in the brain. Because our brains don't conform to committee-approved diagnoses, what we think might need training may not, in fact, be the source of the problem. This means that there are times when this approach isn't optimal. Some derisively call this the "recipe card" approach.

2. QEEG training. This approach relies on taking recordings at all 10-20 map sites and comparing those recordings to normative databases to determine training plans. The key weaknesses in this approach are methodological: a) it is premised on the notion that there is a such thing as a normal brain and there is no way to know if the databases (and there are multiple ones relied upon) used for comparison are populated adequately (though of course each company providing Q interpretation would insist that its database is sound). Another problem with the QEEG approach is that to run and interpret a Q is expensive.

3. TLC approach. This approach takes measurements at key 10-20 map sites (and allows for measurements of other sites when warranted) and compares results with data from scientific literature. It also incorporates self- and/or parent-reporting of concerns. I prefer the TLC--though was also trained in what some call the "recipe card" approach of #1 above--because one can actually know what's happening in the brain, and because it is not training to normal or to a diagnosis; it's training to what actually is happening in the brain.

Looking at what's happening in the brain and comparing that with training goals makes the most sense to me, so I use the TLC. I will warn you, though, that if you are doing a lot of research, you'll find strong opinions for each of these orientations. Perhaps because the field isn't that old, some are zealous in their adherence to the belief that theirs is the only way, so be forewarned that if you do a lot of research in other forums, you could run across hostility or squabbling regarding what is right or best or whatever.

As for equipment, I have liked using Pocket Neurobics' Pendant and Pocket A3. They are easy to learn, reliable, and have great service if things go wrong.

Dr. Rocatti's QDS products are also very good. His Focus is an extremely sensitive device, and he, too, offers great service.

Hope this helps!

Tamera

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[Guest guest]

Hi Sonya,

If you are interested I can share with you some tidbits I

have learned on how to use the TLC approach with RAD kids. Send me an email

backchannel. I am a fairly new practitioner but I am putting a lot of effort

into working with RAD kids.

PS where are you located?

Good luck,

Kamin

Sebastopol,CA

707-547-7106 (new)