Neurofeedbak is a method of training brain function. This is accomplished with the contribution of an expert who uses a computer device in order to regulate the EEG. Our brain in order to be trained needs feedback whether its target is accomplished or not. Obviously if we show the trainee his EEG and we ask him/her to change it, this will create great confusion. But, if while we record his EEG there is a change in the images of a videogame or a movie that the trainee watches, these visual changes can help the trainee learn how to manipulate his/her EEG. Similarly to visual changes, auditory or tactile stimuli are effective as feedback to modify EEG function. Every time the trainee modifies their EEG towards the desirable direction, the appropriate visual, auditory and/or tactile reward stimuli are provided by the computer.
In our laboratories we employ the “Siegfried & Sue Othmer” Method, equipment acquired from bee Medic, softwareby Cygnet. Moreover we function within EEGInfo-Europe.
The method of Othmer has the following basic characteristics:
1. The EEG frequency that we enhance is different and personalized for every trainee.
2. During the whole procedure the therapist regulates their trainees’ EEG frequencies in collaboration with the trainee, who should stay calm and alert throughout the one hour session.
3. The EEG frequencies that are reinforced are very low, in contrast to other methods, which means that the reward is lee than 1 Hz (ultra low frequencies), with extremely beneficial results, without any side-effects.
4. Even though by this method, Delta brain waves are risen and the other waves are decreased (except Alpha brain waves, which occasionally occur), the trainees feel both calm and alert.
Up to now we have employed the method to 206 trainees with various forms of psychopathology, including schizophrenia and dementia, with very rewarding results.
Joannis N. Nestoros received his M.D. degree (in 1971) from the University of Athens, Greece, and his psychiatric training (completed in 1978) at McGill University (including a four-year training in Eclectic psychotherapy and his personal therapy). He also received his Ph.D. in Neurophysiology from McGill University (1980).
He is a board-certified psychiatrist, and a psychotherapist in private practice since 1977. He has been offered several professional and academic positions in Canada and Greece, including Chairman, Department of Psychology, University of Crete (1988-1994), and Director, Post-graduate Training in Clinical Psychology (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) (1994-2005) at the same department. Since 2005, he is the Scientific Director of “SYNCHRONAL AMPHIARAIA”, a University of Crete Spin-off Company.
He has introduced the Hellenic version of Integrative Psychotherapy in 1990 and has published numerous scientific papers, chapters in books and two textbooks on its effectiveness, especially in paranoid schizophrenia. He is currently the President of the Board of Directors of the European Institute of Psychotherapy. His recent work integrates Psychotherapy with Neurofeedback. His scientific work is usually published in English and has been translated in Russian, Chinese and Uzbek languages.
