Getting Started with Neurofeedback [Hardcover]

John N. Demos (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0393704505 | ISBN-13: 978-0393704501

What is neurofeedback? Neurofeedback is founded upon computer technology joined with auxiliary equipment that can measure the metabolic activity of the cerebral cortex.

Neurofeedback training combines the principles of complementary medicine with the power of electronics. It is a comprehensive system that promotes growth change at the cellular level of the brain and empowers the client to use his or her mind as a tool for personal healing.Until now, there has not been a single comprehensive yet easy-to-understand guide for clinicians interested in adding neurotherapy to their practice. Getting Started with Neurofeedback is a step-by-step guide for professional health care providers who wish to begin with neurotherapy, as well as experienced clinicians who are looking for a concise treatment guide.This book answers essential questions such as: How does neurotherapy work?, What is the rationale for treatment? When is neurotherapy the treatment of choice? Why should I add it to my already existing healthcare practice? The author also answers questions important to establishing a successful practice such as: What kind of training should clinicians get? What kind of equipment should clinicians buy? How can clinicians add neurofeedback to their existing practice?The first part of the book introduces the reader to the world of neurofeedback, its history and scientific basis. Case studies help clinicians apply what they are learning to their existing practice. Demos takes the mystery out of the assessment process and charts and examples of topographical brain maps (in full color) serve as teaching aids. Later in the book, advanced techniques are explained and demonstrated by additional case studies. The reader is shown how to use biofeedback for the body to augment neurofeedback training as well as being taught to work with the body and acquire a basic knowledge of complementary medicine.The book concludes by offering clinicians practical suggestions on marketing their expanded practice, purchasing equipment, finding appropriate training and supervision, and keeping up with the ever-growing profession of neurofeedback. Research and theory unite to demonstrate the clinical underpinnings for this exciting new modality.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John N. Demos, MA, LCMHC, BCIA-EEG, is the Clinical Director of Neurofeedback of Southern Vermont, a complementary therapies clinic located in Brattleboro, VT. He is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and is certified in the field of EEG-biofeedback. He is also a member of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback as well as of the International Society for Neuronal Regulation.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 282 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (December 10, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393704505
• ISBN-13: 978-0393704501
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,394 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Text On "How To" In Neurofeedback, February 21, 2005

By 

Richard G. Soutar "Neurotherapist" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Getting Started with Neurofeedback (Hardcover)

In the field of neurofeedback there are very few books that actually explain how to do neurofeedback. Most of the existing books are about theory and not method. John Demos has put together a book that is based on a sophisticated understanding of the method of neurofeedback and at the same time very readable. Within these pages are the simple and straightforward explanations of what needs to be done, why it needs to be done and how to do it. His explanations are clear and lucid. The careful organization of this text provides the reader with a progressive exposure to concepts that culminates in a comprehensive picture of the practice of neurofeedback. The theory and method he presents is well grounded in the existing literature and reflects a thorough exploration of the topic as well as considerable first hand clinical experience. This is the book that clinicians entering the field will be searching for as they travel from workshop to workshop in search of a comprehensive approach. As an author, clinician, and teacher in the field of neurofeedback I am acutely aware of the extensive effort and care it required to produce such a text and I highly recommend it to everyone in the field.

Richard Soutar, Ph.D.

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Limited usefulness, February 12, 2007

By 

beikokunotora "beikokunotora" (Dallas, TX United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Getting Started with Neurofeedback (Hardcover)

I had bought this book with high hopes based on the reviews and description. Make no mistake, this is a user's manual for several types of specific equipment (EEG-type) with very little background on how to interpret the readings or, more generally, on the various aspects of the neurofeedback field, or other methods of neurofeedback. This is a book by a pratitioner for a starting practitioner (dealing with how to set-up electrodes, how to read charts, a summary of a couple dated EEG systems, and how to choose an office space).

It does NOT cover in any detail theory or discuss latest research. Even as a reference for equipment/setup a quick internet search revealed several much more advanced systems available that were not even mentioned by the book. The book references DOS-based systems and alludes to Windows based systems.

If you are starting a business in this area and already have a firm grasp on the fundamnetals of this field then perhaps this book MIGHT be helpful, but anyone looking for an in-depth treatement of the wide range of neurofeedback techniques and/or comprehensive treatment of brain physiology/activity under different conditions should steer clear of this book - you will be disappointed. I am just glad Amamzon refunded my money.

34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is AWESOME, April 8, 2005

By 

J. Eure (Charlottesville, VA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Getting Started with Neurofeedback (Hardcover)

I've been working at a neurofeedback tech for nearly a year now and I have been researching and learning about NF for two years. This is the most comprehensive source I have found. While he discussed in-depth the complexities of NF, it's very understandable. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is a practioner but it might get a bit too involved to recommend to clients.