Exploring the Path to Clinical Neurofeedback Training for Future Mental Health Counselors (New Mind Academy & UPSI)

 

Are you aware that the Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) offers a Master's in Counseling program specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling? This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become well-rounded professionals in mental health, and now, it’s offering an exciting opportunity: an introduction to Clinical Neurofeedback Training in collaboration with New Mind Academy.

I’m delighted to see that these future counselors are eager to explore the pathway to becoming certified Clinical Neurofeedback Practitioners. Neurofeedback is gaining recognition as an innovative tool to help individuals manage various mental health concerns, such as anxiety, ADHD, and stress-related disorders. Through this program, students learn the basics of neurofeedback, from understanding brainwave patterns to how this technology can be ethically integrated into their counseling practice.

With the support of SBCIA, the first Neurofeedback Training Center in Asia, we aim to ensure that neurofeedback is used ethically and responsibly. Neurofeedback training can be a powerful adjunct in fields like neurocounseling, helping clients improve emotional regulation and cognitive functions. However, it’s crucial that practitioners have a solid foundation in mental health and are trained under proper supervision to utilize this technology effectively and ethically.

At New Mind Academy, we’re committed to providing high-quality training for health-related professionals who are interested in enhancing their practice with neurofeedback. With the right guidance and training, these students can integrate neurofeedback into their counseling sessions, offering clients a holistic approach to mental health care.

This collaboration between UPSI and New Mind Academy is a significant step toward broadening the scope of mental health services in Malaysia. By incorporating neurofeedback into mental health counseling, future practitioners can provide more comprehensive and individualized support to their clients.

We look forward to seeing more professionals trained in this innovative field, ready to make a difference in the lives of those seeking mental health care.

China's Rise in Brain-Computer Interface Technology Conference 2024: A Global Collaboration with Experts from Australia, Italy, Malaysia, and Beyond

 

In China, brain-computer interface technology, especially groundbreaking innovations like neurofeedback, has quickly become one of the most transformative fields of development and supported by government there. The government is fully backing these advancements, recognizing their enormous potential to reshape both the tech and healthcare landscapes. Over recent years, we’ve seen an impressive rise in Chinese enterprises and medical institutions diving headfirst into this frontier, making remarkable progress in both research and practical applications. As a result, China is positioning itself as a trailblazer in brain-computer interface technology, setting new benchmarks for global innovation in this space.

Yet, the roots of this technology stretch beyond China’s borders. Around 30 years ago, the seeds of neurofeedback technology were planted in Southeast Asia, thanks to my late mentor, Dr. Kang. He had the foresight to bring this revolutionary concept from Western countries, introducing it to Singapore and Malaysia when it was still a niche field. Dr. Kang, a true visionary, led a small but dedicated team, pioneering its early use across the region. Under his guidance, the foundations were laid for what would become a flourishing field with wide-reaching impact across various sectors.

At this seminar, I had the honor of sharing the rich history of neurofeedback in Singapore and Malaysia, recounting its gradual but steady rise from a relatively unknown technology to something widely embraced in medical and mental wellness circles. This journey was not undertaken alone. Alongside me in this exploration of the field’s past and future were an impressive array of professionals: clinical psychologists from Australia, Italy, and Hong Kong; child psychiatrists from Indonesia; and a diverse mix of medical doctors and neuroscientists from around the world. Each of these experts has brought their unique perspectives and contributions, further enriching the field and helping to propel it forward.

Together, we reflected on the milestones that brought us here. This isn't just a tale of technological advancement—it’s a powerful narrative about global collaboration, vision, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. From a small group of pioneers to a thriving international community, the evolution of neurofeedback is a testament to the endless possibilities that arise when the brightest minds come together. As we look ahead, the future of brain-computer interface technology is brighter than ever, promising to break barriers and redefine what we know about human potential.

APNA Asia Pacific 5th Neurofeedback Conference 2023 - Neurofeedback, Developmental Trauma, Special Education - Expert Panel and Paper Presenter

I’m proud to be one of the panelists and presenters for the APNA Neurofeedback Conference 2023. Our theme this year is all about neurofeedback, developmental trauma, and special education. I feel so good to be back in my hometown, Johor Bahru, to share knowledge about neurofeedback with the audience from all around the Asia Pacific Region. This marks my 10 years of practicing neurofeedback, and witnessing more and more young practitioners join the field sparks joy. I no longer feel alone when there are so many professionals such as clinical psychologists, counselors, psychotherapists, pediatricians, neurologists, child psychiatrists, hypnotherapists, and more who joined the conference this time. I notice the majority of us are shifting from a “machine”-oriented approach to a more “humanistic” one, attuning to individual needs. It really touches my heart to see these changes.

Asia Pacific Neurofeedback Conference 2023

Announcement

Day 2 ~ 9/9/2023

In conjunction with Asia Pacific Neurofeedback Conference 2023, a special event: Neurofeedback and children with special needs"- Insights from expert panel workshop, will be held on day 2.

This is a special panel workshop team that comes from different professional backgrounds such as Professor, Counsellor, Medical Doctor, Educational Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, Senior Neurofeedback Therapist to share on the topic related to children with special needs and their caregiver.

Our expert panelists:

1. Dato' Professor Dr. See Ching Mey

Dato’ Prof See is an educational and counseling psychologist and a prominent leader in the field of psychology, counseling, special education, neurofeedback and community/industry engagement both locally and internationally. She is currently based at the Loh Guan Lye Specialist Centre, Penang as an Educational and Counselling Psychologist Consultant. She has published over 20 academic books and more than 250 international and national academic journal papers/chapters.

2. Datuk Dr.Yee Koh Wah

Datuk Dr. Yee is a Consultant of Klinik Dr Yee & Dr Yee Neurocells Resources Center. He is a Fellow of Medical Academy of Paediatric Special Needs, United States. Datuk Dr. Yee hold a Master of Science in Health Aging, Medical Aesthetics and Regenerative Medicine from UCSI University. In addition, he received Doctorate in Integrative Health Management from Southwest University. Datuk Dr. Yee specialized in evidence based integrative medical therapy including biomedical, nutritional and stem cells sciences in treating special needs children.

3. Dr. Eva Wong, PhD, MPsy

Dr. Eva holds a doctorate degree in Educational Psychology and a Master in Special Education. She is an HRD Corp accredited trainer and has actively engaging with special needs and their family for 22 years. Dr. Eva has accumulated more than 12 years experiences as Neurofeedback Therapist. She specialized in using Neurofeedback to improve children with Autism, ADHD, Developmental Delay and Learning Difficulties. She has provided more than 500 trainings/talks/seminars/workshops, and has published two books for special needs family.

4. Dr.Hiro Koo, PhD

Dr. Hiro Koo is a trauma-informed hypnotherapist with over 10 years of practitioner experience. He completed his UUM doctoral study in the research area of Neurofeedback, hypnotherapy, and Expressive Art Therapy. He is an HRD Corp Accredited Trainer and Principal Instructor for trauma-informed hypnotherapy practitioner diploma courses. He is a multiple award-winning practitioner, including TOYM Top 30 and UTAR Outstanding Alumni 2022. His innovative neurofeedback protocols also won the Gold Medal Innovation in Counseling Award (PERKAMA) in 2019.

5. Joachim Lee, PBM

Joachim is a Executive Director and Senior Principal Psychotherapist . He has over 22 years of clinical practice and is the Leading expert in Asia in Trauma and emotional based issues. He travels the world educating and teaching professionals in the Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI).

He works with all age groups and for his immense contribution to nation building, he was awarded the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (PBM) by the President of Singapore in 2016.

6. Low Ting Min

Ting Min is the Senior Neurofeedback Consultant at Spectrum Learning Pte Ltd, Singapore with over 15 years of experience in neurofeedback therapy. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree major in psychology from the National University of Singapore. She has successfully helped many clients with neurofeedback therapy. Her clientele base consists of clients of various backgrounds including children with special needs, students with learning difficulties, emotional dysregulation and individuals for peak performance.

Do join us for this special event.

Astro Shuang Xing CH307 'Are You Okay?' 最近你还好吗？Episode 4 - Anxiety and Clinical Neurofeedback Training

Our Clinical Neurofeedback Practitioner Jun Ming and Dr Hiro Koo discuss about the use of neurofeedback in managing anxiety symptoms

 一起了解焦虑症～

焦虑症不容小觑，康复中的患者分享自己如何勇敢直面焦虑症的故事。精神科医生为你解析各种焦虑症征兆，如何判断自己的焦虑情绪是否异常，并且教导我们简单放松神经的小动作。另外我们与治疗师一起探索神秘的大脑，善用科技改善生活。

《最近你还好吗?》

逢星期六 10PM

也可透过Ultra Box和Astro GO App在On Demand点播

[Publication] The Asia Pacific Journal of Neurotherapy - Case Report: Neurofeedback to deal with Behavior Difficulties

Abstract

This case report presented a subject, client J who exhibited emotional and behavioral problems which affected his socialization and learning significantly. This client undertook 20 sessions of clinical neurofeedback. The clinical neurofeedback protocols were designed according to a Bottom-up approach with Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) as a reference. Client J showed significant changes in EEG at the training sites along with changes in problematic behaviors. This finding, while preliminary, suggests that a bottom-up approach may be useful one for designing effective protocols. However, there are other factors likely to have contributed to positive outcomes in this case. In particular, the subject had undertaken early intervention and also participated in other therapies. The parents support and commitment during the period that neurofeedback took place is also likely a significant factor. 

 

© 2021 Published jointly by ANSA and APNA societies of Australasia and ASEAN Countries. Selected and peer-review by editorial board of Asia Pacific Journal of Neuro therapy (APJNT). https://apjnt.org/apjnt_journals__papers/

Neurofeedback Training Malaysia for improving self awareness and confidence

 

Are you aware of the fact that you may lose your self-awareness under certain circumstances and situation?

According to the previous studies, a neurobiologist from Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot had found that a person starts to lose their self-awareness when they are too focused on accomplishing a complicated or hard task (Vince, 2006).

Self-awareness is one of the mental processes carried out by the brain, specifically in the prefrontal cortex (Lou et al., 2017). Based on the psychological perspective, when a human being has self-awareness, they can perform better throughout their life, have a good practice of self-control and self-confidence (Ackerman, 2021). In other words, self-awareness is a psychological state whereby oneself is able to focus on themselves.

There are people that struggles to recognize their own internal state unlike an ordinary person, which may be caused by various factor such as trauma and pressure. People with lack of self-awareness tend to doubt themselves and have a poor self-control (Jabr, 2012).

Furthermore, researcher had found that Neurofeedback Training (NFT) actually helps in improving self-awareness and self-regulation. For instance, a study conducted by Dupee et al. (2016) on Olympic athletes had recorded the successfulness of 20 sessions of NFT to improve their self-awareness and self-regulation by training to control the level of activation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) and central nervous system (CNS). Hence, a NFT can be one of the solutions to overcome the lack of self-awareness within a person.

 

 

References:
Ackerman, C. E. (2021, August 4). What is Self-Awareness and Why is it Important? PositivePsychology.Com. https://positivepsychology.com/self-awareness-matters-how-you-can-be-more-self-aware/
Dupee, M., Forneris, T., & Werthner, P. (2016). Perceived outcomes of a biofeedback and neurofeedback training intervention for optimal performance: Learning to enhance self-awareness and self-regulation with Olympic athletes. The Sport Psychologist, 30(4), 339–349. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2016-0028
Jabr, F. (2012, November 1). Self-Awareness with a Simple Brain. Scientific American. https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamericanmind1112-28
Lou, H. C., Changeux, J. P., & Rosenstand, A. (2017). Towards a cognitive neuroscience of self-awareness. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 83, 765–773. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.04.004
Vince, G. (2006, April 19). Watching the brain “switch off” self-awareness. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn9019-watching-the-brain-switch-off-self-awareness/ 

Astro AEC 《健康123》as one of the Expert Panels to discuss Insomnia Issues

你是否在晚上总是睡不着，因而长期睡眠不足？😭
还是你认为自己睡眠充足，但每天还是觉得很疲倦？😴

假如你一直面对这些困扰，别担心，或许你的失眠问题有救了！

本集《健康123》将与你分享你如何对抗失眠，希望能帮助你提升睡眠素质，健康过每一天。

📆 ⏰
【首播】每逢星期六晚上10pm
【重播】星期日早上 10am
【重播】星期一早上 11am
【重播】星期一下午 5.30pm
【重播】星期二凌晨 1am
【重播】星期二凌晨 5am
📺 播出频道：Astro AEC (301) 及 AEC HD (306)
💻 你亦可随时透过 Astro GO (https://bit.ly/2XOH4Ko) 或 On Demand 点播观赏。

文章转自: Astro AEC facebook Page

Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury in Malaysia - Ken Case (Clinical Neurofeedback Method)

Testimonial from Ken's Wife:

My hubby has TBI due to hypoxia, involuntary movement issue due to cardio arrest, and visual problem. These conditions cause him to experience loss of memory, have a foggy brain, and he is unable to read, write, work and see well. 

My hubby did hyperbaric oxygen therapy and occupational therapy, but the result is not obvious or significant. 

After 80 times of neurofeedback, he can read now, both short-term and long-term memory have improved, his involuntary movement issue is slightly improved, and he is able to write better than before, can do math and play piano as well. 

He is now more confident and, in the process to prepare himself to teach again. Also, it helps him to increase his energy. I found that neurofeedback is so valuable as it gives hope to my hubby to start his new life again. The staff here are very helpful, they assisted me in understanding every aspect of neurofeedback and make me feel confident of this method.

BEFORE Clinical Neurofeedback Treatment: The brain showed underarousal (red in circle area). It may lead to impaired executive functioning and overall brain functions problem. Red in color indicates that the underarousal problem is very obvious.

AFTER Clinical Neurofeedback Treatment: The brain has improved significantly (red in circle area). Now we can clearly see that there are few points show in orange color, and those areas actually represent his current main concern (involuntary moment etc). Thus, we can tailored made new training protocol to train the brain, likes a muscle.

Original true copy of testimonial:

Remark: Our client's information will be kept strictly confidential all the time. All reviews and photos have been acknowledged and provided by past and current clients of New Mind Brain Health Centre (Brain Health Specialist, Hiro Koo). 

Clinical Neurofeedback Treatment for PTSD in Malaysia 脑波反馈疗法治疗创伤后遗症

临床治疗工作中，时常会有经历创伤的客户。创伤不只是生理上的，也可以是心理层面的创伤。
或许医院里常见的大脑扫描仪器看不见那些心理层面所造成的创伤，但当我们用Brain Mapping技术去窥探时，却不难发现那些疑似被创伤间接或直接导致的大脑功能失调状况。或许大家熟知一些心理治疗技术可以改善创伤症状，但其实还有一种针对大脑来训练的疗法却不为人知。那就是临床脑电波反馈疗法Clinical Neurofeedback Training。

或许市场上有许多打着脑波反馈技术的“课程”，但不是每一种都可以拿来帮助创伤相关心理问题的。有者主要是对专注力的训练有所帮助，有者则是放松用途。而临床脑电波训练疗法则需要有经验的脑波反馈治疗师去探讨影响脑电波反馈疗法的因素（如食物，身心，家庭环境等）与应该训练大脑哪个部位，该强度，该深度与频率等等，都是非常考究经验与训练背景的。时时与supervisor探讨训练结果也是不可少的，临床脑电波反馈疗法绝对不是傻瓜技术，戴上去就可以自动训练的方法。

比方说以下的这篇学术研究，就发现了脑电波反馈疗法技术效果可以媲美主流最有影响力与有效性的心理治疗技术。然而我们需要更多学术论文的出现才可以帮助把这门技术推向主流创伤疗法技术里。很可惜，这门技术并没有得到很广泛的认识。脑波反馈疗法治疗师，我在大马认识的少过10位，更何况从事脑电波反馈疗法的研究人员呢？当然少之又少。在大马，这门技术虽然广为教育界所认识，很少人知道它对情绪与心理等问题的益处。真希望我有生之年可以推广这门技术进到学术界与临床疗法领域。

Twenty-four sessions of NF produced significant improvements in PTSD symptomatology in multiply traumatized individuals with PTSD who had not responded to at least six months of trauma-focused psychotherapy, compared to a waitlist control group that continued to receive treatment as usual. The effect sizes of NF in this study (d = -2.33 within, d = - 1.71 between groups) is comparable to the results reported for the best evidence based treatments for PTSD: Prolonged Exposure, CBT and EMDR, which, like this study, also generally have employed TAU control groups, and better than any published drug intervention for PTSD Read more: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0166752

Neurofeedback is an innovative treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is readily accessible to mental health therapists. As a widespread mental health concern with potentially devastating long-term consequences on psychosocial functioning, PTSD can also adversely impact biophysiological processes, particularly those related to the brain. Neurofeedback has shown promise in alleviating overall PTSD symptoms, including these underlying neurobiological consequences. Successful results have been found among clients with PTSD who have not been responsive to prior treatment modalities. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1524838018781103

The 4th Asia Pacific Neurofeedback/Biofeedback Conference 2018.

Had a great time here:) I shared about how the various form of trauma affects the executive functioning of the brain (such as focus and planning etc.)

I am so happy to meet all neurofeedback practitioners from all around the world.

The 6th Child Development and Mental Health International Forum and the 4th Asia Pacific/Neurofeedback/ Biofeedback Conference. Opening Ceremony by the Director & Deputy Director General of Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand; Director-General of Department of Mental Oral Health Taiwan; Acting Director of RICD Thailand & Prof Dato Dr Susie See of APNA.

I am glad to be one of the invited speakers from Malaysia to present the wonder of clinical neurofeedback and advantages of brain mapping.

Special thanks to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, Department of Mental Health; Medical Team of Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development; Conference Organise Committee and APNA committee to make this event happens:)

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF NEUROFEEDBACK IN MALAYSIA?

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF NEUROFEEDBACK?

With almost 50 years of clinical use behind it, the field of neurofeedback has diversified into a wide range of approaches and methods. 

All neurofeedback methods tend to be effective, however how quickly you see results and how specific to your goals those result will be all comes down to the skill of the clinician and the capability of his tools.

Neurofeedback systems range from simple concentration machines right up to complete sensor arrays with deep brain imaging capability. 

• Brand name Neurofeedback systems 
• EEG Neurofeedback (traditional neurofeedback)

BRAND NAME NEUROFEEDBACK 

Brand name neurofeedback refers to the ever growing array of 'packaged' brain training available.

These systems often re-brand neurofeedback as 'brain state training', 'brain conditioning' or 'neural-optimization', often accompanied by a claim of uniqueness. Others fanchise a name or method, using components of dual-sensor EEG neurofeedback (see below) and a variety of pre-built training protocols. 

While generally effective, these brand name systems are limited by their built-in functions and particular style, making it difficult to zero in on particular goals or problem areas. They require minimal training to use (a few days to a couple of weeks), greatly adding to their limitations.

These systems appeal to those just starting out in neurofeedback. Basic training is provided, you have the backing of an established brand, and the equipment is relatively inexpensive so services can be offered at a low price. The limited training required makes it cheap and easy to train new staff, and quickly expand your business. 

Of course for the consumer, these are among the drawbacks.

It can be difficult to tell whether or not a provider is using a 'brand-name' system or not. There are a number of companies in the market, the dominant brands include Neuroptimal, Brain State, and EEGinfo (aka Othmer Method). 

VS

EEG NEUROFEEDBACK (TRADITIONAL NEUROFEEDBACK)

EEG is traditional surface neurofeedback, as has been used for decades with great success. Next to the sales-savvy trademark products, EEG neurofeedback has far less flash and mystique - however it more than makes up for it in flexibility and efficacy. 

A skilled therapist can do anything that a brand name system can do, and more. With a full range of equipment and brain training approaches available, the therapist is free to work differently with each individual and take a far more active role in the brain training. 

The most common EEG neurofeedback uses two sensors; 2 brainwave sensors, 2 ear sensors, and a ground. With these, the clinician can train surface brain activity and properly tailor that training to the individual. With a good clinician at the helm, EEG neurofeedback can be highly effective for a wide range of conditions.  

Because of the greater expertise required, EEG neurofeedback practitioners are usually smaller, one-clinic businesses. This makes them more difficult to find, but well worth the effort. 

Most EEG neurofeedback therapists integrate elements of the next category into their practice, further expanding their capabilities. 

* In Malaysia, currently Hiro Koo is using EEG neurofeedback as his main tool.

Source:

https://brainworksneurotherapy.com/what-are-different-types-neurofeedback#EEG%20Neurofeedback