Workshop - Frank DeGregorio

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General Introduction to Biofeedback Peripherals Workshop
Frank DeGregorio
1-day Pre-Conference Workshop

This 1-day workshop is for researchers and health professionals who want to learn how to use the latest "cutting edge" biofeedback technology. The morning session provides an overview of the key features of the BioGraph Infiniti 6.0 software and hardware. Software suites that can be showcased include Neurofeedback, Physiology, Rehab-Muscle, Z-Score, HRV and Reaction Time.

During the afternoon session, participants will have a "hands-on" experience using Surface Electromyography (SEMG), Respiration, Temperature, Skin Conductance, Electroencephalography (EEG), Heart Rate and Electrocardiology (EKG) with audio and visual multimedia biofeedback screens.

(This workshop is NOT limited to current BioGraph Infiniti users only. Clinicians who have an interest in Biofeedback and in BioGraph Infiniti but do not currently possess our equipment are welcome to register.)

This course has been approved by BCIA to provide 7 hours of ategory A accredited continuing education for BCIA re-certification.

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About Frank DeGregorio

Frank DeGregorio has a Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) in Computer Science and Networking and a Certificate as a Programming Analyst. He has over 20 years of experience as technical, network, computer and high-level troubleshooting for Thought Technology. In addition, he has over 12 years of experience teaching BioGraph workshops with Lynda Thompson, Ph.D. and had the opportunity to attend a wide variety of workshops held by clinicians such as Dr. Barry Sterman, Dr. Tanju Surmeli, Dr. Don Moss and Dr. Richard Gevirtz, Dr. Erik Peper and Dr. Vietta Sue Wilson. Frank's extensive knowledge of all the product software and hardware offered by Thought Technology gives him the unique ability to take participants from installation of the software to using it effectively.

Workshop - Dr. Richard Gevirtz

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Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback: Principles and Applications
Dr. Richard Gevirtz
2-day Workshop

Over the last 20 years, Paul Lehrer and I have studied aspects of heart rate variability and discovered a biofeedback technique (HRVB) that appears to have a number of applications, some of them very powerful. In this workshop, I will:

Day 1

• Introduce the physiology and psychophysiology of heart rate and heart rate variability.
• Explain in detail the measurement of parameters such as SDNN, RMSSD, HF (vagal tone), and other less frequently used measures.
• Introduce the “meditational model” for unexplained medical and anxiety conditions.
• Demonstrate the HRV biofeedback protocol that we have developed.
• Discuss home training and home practice devices.

Day 2

• Discuss the Spindle/Triggerpoint pain model.
• Show how HRVB can be used together with other physical and psychological therapies.
• Review the HRV measurements, and biofeedback protocol.
• Discuss HRVB applications for, Anxiety disorder: Gastrointestinal symptoms, Migraine, Cardiac Rehab, and others.
• Wrap up with a consolidated review of the measurement of HRV and the biofeedback techniques.

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About Dr. Richard Gevirtz

Dr. Richard Gevirtz is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. He has been in involved in research and clinical work in applied psychophysiology and biofeedback for the last 30 years and was the president of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 2006-2007. His primary research interests are in understanding the physiological and psychological mediators involved in disorders such as chronic muscle pain, fibromyalgia, and gastrointestinal pain. In this vein, he has studied applications of heart rate variability for anxiety, pain and cardiac rehabilitation. He is the author of many journal articles and chapters on these topics. He also maintains a part time clinical practice treating patients with anxiety and stress related disorders.

Workshop - Linda Walker, MHR, LPC, BCIA-EEG

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Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Biofeedback
Linda Walker, MHR, LPC, BCIA-EEG
1-day Workshop

This introductory workshop will help newcomers get the most our of their biofeedback interventions. Whether participants already have equipment or are considering new interventions, this workshop will review biofeedback modalities including sEMG, respiration, BVP, skin conductance and temperature. Participants will learn ways to ensure a good signal and sensor placement, consider training strategies to optimize their patients' and clients' learning needs and explore ways in which learning from biofeedback can be transferred into practical environments. This includes selection of homework tasks and materials for trainees. This is a hands-on course. Participants will have the opportunity to use equipment and conduct practical recordings.

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Getting the Most Out of Z-Score Neurofeedback: Tips and Methods for Effective Integration in Practice
Linda Walker, MHR, LPC, BCIA-EEG
1-day Workshop

This one-day workshop will cover the foundations and concepts behind Z-Score neurofeedback, current research, assessment and training methods. Participants will learn proper preparation for Z-score training, as well as consider training and feedback strategies. Assessment techniques, interpretion, statistical tracking and reporting will be discussed. Finally, participants will explore integration of Z-score neurofeedback with other modalities, including traditional neurofeedback and heart rate variability training.

Case studies to illustrate Z-score concepts will be provided. Participants are also welcome to bring case presentations to the discussion of training and assessment strategies. This is a hands-on course and participants will have the opportunity to practice setting up a feedback session.

The workshop is appropriate for beginning and intermediate attendees.



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About Linda Walker, MHR, LPC, BCIA-EEG

Linda Walker is a licensed professional counselor and school counselor who holds a master's degree in Human Relations and Counseling from the University of Oklahoma and post graduate certificates in substance abuse and school counseling from Western Michigan University.

In her private practice working with a general population, Linda integrates a variety of methods with an extensive focus on biofeedback, neuorfeedback and QEEG. In addition, she teaches biofeedback and neurofeedback at Western Michigan University and serves as president of the Midwest Society of Behavioral Medicine and Biofeedback.