Rethinking Paradigms:
Innovative Approaches for Optimal Wellness

1. State the two conditions required for the production of sensorimotor rhythm (12 – 15 Hz activity), first established during experiments in which cats learned to increase the production of these brainwaves, which have the same morphology as sleep spindles.
2. Identify two outcomes of successful neurofeedback training for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that make it superior to treatment using stimulant medications. 
3. State what the acronym PBM stands for and list three conditions that can be helped using light therapy.  

Dr. Lynda Thompson, a clinical psychologist and co-author of “The A.D.D. Book,” has spent over 25 years helping families transform the lives of teenagers struggling with ADHD, learning challenges, and emotional difficulties. As Executive Director of The ADD Centre in Toronto, she has pioneered safe, non-medication approaches using neurofeedback and biofeedback that help teens improve focus, reduce anxiety, and reach their full potential. Dr. Thompson will share proven strategies that parents can use to support their high school students, whether they’re dealing with attention issues, stress, or simply want to optimize their child’s brain function for better academic and social success.

Dr. Lynda Thompson is a distinguished clinical psychologist and internationally recognized pioneer in neurofeedback and biofeedback, with over 25 years of specialized experience in treating ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and neurological conditions. Co-author of “The Neurofeedback Book” and recipient of both the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Biofeedback Federation of Europe and the Distinguished Scientist Award from AAPB, she brings unparalleled expertise in applied psychophysiology. Dr. Thompson will present cutting-edge research and clinical applications in neuromodulation, offering evidence-based approaches for treating adolescents with attention disorders, post-concussion syndrome, and other neurological challenges.

1. Describe a framework of approaching diet three different ways.
2. Identify metabolic benefits of plant-based diets.
3. Describe benefits among women with breast cancer of adopting a whole food, plant-based diet.
4. Provide two examples of how plant-based nutrition benefits brain health

Dr. Thomas Campbell, co-author of the New York Times bestseller “The China Study,” has spent years discovering how the right foods can prevent and even reverse serious diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. As a family doctor and nutrition researcher at the University of Rochester, he’s seen firsthand how simple dietary changes can transform health—knowledge that’s especially important for teenagers who are forming eating habits that will last a lifetime. Dr. Campbell will share practical, science-backed strategies that any parent can use to help their high school student boost energy, improve focus, and build a strong foundation for lifelong health. His proven approach gives families real tools to protect their teens from the chronic diseases that are affecting more young people than ever before. OR

Thomas M. Campbell II, MD is a board-certified family medicine physician certified in obesity medicine. He is assistant professor at the University of Rochester and co-director of the UR Medicine Nutrition in Medicine Research Center. He has authored influential books on plant-based nutrition and is currently involved in clinical trials on the effects of diet on chronic disease.

• Describe the impact of excessive screen use on teen health, including effects on posture, breathing, attention, and emotional wellbeing.
• Demonstrate how posture and breathing patterns influence access to negative thoughts, stress regulation, confidence, and academic performance.
• Apply practical strategies such as digital breaks, micro-movements, and ergonomic adjustments to reduce tech stress.

Dr. Thomas Campbell, co-author of the New York Times bestseller “The China Study,” has spent years discovering how the right foods can prevent and even reverse serious diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. As a family doctor and nutrition researcher at the University of Rochester, he’s seen firsthand how simple dietary changes can transform health—knowledge that’s especially important for teenagers who are forming eating habits that will last a lifetime. Dr. Campbell will share practical, science-backed strategies that any parent can use to help their high school student boost energy, improve focus, and build a strong foundation for lifelong health. His proven approach gives families real tools to protect their teens from the chronic diseases that are affecting more young people than ever before. OR

Thomas M. Campbell II, MD is a board-certified family medicine physician certified in obesity medicine. He is assistant professor at the University of Rochester and co-director of the UR Medicine Nutrition in Medicine Research Center. He has authored influential books on plant-based nutrition and is currently involved in clinical trials on the effects of diet on chronic disease.

1. Examine & explain how traumatized people process information

2. Explain how trauma affects the developing mind and brain

3. Describe how adverse childhood experiences effect brain development, emotion regulation & cognition

Author of The Body Keeps the Score which spent 171 weeks on
The NYT best seller list, Dr. van der Kolk is one of the most influential
voices in mental health today. Dr. van der Kolk teaches how understanding the brain-body
connection can transform our approach to youth mental
health. His integrative lens—rooted in neuroscience, clinical
practice, and community healing—helps families and
educators reimagine support for struggling children and teens

Dr. van der Kolk, has spent his career studying how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences. He has translated emerging findings from neuroscience and attachment research into the development and study of various treatments for traumatic stress. In 1984, he established one of the first clinical and research centers in the U.S. dedicated to the study and treatment of trauma in civilian populations—training a generation of clinicians and researchers in the field. His pioneering work includes the first studies on SSRIs for PTSD, early neuroimaging research into how trauma affects the brain, and foundational research linking borderline personality disorder and self-injury to early childhood trauma and neglect. His work emphasizes how trauma affects people differently depending on their stage of development and highlights the compounding impact of disrupted caregiving. To address these challenges, he initiated the creation of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), a federally funded initiative that now supports around 150 centers implementing trauma-informed interventions across the U.S.

Dr. van der Kolk has focused on treatment methods that stabilize the body’s physiology, enhance executive functioning, and help individuals stay grounded in the present. His research has included NIMH-funded studies on EMDR, NCCAM-funded studies on yoga, and recent investigations into neurofeedback as a way to rewire attention and perception through EEG modulation. His efforts led to the founding of the Trauma Center (now the Trauma Research Foundation), a hub for clinical treatment, research, and professional training. This center has offered specialized care for those with histories of child maltreatment, studied innovative treatments like neurofeedback and MDMA, and delivered training nationwide to mental health professionals, educators, parents, policymakers, and law enforcement.

Dr. van der Kolk, has spent his career studying how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences. He has translated emerging findings from neuroscience and attachment research into the development and study of various treatments for traumatic stress. In 1984, he established one of the first clinical and research centers in the U.S. dedicated to the study and treatment of trauma in civilian populations—training a generation of clinicians and researchers in the field. His pioneering work includes the first studies on SSRIs for PTSD, early neuroimaging research into how trauma affects the brain, and foundational research linking borderline personality disorder and self-injury to early childhood trauma and neglect. His work emphasizes how trauma affects people differently depending on their stage of development and highlights the compounding impact of disrupted caregiving. To address these challenges, he initiated the creation of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), a federally funded initiative that now supports around 150 centers implementing trauma-informed interventions across the U.S.

Dr. van der Kolk has focused on treatment methods that stabilize the body’s physiology, enhance executive functioning, and help individuals stay grounded in the present. His research has included NIMH-funded studies on EMDR, NCCAM-funded studies on yoga, and recent investigations into neurofeedback as a way to rewire attention and perception through EEG modulation. His efforts led to the founding of the Trauma Center (now the Trauma Research Foundation), a hub for clinical treatment, research, and professional training. This center has offered specialized care for those with histories of child maltreatment, studied innovative treatments like neurofeedback and MDMA, and delivered training nationwide to mental health professionals, educators, parents, policymakers, and law enforcement.

1. Define emotional dysregulation and describe its neurological and behavioral
manifestations in children and adolescents.
2. Identify common root causes of dysregulation, including neuroinflammation,
compounded stressors, sensory processing issues, and autonomic nervous system
imbalance.
3. Explain the role of the nervous system in self-regulation and the limitations of
behavioral-only interventions.
4. Apply at least three brain-based strategies to support emotional regulation in clinical or
home settings.

Dr. Roseanne Cappana-Hodge understands exactly what it’s like to worry about your child’s mental health—because she’s been there herself as a mom of two neurodivergent boys. For over 30 years, she’s helped thousands of families move from daily struggles to genuine relief through her Brain Behavior Reset Program.
As founder of the Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health and host of the popular podcast “It’s Going to Be OK with Dr. Roseanne,” she’s on a mission to make mental health support actually accessible to real families. You might have seen her expert advice in The New York Times, Washington Post, or Parents Magazine, where she cuts through the complexity to offer hope and practical solutions.
What makes Dr. Roseanne different? She believes we’re making mental health way too complicated. With over 10,000 brain maps under her belt and three books that parents actually want to read, she’s proven that families can find lasting calm when they have the right tools. Whether your teen is struggling with anxiety, behavior challenges, or just the overwhelming pressures of high school, Dr. Roseanne shows parents how to support their children’s brains—and their whole family’s wellbeing—in ways that actually work.
Her message is simple: you have more power than you think to help your child thrive, and it doesn’t have to be as hard as everyone makes it seem.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a children’s integrative mental health pioneer and founder of the Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health. She developed several neuroscience-based tools for supporting children’s behavior and regulation. Doctor Roseanne is an integrated children’s mental health expert and founder of the global institute of children’s mental health. She is a Connecticut certified school psychologist, board certified neurofeedback provider, and the podcast host of it’s going to be OK with doctor. The parenting resource for children’s behavior and mental health. For over 30 years she has helped thousands of children and families overcome the most challenging behavioral and mental health conditions through her brain behavior reset program. She has done over 10,000 EEG brain maps and is named by Forbes as the thought leader in children’s mental health. As a trusted media personality, doctor Roseanne has given expert opinions in hundreds of major publications such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, parents magazine, national television, and podcast. She has also authored 3 books that focus on improving children’s mental health: it’s going to be OK!, brain under attack, and the teletherapy toolkit, the first book ever written on teletherapy activities for children and teens. Doctor Roseanne is a national speaker on topics related to calming the brain and achieving mental Wellness at home, schools, organizations, and businesses. She believes we are making mental health way too hard and that every individual has the power to vote cultivate mental about being when they have the right brain based tools. As a mom of two neurodivergent boys she understands what it’s like to see her children struggle. Doctor Roseanne takes great joy in empowering parents and helping families applied to calm, experience lasting relief, and lead happy lives

1. Identify at least three distinct stages of neurodevelopmental recovery in children with
early screen addiction, including sensorimotor restart, cortical awakening, and attachment
restoration.
2. Describe at least five neurobiological dysfunctions associated with early screen
addiction, such as pathological reflexes, cortical slowing, loss of neural coherence, and
compulsive behavior patterns.
3. Differentiate between innate neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., ASD, ADHD) and
screen-induced phenotypes based on observable markers and recovery potential.

4. Explain how screen exposure disrupts the development of self-regulation, attachment,
and executive function, drawing on recent research and documented case studies.
5. Summarize the parallel parental intervention track in the recovery process, including the
use of biofeedback, neurofeedback, trauma therapy, and stress resilience training.

Dr. Stoyan Vezenkov brings cutting-edge neuroscience research directly to families navigating today’s digital challenges. As founder of the Center for Applied Neuroscience and co-founder of Screen Children, he has dedicated his career to understanding how technology affects developing brains and has developed proven biofeedback programs to help children overcome screen addiction, ADHD, anxiety, and sleep disorders. With a PhD in neuropharmacology from Germany, over two decades of university teaching experience, and multiple published books on brain science, Dr. Vezenkov offers parents evidence-based strategies and hope for raising healthier, more balanced children in our screen-saturated world.

Stoyan Vezenkov, Ph.D. in Neuroscience, is team lead at the Center for Applied Neuroscience and founder of NOOTISM. He focuses on screen addiction and integrates EEG, biofeedback, and therapy into youth programs.

1. The participant will be able to describe how being in nature can augment optimal health from a psychophysiological and neurological perspective

2. The participant will be able to list 3 environmental means of enhancing the internal structure of workplaces to help improve brain health.

3. The participant will be able to describe the processes in the brain that are activated when best health practices are informed, including the neurotropic BDNF.

Dr. Cynthia Kerson, a leading brain training expert and professor at Saybrook University, has dedicated her career to proving what every parent suspects—that physical activity is one of the most powerful tools for boosting teen brain power. As a researcher currently conducting a major NIMH-funded study on brain health, she has insight to understanding attention that is unparalleled. She will discuss how exercise can dramatically improve focus, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance academic performance in high school students. Dr. Kerson will share practical, science-backed strategies that parents can use immediately to help their teens harness the brain-boosting benefits of movement, whether they’re dealing with ADHD, stress, or simply want to optimize their child’s mental performance. Her research-proven approach offers families simple yet powerful ways to help their teenagers think clearer, feel better, and succeed academically through the right kind of physical activity.

Coming soon.

1. Describe the biopsychosocial framework for understanding chronic pain.
2. Implement appropriate psychophysiologic interventions for chronic pain.
3. Utilize up-to-date biofeedback techniques for improving chronic pain management
4. Identify key behavioral and psychophysiological strategies shown to reduce chronic pain symptoms

Saul Rosenthal, PhD is a developmental and clinical psychologist in the Boston area, specializing in complex and chronic health conditions. His expertise lies in integrative care, primarily drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and applied psychophysiology. He has worked in a variety of academic, medical, and community health settings, working with patients and training interns, postdocs, and medical residents. Dr. Rosenthal has taught a broad range of health and CBT-related courses and workshops, particularly related to chronic pain, stress, and anxiety disorders.

He remains involved in scholarly endeavors, serving as an editor and contributor for the Fourth Edition of Evidence-Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback, authoring the chapters on chronic pain and chemobrain. Dr. Rosenthal currently serves as President Elect for the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society, and is the host of the NRBS podcast, Healthy Brain Happy Body.

1. Identify underlying causes of challenging behaviors.
2. Know when to use a Biographical Timeline.
3. Apply social therapy in daily life.
4. Recognize effective methods such as EMDR and biofeedback.

Dr. Beth Barol brings nearly five decades of expertise in helping teenagers and young adults with learning differences, ADHD, autism, and other neurological conditions navigate the challenges of adolescence and transition to adulthood. As a former university professor and clinical director, she specializes in understanding how past trauma affects teenage behavior and has developed positive, practical strategies that work specifically for neurodivergent teens who may struggle with anxiety, depression, or challenging behaviors. Recognized nationally for her clinical excellence, Dr. Barol offers parents of high school students proven approaches and real hope for supporting their teens through these critical years while preparing them for successful independence and bright futures.

Dr. Barol has 49 years of experience serving people with intellectual and developmental differences and trauma. She specializes in Biographical Timelines and person-centered care, with a strong focus on training and advocacy.