Neurofeedback Primer with Dr. Moshe Perl

Not by itself. This course is designed to be taken prior to or alongside hands-on practicum training with neurofeedback equipment. While it provides essential theoretical knowledge, practical experience is critical to translating that knowledge into clinical application.

We offer both online and in-person practicum options and are happy to help you find the right fit. If you have questions, feel free to reach out or join one of our monthly office hours sessions for live guidance and support.

Learn More about Online Training

Learn More about In-Person Training

The Neurofeedback Primer is an in-depth introduction to neurofeedback and a first-step toward training and EEGer licensure.

Each module explores a critical area of neurofeedback, and enhances your knowledge of the modality through video-recorded lectures, slides, examples, and quizzes. The modules cover:

1. An introduction to the basics of neurofeedback.
2. The properties of the EEG and how it relates to brain regulation.
3. The history and development of neurofeedback.
4. The arousal model and how arousal relates to the EEG and client symptomatology.
5. Developing and individualizing protocols.
6. The anatomy and physiology behind neurofeedback.
7. The scientific evidence supporting neurofeedback.
8. The interaction between neurofeedback, pharmaceuticals, and street drugs.
9. The how to’s of training with neurofeedback and using mini-maps.
10. Current issues and trends for those practicing neurofeedback.

Each module includes targeted quiz questions to help reinforce key concepts and ensure you're ready to move forward in your neurofeedback training with clarity and confidence.

This course provides a solid clinical foundation for your own education and for educating clients about how neurofeedback works, how the brain functions, and what outcomes can be expected.

This on-demand class can be taken as a precursor or companion to an introductory neurofeedback practicum. 

The class is self-paced, allowing flexible integration into your schedule and unique training path.

Many clinicians beginning neurofeedback have asked for a clear, engaging, and focused didactic introduction that supports their learning without overwhelm. We partnered with renowned neurofeedback expert Dr. Moshe Perl to create that option.

With no viewing or time limits, you can revisit material as needed to reinforce your understanding.

Dr. Perl distills essential knowledge into an accessible format enhanced with clinical insights, helpful examples, and real-world context to help you confidently move forward in your neurofeedback journey.

Here are some thoughts from Dr. Perl on the Neurofeedback Primer:

For those who prefer self-paced study, this course is probably one of the most efficient and effective ways of learning how to integrate neurofeedback into clinical practice.  The information provided is clear, concise and relevant, and the study questions will challenge you to learn the course material in depth.

You'll likely be a good fit for this course if:

1. You are interested in what brainwave biofeedback (neurofeedback) might do to help people.
2. You are interested in how people’s brainwave activity (EEG) is reflected in their emotions and behavior.
3. You are aware of the shortcomings of current medical and psychological interventions in the field of mental health.
4. You want to study neurofeedback and EEG in greater depth, with a view to learning how to incorporate neurofeedback into your clinical practice.
5. You are excited by the research into brain activity and its connection to emotions and behavior and want to understand more about that.
6. It makes sense to you that there are other ways besides medications that can improve brain functioning and you want to learn more about that, starting with deepening your understanding of how the brain works.
7. You find that talk therapy is often not effective with some of your clients and you want to improve your clinical outcomes.

While the course is entirely self-paced, we recommend completing it and requesting your certificate within six months of enrollment to stay on track with your neurofeedback training goals.

Unlike many platforms, this course has no viewing limits or time restrictions. This allows for material and examples to be revisited and reviewed at any time. This flexibility is especially valuable for reinforcing key concepts after hands-on practicum sessions.

At the conclusion of this workshop participants should be able to:

Module 1: Introduction

1. Describe the role of biofeedback and self-regulation
2. Discuss the definition of neurofeedback
3. Identify basic aspects of functioning neurofeedback can affect
4. List the essential areas of knowledge for conducting neurofeedback training

Module 2: The Electroencephalogram (EEG)

1. Describe basic properties of the electroencephalogram (EEG) including frequency and amplitude
2. Describe bioelectric properties of the EEG
3. State four EEG frequency bandwidths and associated arousal states
4. Discuss the relationship between brain regulation and the EEG

Module 3: History and Development of Neurofeedback

1. Discuss the history and early clinical applications of EEG
2. Discuss Joe Kamiya, alpha and the development of alpha-theta training
3. Describe the role Barry Sterman and SMR played in the development of the field of neurofeedback

Module 4: Arousal Model, EEG, & Neurofeedback: Building Blocks

1. Discuss how arousal impacts task performance
2. Describe how EEG relates to different arousal states
3. Describe the four types of arousal presented and the clinical symptoms associated with each
4. Discuss how attention fits into the arousal model
5. Develop neurofeedback training plans based on assessment of the client’s arousal

Module 5: Protocols and Symptoms: Individualizing the Approach to Training

1. Apply the symptom-based model of behavioral training with neurofeedback (NF) 
   • Based on arousal model
   • Based on other symptoms/patient history
2. Describe the arousal-based paradigm for behavior and emotional problems
3. Discuss how to implement and utilize symptom-based protocols

Module 6: Anatomy and Physiology: The Physical Basis of Change

1. Describe the basic parts of the neuron and how they communicate with each other
2. List 4 problems that can result from dysregulation of the limbic system
3. Describe the three organizational levels of the brain and identify their primary functions
4. Discuss the four lobes of the cerebral cortex and their primary functions
5. Define the meaning of neuroplasticity and its role in neurofeedback training

Module 7: The Evidence for Efficacy: It’s Strengths and Limitations

1. Describe some of the research to date
2. Name three areas where neurofeedback has conclusive empirical support
3. Discuss the criticisms of neurofeedback research

Module 8: Psychopharmacology and Neurofeedback

1. Describe the impact of typical psychoactive medications on clinical presentations.
2. List effects of medications on the EEG.
3. Discuss the impact of drugs on neurofeedback training.

Module 9: EEG Measurements and Training

1. Discuss EEG Mini-map Analysis
2. Apply EEG measurements to protocol selection
3. Discuss some electricity basics
4. Discuss EEG measurement and montage
5. Describe the use of quantitative EEG

Module 10: Professional Issues and Current Trends

1. Discuss practice standards and guidelines
2. Describe the informed consent process
3. Discuss need for continued training
4. Identify current and developing trends in neurofeedback