Frequently Asked Questions

This is where you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

General

What is biofeedback?

Biofeedback is learning how to regulate your own physiological processes with a feedback mechanism, usually a machine that measures the function and gives a sound, visual cue, or haptic information as feedback. The physiological processes measured can be heart rate variability, galvanic skin response, temperature biofeedback, EMG biofeedback (for muscle tension), brainwave biofeedback (also called “neurofeedback” or EEG biofeedback). or others. With practice, the individual’s body learns a new way of being, by reconditioning the old state of processes, for greater health.

What is neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback (sometimes called “EEG Biofeedback”). Most neurofeedback processes begin by first taking an EEG or Quantitative EEG (QEEG) to see what is happening in the person’s brainwaves that is responsible for their health complaints. Once the brainwave pattern responsible for their complaint is understood, the clinician next programs the neurofeedback software to address that condition (often by “uptraining” or “downtraining” that finding). There are many types of neurofeedback, as well as many different neurofeedback systems. Over the course of sessions, an individual will learn how to regulate their brainwave activity for the betterment of their psychology and/or health.

What is Quantitative EEG (QEEG)?

Quantitative EEG (also called a “brain map”) is the quantification of EEG. EEG is the measurement of brainwaves, taken by a differential amplifier. The EEG (also called “raw EEG”) is the squiggles that are the brainwaves, often used by neurologists to diagnose abnormal brain activity. A QEEG brain map decomposes the raw data, using a fast fourier transform, into individual integer Hz bins (i.e. 1 Hz, 2 Hz, 3 Hz, etc.). Other measures we commonly see are coherence, asymmetry, phase, cross-frequency coupling, connectivity measures, and independent components. Some QEEG databases are “normative” databases, which use Z-scores (i.e. standard deviations from the normal same-age range) as a basis of normalcy against which clinicians can measure their patients. QEEG is used to better understand what is happening with the EEG, thus allowing clinicians to make informed decisions.

I am completely new to this, should I start with BCIA or QEEG?

Whether a clinician or technician starts with the board certification in neurotherapy or board certification in Quantitative EEG is a personal decision. The BCIA accreditation will prepare the individual as a neurofeedback technician by teaching principles of neurofeedback, however, the BCIA does not teach how to use any specific neurofeedback system. The applicant will either have to take a course on neurofeedback separate from the BCIA didactic, or train under a clinician using neurofeedback equipment. 

 

The QEEG accreditation will teach the individual how to interpret EEG and QEEG, and this is best suited for the applicant seeking deeper knowledge in this field. To complete this accreditation you must have access to EEGs and you must demonstrate proficiency in recording, editing, and analyzing EEG by the completion of the curriculum.

How long will it take me to complete the course?

Both the QEEG and BCIA programs are 36-hours in estimated time to complete. They are both self-paced studies, allowing you flexibility and to work at your own speed. We recommend setting a reasonable goal that works with your lifestyle, establishing a schedule, and doing your best to stick with it. That will increase the likelihood that you will complete the program.

Will I have lifetime access to the course content?

The course is available for one year; if you are concerned you will not be able to complete it within the year, please reach out to schoolofneurotherapy@gmail.com to request additional time.

Can I get Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for the BCIA and QEEG Programs?

Yes, upon completion of the QEEG and BCIA programs, you are eligible to receive Continuing Education Units issued by R. Cassidy Seminars. Each course can afford the attendee 36 continuing education units. Links will be provided once you have completed the QEEG Practicum.

Do you offer CEUs for individual classes in the BCIA and QEEG chapters?

No.Unfortunately, we cannot offer CEUs for the individual chapters in the BCIA and QEEG Programs. We can, however, provide a certificate of completion upon request that you may use to apply for CEUs with professional organizations to which you belong. You must request this certificate, as we do not create them otherwise.

What happens after I finish the certification courses?

There is no order in which the student has to complete the steps necessary for certification. That said, many people choose to pursue mentoring while they are taking the online course, they then present their five case reports to their mentor, and finally, they take the final exam.

I don’t want to get a certification. Can I still take the BCIA and QEEG classes?

Yes, of course. You are more than welcome to take the classes individually or enroll in the entire course set of each program.

I’m taking the course but where can I get hands-on, practical experience?

Search the area you live in for neurofeedback practitioners, if you cannot find any, or the local practitioners are not taking trainees, you can shadow at many clinics around the country. Most clinics will charge a fee for one week of shadowing.

Can you help me find a mentor?

In the Fall of 2021, The School of Neurotherapy will launch a Mentor’s Directory, allowing you to find mentors in your areas of interest for both the QEEG and BCIA certification process. It is important that you find a mentor whose interests align with your own. The BCIA has recently expanded the permission of mentorship to include online mentorship. If you cannot find an appropriate mentor at the School of Neurotherapy website, check out the BCIA or QEEG-D website: https://certify.bcia.org/4dcgi/resctr/search.html

https://qeegcertificationboard.org/business-directory/

 

Does the school of Neurotherapy charge a fee for mentorship?

The School of Neurotherapy charges mentors a small, annual fee for inclusion in the Mentor’s Directory. There are no fees for students seeking mentorship. Most mentors charge students an hourly fee for their services. The amount and application of those fees are entirely at the discretion of the mentor.

What is the QEEG Practicum?

The QEEG Practicum is a live, interactive, class covering comprehensive artifact detection, advanced interpretative techniques to avoid misdiagnosis, and much more. It is the capstone of the QEEG Certification Course and is required if you plan to seek certification from the International QEEG Board. It is important to remember this is your opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the content presented in the course and your proficiency at capturing and analyzing data. For that reason, we strongly encourage you to complete all of the chapter modules and feel confident in your abilities before enrolling in the Practicum.

What is the difference between the QEEG Practice Exam and the QEEG Practicum?

While the Practicum is a live, interactive class, the Practice Exam is a self-paced, independent exam that mirrors the actual QEEG exam. You may take the practice exam at any time and repeat it as often as you’d like. The practice exam prepares students for the type and difficulty of questions they can expect from the QEEG examination.

What happens if I fail the QEEG Practicum?

If the instructor feels you are not yet prepared to take the QEEG exam (either you haven’t completed the QEEG course or you’ve failed to absorb important material) they may request that you go back and study some of the chapters again or in greater depth, so you are prepared to take the exam. In this case, you will be asked to retake the practicum so you can once again demonstrate your competency and proficiency in the field of EEG and QEEG.

Do you offer tuition assistance or scholarships?

No, we do not offer tuition assistance or scholarships at this time. We do, however, offer you the ability to pay in installments via PayPal and PayPal Credit. Your ability to utilize these features depends upon your individual standing with PayPal.

How can I see what classes I’ve signed up for?

To see the classes you have signed up for, first, click on the “My Account” button at the top right of the School of Neurotherapy home page. In the dashboard, click on “My Courses” to see pre-recorded online classes. Click on “Orders” to see the training and events products you have purchased.

Course Prerequisites and Equipment

I don’t have a health-related degree. Can I still take the course and get certified in BCIA?

You need not fulfill any basic requirements to take the BCIA 36-hour didactic course. This course is available to anyone who desires to know more about neurofeedback and neurotherapy.

To qualify for the BCN accreditation, you must demonstrate a Bachelor’s level degree in a healthcare-related field. Approved health care fields include psychotherapy, psychology, nursing, (including 2-year registered nurses with license; not including LVNs or LPNs), physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, social work, counseling, chiropractic, exercise physiology, recreational therapy, speech pathology, physician’s assistant (proof of certification or license needed), and sports medicine.

I don’t have a health-related degree. Can I still take the course and get certified in QEEG?

Anyone can take the QEEG course, the content applies to anyone wanting to learn about Biofeedback, EEG, and Quantitative EEG. 

Clinically-licensed individuals (be it Registered Nurse, Clinical Psychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist) are eligible for the QEEG-D. Non-licensed professionals can obtain the Quantitative EEG Technologist (QEEG-T) Certification. In the field of neurotherapy and applied psychophysiology, the QEEG-D and QEEG-T are seen as high distinctions denoting a clinician’s competence and experience in analysis.

What kind of equipment do I need to complete the coursework?

To earn the BCIA certification, you will need to have completed 100 client sessions using neurofeedback, as well as 20 sessions on yourself, to demonstrate self-regulation. This means you must have access to a neurofeedback system. You can use many different neurofeedback systems to clock these hours. 

To earn the QEEG certification, you will need access to equipment and software for EEG and QEEG acquisition. By the completion of the course, you will need to have demonstrated proficiency in five of your own client cases. 

Do I need to buy NeuroField brand equipment?

You can earn the BCIA certification with any neurofeedback equipment; you can earn the QEEG certification with any QEEG software and differential amplifier (hardware). If you are in question, contact the BCIA (at email phone) or the International QEEG certification board (at email phone) for approval.

How long will it take for me to complete the course?

Both the QEEG and BCIA programs are 36-hours in estimated time to complete. They are both self-paced studies, allowing you flexibility and to work at your own speed. We recommend setting a reasonable goal that works with your lifestyle, establishing a schedule, and doing your best to stick with it. That will increase the likelihood that you will complete the program.

Basic and Golden Memberships

What’s included in the Basic Membership?

Here’s what is included in the Basic Membership($25/month). 

  • Neurofield Technical Support (M-F, 8 am – 5 pm): our software support team assists with the installing, upgrading, and troubleshooting of various software, including Neurofield EEG, Neurofield 64, Neurofield ERP, and Matlab/EEGlab.
  • Software Upgrades: The $25/month ensures you will always have access to the newest Neurofield software with technical support as needed.
  • Neurofield Basics: an ever-evolving online library of how-to’s, including hour-long courses on all Neurofield procedures and their utility. 
  • Provider Directory: An online directory of all NeuroField practitioners, useful in many ways. 

Discount on Live Training: 15% off all Advanced Training

What’s included in the Golden Membership?

The Golden Membership includes::

  • All online courses, excepting the multi-day courses. This includes:
    • Case Studies ($250 per class/complimentary for Golden Members). Online case studies, which run 8 times per season (winter, fall, spring, and summer courses)—clinicians bring their toughest cases and Nick and Tiff take them apart with a series of tools (WinEEG, NeuroField EEG Analysis, Neuroguide, EEGLab via Matlab, SIFT, and more)
    • ERP Case Studies ($250 per class/complimentary for Golden Members). Online case studies, which run 8 times per season (winter, fall, spring, and summer)-the focus is on the clinical application of event-related potentials and independent components analysis on a wide variety of cases.
    • Dr. Thompson’s Special Condition Lectures ($75 per class/complimentary for Golden Members)
    • The Use of Stimulation In Clinical Practice ($100 per class/complimentary for Golden Members)
    • NeuroField 64 Software Overview, NeuroField EEG Software Overview and NeuroField ERP Software Overview classes
    • 50% Discount on Guest Speaker Lectures (Normally $75 per session)
  • Neurofield Technical Support (M-F, 8 am – 5 pm): our software support team assists with the installing, upgrading, and troubleshooting of various software, including Neurofield EEG, Neurofield 64, Neurofield ERP, and Matlab/EEGlab.
  • Software Upgrades: The $25/month ensures you will always have access to the newest Neurofield software with technical support as needed.
  • Neurofield Basics: an ever-evolving online library of how-to’s, including hour-long courses on all Neurofield procedures and their utility. 
  • Provider Directory: An online directory of all NeuroField practitioners, useful in many ways. 

Discount on Live Training: 15% off all Advanced Training 

Neurofield Trainings

What is the Neurofield 5-Day Bootcamp?

The NeuroField Bootcamp teaches you the best way to use Neurofield hardware and software. This training will help to establish your clinical skills. The Bootcamp equips NeuroField users to understand neuromodulation cases and applications. In this training, you will gain access to cutting-edge resources and grow your practice. The live Bootcamp gives participants hands-on experience with the suite of NeuroField stimulation and EEG equipment.

What is the Neurofield 3-Day Intermediate/Advanced Training?

The NeuroField Neuromodulation Advanced Training is designed to enhance your skills in EEG and QEEG assessment, analysis, map interpretation, neuromodulation, and treatment planning in the NeuroField64 software platform. This training is for intermediate to advanced neurotherapy clinicians. It is strongly advised that a Neurofield Bootcamp be attended before the Advanced Workshop.


Contact us

  • Phone

    805.403.4202

  • Email

    schoolofneurotherapy@gmail.com

  • Address

    1836 State StreetSanta Barbara, CA 93101