Thought Waves encourages the responsible practice of biofeedback therapy, and suggests that any person intending to use their equipment on anyone other than themselves seek the proper training and accreditation.

The use of clinical bio/neurofeedback equipment is intended for professionals registered with the Health Services Council.

In the present pioneering stage of clinical neurofeedback practice in South Africa, it is recognized that many clinicians and potential practitioners have had limited access to professional biofeedback training, and that there are currently numerous "crash courses" on offer that claim to equip the prospective clinician with all that is needed to effectively run a biofeedback practice. Thought Technology biofeedback equipment is intended for self-regulation training and not for diagnosing. Clinical training is an ongoing process of various forms of learning, along with hands-on practice. Thought Waves encourages therapists to meet BCIA requirements, the internationally accepted biofeedback accreditation. Carefully examine certifications/institutes that equipment providers have themselves created.

Thought Waves would like to stress that Biofeedback is a specialized therapy, and requires a full understanding of the hardware and software system, knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and a clear understanding of the uses and applications for the benefit of each individual client/patient. There have been no recorded negative effects from treatment in over 50 years of biofeedback. However, to be able to offer a truly effective therapy, it is highly recommended that the proper certification is sought before offering the service to the public.

Thought Waves provides initial start-up training to new owners, and comprehensive operating manuals (as well as PDF files) written by Thought Technology are provided with all hardware/software. From time to time, Thought Waves also invites international guests to hold workshops with African clinicians.

There are various avenues one can consider to receive a firm foundation in Biofeedback. Below we have briefly outlined a few of these channels.

Infiniti 5.1 Training Workshop

Thought Waves hosted the Infiniti 5.1 Training Workshop November 1st-5th, 2010 in Johannesburg presented by Frank De Gregorio, Software IT Specialist, Thought Technology, Montreal, Canada. This was a specialized bio/neurofeedback training course giving BCIA* credits for each day of attendance. The focus was on the Infiniti hardware & 5.1 software and how to get the most out of your equipment within your chosen field of practice.

Select an image above to launch the slide show...

Monday, Nov 1st: Began with the fundamental overview, and prepared attendees with the important familiarity with their biofeedback equipment and software. Attendees learned how to troubleshoot and solve any hardware related issues, and began to use the 5.1 Infiniti software proficiently. Prof. Steven Edwards, Univ Natal, shared his new research study using the Infiniti on the subject of Empathy between the helping professions and their clients. He performed a live demonstration for attendees to follow with their equipment.

Tuesday, Nov 2nd: Covered the Infiniti’s EEG Suite and the Physiology Suite (including HRV) with hands-on practice, attaching sensors, choosing channel sets and screens, and practicing with EEG and other peripheral sensor signals. Dr. Johan Meyer of Kip McGrath Learning Centre, Boksburg, shared his own professional protocols and screens which he uses with ADD/ADHD & Learning Disabilities.

Wednesday, Nov 3rd: Covered the Developer Tools aspect of the Infiniti software: how to modify screens and streamline your work with tailor-made training screens, and establishing a “favourites” file for quick access. Attendee's creativity was required to build their own training screens. Hannelie Kemp of the Learning & Hearing Centre, Knysna shared a case presentation with us. The afternoon was spent practicing designing our own scripts.

Thursday, Nov 4th: Gave experience with assessments and data capture, and how to present progress reports to clients/parents/funding source. We covered the use of automatic artifacting and reviewing sessions. CardioPro was demonstrated. Marketing your practice, and ways to generate interest and referrals was covered. New vistas are opening up for biofeedback training and research applications, and Donna Moser presented a new example program.

Friday, Nov 5th was for specialized applications: Optimal & Sports Performance,, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Reaction Time. Telemetry, the MindRoom model,and uses with Olympic team and individual sports. The day was wrapped up with certificates for attendance and participation with 35 BCIA credit hours for attending the 5-day training workshop.

*BCIA- now the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance

Distance-learning courses

Online Training Courses from Thought Technology

Thought Technology offers continuing education and training via online courses, accredited by the BCIA. For more detailed information about the training courses and how to register or to view upcoming course schedules, select an item below.

Biofeedback Certification International Alliance

The Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA) was created in 1981 with the primary mission to certify individuals who meet education and training standards in biofeedback and progressively re-certify those who advance their knowledge through continuing education. To reflect our global identity, the new name - Biofeedback Certification International Alliance - was adopted in March, 2010.

BCIA is an autonomous nonprofit corporation. BCIA policies and procedures are set by an independent board of directors, comprised of a rotating group of distinguished biofeedback clinicians, researchers, and educators.

(BCIA) Blueprint for Certification. Internationally accepted biofeedback accreditation. Please refer to their website directly:
Website: www.bcia.org

Certification Type:
BCB: professionals certified in general biofeedback covering all modalities such as SEMG, Thermal, GSR, HRV, and an overview of neurofeedback.
BCN: professionals certified in neurofeedback or EEG Biofeedback.
BCB-PMD: professionals certified to use SEMG biofeedback to treat elimination disorders including incontinence, and pelvic pain.

Click on the person's name to view more detail about that person. 
Results are presented in Zip Code Order.

Behavioral Medicine Research and Training Foundation

Website: behavmedfoundation.org  
Email: rsherman@nwinet.com

Contact Rich Sherman by email, or download course descriptions   
from website.

Website: www.aapb.org 
Email: aapbhomestudy@resourcenter.com

For complete information on certification requirements, visit BCIA's website at  www.bcia.org

Yearly Conferences and Workshops. The BFE offers a BCIA accredited General Biofeedback course on CD.  

Tel:  +27-12-320-0152
Fax: +27-12-320-0155
Website: www.bfe.org

Local Training Providers

There are a growing number of local bio/neurofeedback clinicians who offer training assistance, either professionally or casually, in groups or individually. This start-up list will be continually updated, as Thought Waves consolidates standards, and is informed of other qualified trainers in South Africa.

Dr Joachim Mureriwa,
BSc (psy) Hons; MSc (Clin psy) (U.Zim); Ph.D (Unisa)
The Biofeedback Centre, Pretoria .
Email: clinic@biofeedback.co.za  
Website: www.biofeedback.co.za
Tel: 012-320-0152  Fax: 012-320-0155

Dr Johan Meyer
Ntech Homeopathy
Kip McGrath Education Centre, Boksburg 
Email: drjmeyer@vodamail.co.za 
Cell: 083-361-1806