|
|
(1) Open the Doors of Your Practice to the Public By Richard Soutar, PhD Amazon lists over 160,000 books/tapes (or citations) on meditation compared to just 381 books (or citations) on neurofeedback; Google shows almost 62 million references to meditation compared to a mere 300,000 references to neurofeedback. Clearly, mediation is the buzz-word of millions. Tapping into the meditation market will result in an exponential increase to your neurofeedback practice. Meditation is not limited to the clinical population; it appeals to baby boomers and those in their 20’s and 30’s in general as well as high powered executives. Unfortunately, rank and file members of western society are often locked into left brain sequential thinking and ill-equipped to adopt or assimilate traditional “eastern” meditation techniques. Neurofeedback training has the power to bridge the gap between the eastern and western mind because it appeals to minds that trust in charts and numerical goals. Those who have been schooled with western ideology are more likely to succeed in meditation via state-of-the-art neurofeedback. Recent articles in several journals have indicated that clinicians and counselors are ill-equipped to market meditation through neurofeedback to the population at large. The very word “spiritual journey” strikes fear into the hearts of many with advanced degrees. Many professionals would like to be more competent in this area for themselves, their clinical population and the general public. Clinicians and individuals with access to EEG and other biofeedback modalities have the tools needed to introduce themselves and clients to the benefits of meditation that lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Barbara (my wife) and I are excited about our upcoming “NeuroMeditation” workshop because it’s just what many clinicians need to enrich their own personal resources and that of others.
(2) What Determines Meditation Readiness? By Richard Soutar, PhD
Determining who is a good candidate for this type of training is an important first step. There are many individuals who want to jump right into meditation and expect to get a wonderful experience right away. Often they have unresolved issues that need to be addressed first. A miniQ or similar assessment along with a TOVA and some psychological assessment instruments can sort this out quite effectively. We designed the Interactive Self Inventory for just this purpose and it is available to clinicians and non-clinicians alike to help individuals uncover issues that might impede their progress. Reviewing the client’s history regarding core issues, physical health, status of diet and exercise programs as well as personal problems in daily life is also very important. A sound meditational practice requires a balanced life in bio-psycho-social terms, other wise it will fail in the long run. Gathering the right kind of information in these areas can help professionals to provide guidance with regard to how to obtain that balance and develop a sound program to achieve it.
(3) NeuroMeditation for the Western Mind By Richard Soutar, PhD Assessment data indicates NeuroMeditation activation frequencies and interventions. For example, some initial fast wave training to normalize brainwave patterns can be done while clients address issue around diet, exercise and areas of their personal life that would disrupt their meditation practice. A good personal inventory and journaling can also help. Visualization exercises can assist in uncovering and orienting individuals toward productive solutions regarding their individual needs. Once a basic balance has been achieved in the bio-psycho-social realm the transformative and integrative process of personality can be approached through deep states protocols like alpha theta training. Here the individual uncovers more fundamental spiritual issues and undergoes transformative processes to redefine his or her basic relationship to life. Finally, training with alpha frequencies, starting with 9-11hz (eyes-closed) and notching down to 8-9hz, and with breathing exercises (abdominal breathing with 1 in to 2 out ratio) monitored through HRV and other biofeedback equipment, the individual learns concentrative focus to achieve states of profound attention. At this point experiences of deep centeredness, peace, and quite joy begin to emerge spontaneously from practice. Clients are encouraged to practice at home to develop independence from instrumentation and monitored for compliance. As can be seen from the foregoing, to embark upon the practice of meditation requires long term effort involving deep commitment. The individual has to “grow” the meditative mind to achieve the desired states. This involves a global and balanced effort and individuals benefit greatly from the assistance of an experienced professional with a good grasp of the modern technologies available. The results are deeply fulfilling and worth the effort.
----------------------------------------------------------------
STS workshops will show you how to add peak performance training to your practice. Join our next workshop: sign up today at ISNR. For upcoming dates check out the following website: www.stresstherapysolutions.org
|
|
|
Professional Neurofeedback Certificate Programs Phone: 800-447-8052 |
|
All three articles may be found on this page Cont'd from Vol(3) Issue(4) |