CE #7 Enhancing Cognitive Performance and Emotional Regulation through Cutting-Edge Brain Training Techniques

Presented by: Brendan Parsons, PhD

DESCRIPTION

Neurofeedback stands at the cutting edge of modern intervention methods, weaving together neuroimaging, advanced technology, and an array of therapeutic and coaching strategies. Despite being a field underpinned by scientific rigor—boasting over 3,000 peer-reviewed studies—it's often regarded by practitioners as having an 'artistic' aspect. This creativity is particularly evident in the crafting of Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG)-informed protocols and their implementation in a clinical context. Instead, neurofeedback involves a complex interaction between three key elements: the trainee (encompassing both their brain and mind), the trainer, and the feedback system. The art lies in fine-tuning this triad to unlock the most effective intervention and achieve positive outcomes. This webinar will address the benefits of utilizing a systematic approach to assessment and training which is derived from both research and the instructor’s experience. This experience involves learning from leading experts around the world and directly applying this knowledge through extensive hands-on practice. My journey has encompassed analyzing over 50,000 qEEGs, conducting 10,000 neurofeedback sessions personally, and overseeing another 100,000 sessions through direct supervision My approach doesn't seek to reinvent neurofeedback; instead, it aims to distill it into its most fundamental principles, grounded in well-established scientific evidence.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

As a result of participating, the attendee will be able to:

1. describe how to develop and validate empirically-based qEEG-informed protocols, blending the artistic aspects of neurofeedback with solid scientific evidence.
2. Define at least two proven strategies grounded in the fundamental principles of neuroplasticity to optimize client outcomes, emphasizing the critical interaction between the trainee, the trainer, and the feedback system.
3. Describe how to maximize the specific effects of neurofeedback while ethically enhancing the non-specific effects to ensure a comprehensive impact on client well-being.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

This presentation will include clinical concepts that can be applied to all cultures, populations and individuals.  The content is designed to enhance clinical interventions for diverse populations and to offer methodologies that enhance the outcome of all those who receive clinical care; they are addressed as individuals and with respect to the culture within which they belong.  The databases that will be discussed will be identified as whether they are age/gender differentiated.  It will be noted that at present there are not any databases that are culturally differentiated, as the present research does not support cultural or socio-economic differences in brain structure. The presenter himself has worked and lived in many diverse cultures and is particularly sensitive to the differences that can be felt and will identify relevant cultural concerns. 

Question to reflect on diversity issues: Many of the techniques discussed revolve around the dynamic interplay between the trainee, the trainer, and the feedback system. This raises the question: How can these methods be tailored to accommodate individuals with altered perception and social functions, such as those observed in autism spectrum disorder, particularly in areas involving communication?

BIOGRAPHY

Brendan Parsons, PhD. is a neuroscientist with a passion for performance. He has spent all 15 years of his career in scientific research and clinical practice, looking for the most efficient tools for enhancing performance across cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physiological domains. Whether they are being applied to those with difficulties - children with developmental disorders, adults with emotional issues, or aging populations with neurodegenerative conditions - or those in high-performance domains - professional athletes, business leaders or high-stress-high-precision jobs like pilots, engineers and police/military - the goal is one and the same: to enhance cognitive, emotional, behavioural and physiological functions. To that end, he has developed expertise in neurofeedback and biofeedback, and his Ph.D. thesis combined neurofeedback with NeuroTracker to demonstrate the potential for improving learning by hybridizing these techniques. Now based in France, he educates professionals on how to help others achieve these enhancements while still maintaining an active clinical practice and contributing to neuroscientific research.