What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback. Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback. The body has a limited capacity to sense information coming from inside itself. However, if you monitor any biological process, amplify it, and feed it back to the brain, your brain can change it. As an example, if your place a special skin thermometer on your finger, you can raise or lower its temperature at will just by focusing on the gauge. Neurofeedback is the monitoring of brain waves with the goal of changing the patterns that cause problems. It is the modern application of the EEG (electroencephalogram) machine.

I am a licensed psychologist in general practice specializing in the use of EEG Neurofeedback and other technologies for the treatment of emotional and behavioral problems. For a more in-depth view of this method and what I do, please visit my web site at www.neurofeedback-sb.com, or read my blog at www.drdanstaso.blogspot.com.

I have been in private practice since 1982 and have extensive training and experience in EMDR and cognitive behavior therapy. I was formerly on the faculty at the California Graduate Institute in Los Angeles where I have taught Psychopharmacology, EMDR, and Fear of Intimacy. I am Board Certified, Diplomat - Fellow in Psychopharmacology of the Prescribing Psychologists' Register (FPPR), however, in my practice, I generally seek alternative solutions to medication. I offer take home units such as Alpha-Stim SCS and DAVID PAL audio visual entrainment devices, which complement neurofeedback and speed up results.

Specialty & Conditions Helped:
panic and anxiety disorder, chronic pain, depression, marital discord, primary relationship issues, post traumatic stress disorder, manic depression, social phobia, gambling addiction, spouse abuse perpetrators, incest victims, work conflicts, anger management, adolescent adjustment problems, and drug abuse (alcohol, amphetamine, marijuana, heroin, and cocaine).

Ages: 6 - 85. I treat individuals, couples, and families.
Hours: 9-5 (in Goleta Monday, Wednesday, Friday and in Ventura Tuesday & Thursday)

Q: Could you explain more about brainwaves?

Your brain produces four distinct types of brain waves, which are labeled in Greek letters. People usually have a mixture of frequencies at any given time, but the dominant frequency varies depending on the state of consciousness and on individual differences. Beta is considered to be the fast waves, measuring 15 Hertz and above. Alpha is 8-12 Hertz. Theta is 4-7 Hertz. Delta is 0.5-3.5 Hertz. Normal focused waking state consists of primarily Beta waves in the brain. When you close your eyes and relax, Alpha tends to be produced. Theta normally is only produced briefly when you are starting to fall asleep. Delta is normally produced when you are asleep. When you have brain irregularities caused by injury, your brain may have too much theta or delta being produced when you are supposed to be awake and alert.

By learning to inhibit this abnormal amount of theta or delta, a person can make great improvements in their problem. Excessive worry or anxiety is usually associated with too high of Beta in the frontal cortex. When a person learns to reduce the amplitude of this frequency, they become more relaxed and calm, and results last permanently.

Q: How long does the training take?

Sessions are usually one to three times per week, but each person is different. Some receive benefit after the very first session, but most notice an improvement within the first eight. How many sessions a person needs for completion depends on the type of problem, the age of the person, and many other factors. Typically ADD requires about 20-45 sessions. Application for alcoholism takes 30 to 40 sessions. Depression and anxiety resolves in about 20-30 sessions, although improvements are often noticed far sooner.

Q: How can I expect to feel after a session?

Depending on what frequency is being trained, you may feel a little tired, as if you worked hard, or sleepy and a little spacey for a while after the session. This goes away typically in 30 minutes. This is natural, as you are doing the equivalent of aerobic training or weight-lifting with your brain.

Q: Will the training last, or is it temporary?

The type of neurofeedback training we offer here is permanent. Neurofeedback helps to improve functions such as concentration, short-term memory, speech, motor skills, sleep, energy level, and emotional balance. The results of the training are permanent unless another trauma or injury occurs.

Q: Can neurofeedback help with ADD and ADHD?

Recent research suggests that individuals with ADD/ADHD tend to have elevated theta brainwave activity and low levels of beta brainwave activity. Symptoms of ADD/ADHD are usually reduced when brainwave activity is changed. Neurofeedback is commonly used as an adjunct or alternative treatment to medication and behavior management.

Most adults and children who have ADD/ADHD report improvement in the areas of 1) school and job performance due to an increased ability to focus, pay attention, and concentrate and 2) social relationships due to an increased ability to demonstrate self-control.

Q: What is ADD/ADHD?

Attention-Deficit Disorder is separated into two types: Inattentive Type (ADD) and Hyperactive-Impulsive Type (ADHD). People with ADD usually exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: inattention, distractibility, disorganization, daydreaming, lack of foresight, carelessness, forgetfulness, lack of motivation, lack of persistence, and procrastination.

People with ADHD typically exhibit one or more some of the following symptoms: hyperactivity, fidgeting, restlessness, excessive talking, and impulsivity. Individuals with ADD or ADHD often have significant difficulties with learning, concentration, school or job achievement, behavior control, social relationships, and self-esteem.

Q: Is there anything you can suggest for me to do so that I improve my training sessions?

Yes, eat a high-protein, low-sugar diet. Do light exercise, walk, or swim as often as possible. You should drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. You should get plenty of sleep, especially just before and just after your session. If possible, avoid all refined sugars and aspartame. If you like red meat, eat lean meat. If you are a vegetarian, include whole proteins in your diet. Take nutritional supplements to maintain a healthy body and brain.

Q: If I am on prescription drugs, can I stop taking them?

Your physician is the only one who can advise you to reduce, increase, or eliminate dosages for you. Never attempt to change your prescription without medical advice. It’s important that you notify your physician you are receiving EEG neurotherapy. Children with ADD and adults with genetic unipolar depressions are often able to gradually decrease or even discontinue their medication. Keep in contact with your physician.

Q: What if I am taking medications?

Most medications do not interfere with getting results with EEG neurofeedback. The exceptions are benzodiazepines and muscle analgesics.

Q: How much does this training cost?

Please contact me for fee arrangements. I strive to make my services affordable. I conduct initial 60-minute valuations where I perform an intake screening to get a history of your symptoms and how they adversely affect your life. I ask about your medical and family history. When appropriate, I conduct a full EEG brain map where I take amplitude readings of all frequency bands on 10 different sites on the scalp. I use a special software program that analyzes the data and I review the results with my clients. Subsequent neurofeedback training sessions typically last 45-50 minutes total.

Q: Is this treatment covered by insurance?

Very often your medical insurance will reimburse you for most of the cost of treatment. You will need to have your primary treating physician write "neurofeedback evaluation and treatment" on a prescription pad. You pay me directly. I give you a bill and you submit it to your medical insurance carrier. Many clients have reported being reimbursed for much of the cost.

Also, as an alternative, Dr. Staso is a contracted provider for most managed care companies. However, there are more restrictions placed. The initial evaluation is conducted in two visits instead of one. Managed care has its own forms that they require. There is typically a co-pay ranging from $5 to $30. Managed care may or may not cover this specialty type of treatment, and may only authorize 10 sessions while 20 or more may be needed. Please speak to Dr. Staso about more details.

Q: Who discovered this technique?

Joe Kamiya at the University of Chicago first developed alpha training in the 1960’s. Clinical applications for seizure disorder began at UCLA in the early 1970’s. Neurofeedback is an outgrowth of the research in biofeedback. Early pioneers in neurofeedback include Drs. Alyce and Elmer Green and Dr. Dale Walters from the Menninger Institute, Dr. Wanda Wyricka and Dr. Barbara Brown at UCLA, Margaret Ayers, Chuck Davis, and Larry Janow.

Q: Where can I find research on Neurofeedback?

Corydon Hammond, PhD, has provided a lengthy bibliography of research articles covering topics of headache, depression, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, anxiety, sleep disorders, addictions, head injury, stroke, coma, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and epilepsy. You can read these articles at www.isnr.org.

Q: Do I need to worry about this equipment doing something to me?

No, the equipment does not send any electricity into you or in any other way do anything to you. It works like a mirror, showing you how your brain is functioning, and telling you if you are on the right track.

Q: Are there any other terms for Neurofeedback?

Yes, it is also called neurotherapy, EEG biofeedback and brainwave biofeedback.

Licenses
Psychologist License (CA) PSY 7309, issued 1/82, valid

Board Certifications
Board Certified, Diplomat - Fellow in Psychopharmacology of the Prescribing Psychologists' Register (FPPR), issued 5/97

Clinical Experience
March 2001 to present, Clinical psychologist, private practice, Santa Barbara and Ventura, CA. At these locations I now specialize in providing EEG neurofeedback.

May 2000 to March 2001 Sabbatical. For nearly one year I elected to take time away from my practice to travel and write. I relocated to Santa Barbara during this period.

1985-2000 Clinical psychologist and owner, Bayshore Psychology Center and Cocaine Alternatives, Los Alamitos, CA. For a 15-year period I developed and maintained a successful clinical private practice. In the mid to late 1980’s I received specialty training in treating cocaine addiction and quickly developed a full practice treating this devastating addiction. I had a method that worked and about 70% stopped using the drug as a result of my care. This led to my becoming a consulting psychologist at the Schick Center 1988-90 where I learned a great deal about alcoholism. After 1990 my practice gradually became more general and included cases of depression, panic disorder, marital discord, post traumatic stress disorder, manic depression, social phobia, gambling addiction, spousal abuse victims, incest victims, work conflicts, pain management, anger management, parenting issues, adolescent adjustment problems, and drug abuse (alcohol, amphetamine, marijuana, heroin, and cocaine). During these years I also sponsored 13 weekend intensive personal growth trainings (High Ropes Adventure Learning) in the San Bernardino mountains for my clients.

1988-1990 Consulting psychologist, Schick Chemical Dependency Unit, St. Mary Medical Center , Long Beach, CA. I conducted psychological assessments for drug and alcohol patients admitted to the inpatient chemical dependency unit. I assisted in treatment planning and consulted with the nursing and counseling staff.

1982-1986 Licensed clinical psychologist, Adult and Family Psychiatric Medical Group, Rosemead, CA. I became one of nine associates in a large psychiatric practice that was located adjacent to the Alhambra Psychiatric Hospital . About one third of my caseload involved inpatient services. I was able to provide long term, intensive treatment as a follow-up to these patients. I rotated on call assignments and handled crisis intervention and emergency situations. Typical cases were major depressive disorders, schizophrenia, manic-depression, suicidal, panic disorders, borderline personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, alcoholism, marital conflict, and adolescent conduct disorder. I provided individual, group, marital, and family psychotherapy. I conducted psychological testing and evaluation.

Clinical Experience (pre-licensure)
1980-1982 Post-doctoral Internship, Adult and Family Psychiatric Medical Group, Rosemead, CA. My supervisor was Jack Lindheimer, MD, psychiatrist, and Medical Director of the Alhambra Psychiatric Hospital. Under supervision, I provided individual, group, marital, and family psychotherapy in both an inpatient and outpatient setting. I also provided psychological testing and evaluation.

1979-1980 American Psychological Association (APA) pre-doctoral approved internship (1500 hours), County of Orange Health Care Agency, Mental Health Services, Newport Beach Clinic, Ellis Wayne, PhD, supervisor. I saw seriously disturbed individuals in a county outpatient clinic, many of whom had schizophrenia. For one month I did a rotation through the Orange County Psychiatric Emergency Unit at the University of California Irvine Medical Center. A locked unit, the facility had 5000 admissions a year. Patients were typically brought in by the police for a 72-hour involuntary hold. Those who were actively psychotic, suicidal, or mentally confused were interviewed, diagnosed, medicated, and transferred. I personally or in a group setting evaluated 200 patients in that one month.

1976-1978 Registered Marriage and Family Counselor Intern, Los Angeles, CA. I was supervised by Dr. Gary Dean for many of my required 1500 hours of clinical experience. I treated a wide variety of disorders including depression and anxiety.

Formal Education
Doctorate
I earned my Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology with a specialty in Psychodiagnostics from the United States International University in San Diego, California in 1981. My doctoral dissertation was on biofeedback and ego strength.
Masters Degree
I earned a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1976.
Bachelors Degree
I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) in Psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 1974. I graduated with Great Distinction (3.96 grade point average).
Associate Degree
I earned my Associate of Arts Degree (AA in General Education) from Long Beach City College , Long Beach, California in 1972.

Teaching Experience
Faculty, California Graduate Institute , Los Angeles, CA 1998-2002. I taught a total of 5 graduate courses, including subjects of Fear of Intimacy; Psychopharmacology; Overview of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); and Separation Theory and Voice Therapy.
Lecturer, Psychology Department, California State University, Dominguez Hills , 1978-1982. Over these four years I taught a total of 13 undergraduate courses. These included subjects of: Introduction to Psychology; Research Methods in Psychology; Psychology of Human Sexuality; Abnormal Psychology; Introduction to Clinical Psychology; Psychology of Consciousness

Managed Care Panels
I am currently on most managed care panels, including
Managed Health Network (MHN)
Human Affairs International (HAI)
United Behavioral Health (UBH)
HealthNet (MHN)
Magellan
Value Options
Pacificare
Value Behavioral Health (VBH)
Behavioral Health Resources (BHR)
Blue Cross of California
Blue Shield of California
Wilson Banwell
Holman
Medicare
Professional Organizational Membership
Santa Barbara Psychological Association
California Psychological Association
National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
CHAANGE Affiliate
International Society of Neuronal Regulation

Credentials
Qualified Medical Evaluator, QME# 904438, Industrial Medical Council , issued 4/96
California Community College Counseling Credential
California Community College Instructor Credential: Psychology
Professional Liability Insurance Carrier
Executive Risk Indemnity Inc. c/o American Home Assurance Co. for $1,000,000/3,000,000

Publications and Papers Presented
Staso, D. "All digital real time EEG neurofeedback and the treatment of migraine headaches: a case study." Paper presented at the 2nd Annual Neuropathways EEG Imaging Conference, Manhattan Beach, CA, August 2002
Staso, D. "Career assessment using all digital real time EEG neurofeedback." Paper presented at the First Annual Neuropathways EEG Imaging Conference, Manhattan Beach, CA, August 2001
Staso, D. Book Review: " Voice Therapy by Robert W. Firestone, PhD." California Psychologist, March 1993.
Staso, D. " Autogenic Neutralization : Its relationship to hypnosis and free association". Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Western Psychological Association, Los Angeles, CA, April l981.
Staso, D. Barron's ego strength measure and ability to reduce frontalis muscle tension utilizing electromyograph biofeedback. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, United States International University, January 1981.
Atkinson, D., Staso, D., and Hosford, R. "Selecting counselor trainees with multicultural strengths: A solution to the Bakke decision crisis." Personnel and Guidance Journal, May 1978.

Additional Training
Brain Injury: Stroke, Alzheimer's, and Head Trauma, Institute for Natural Resources, Santa Barbara, CA, 6 MCEP hours, 1/05.
Neurofeedback Alpha-Theta Training, Nancy White, PhD and Leonard Richards, PhD, Irvine, CA, 16 hours, 12/04.
Neurofeedback Practitioner Training, BioExplorer and Roshi II+ (Advanced), George Martin, MA, St. Paul, MN, 8 hours, 11/04
Emotional Transformational Therapy, Level II, Steven Vasquez, PhD, Los Angeles, CA, 14 MCEP hours, 10/04
Emotional Transformational Therapy, Level I, Steven Vasquez, PhD, Los Angeles, CA, 14 MCEP hours, 8/04

Neurofeedback Practitioner Training, BioExplorer and Roshi II+ (Advanced), George Martin, MA, Boulder, CO, 24 hours, 5/04
Domestic Violence Counseling Essentials, Scott Barrella, AATBS, Santa Barbara, CA, 7 MCEP hours, 4/04

Neurofeedback Certification Training, NeuroCarePro, Val Brown, PhD, Victoria, Canada, 24 hours, 4/04

Neurofeedback Practitioner Training, QEEG, NeuroCarePro, and Roshi II+, Grant Bright, PhD, 16 hours, Palm Springs, CA 1/04

Neurofeedback Practitioner Training, Roshi II+, Chuck Davis, 2 hours, Pasadena, CA 1/04.

Neurofeedback Practitioner Training, BioExplorer and Roshi II+ (Beginning), George Martin and Victoria Ibric, 16 hours, Pasadena, CA 12/03

11th Annual Conference of the International Society for Neuronal Regulation , 19 MCEP hours, Houston, TX, 9/03
3rd Annual Neuropathways EEG Imaging Conference, Margaret Ayers, 14 hours, Manhattan Beach, CA, 8/03
Law and Ethics in Psychotherapy, R. Cassidy Seminars , Daniel Taube, JD, PhD, 5 MCEP hours, 6/03
2nd Annual Neuropathways EEG Imaging Conference, Margaret Ayers, 14 hours, Manhattan Beach, CA, 8/02
"Assessment & Treatment of Psychological Disability", Professional Psych Seminars , David Fox, PhD, 6 MCEP hours, Hollywood, CA 6/02
"Non-Pharmaceutical Approaches to Mental Disorders: physiological causes and resolutions", Safe Harbor , 12 MCEP hours, Los Angeles, CA 6/02
"Applications of Voice Therapy", Lisa Firestone, PhD and Joyce Catlett, MA, Glendon Association , 12 MCEP hours, Santa Barbara, CA, 5/02
"QEEG Certification Training: brain wave analysis", Mike Doohan, Lexicor Health Systems , 8 hours, Santa Barbara, CA, 5/02
"Evidence-Based Hypnosis-An Update on Effective Hypnotic Treatments”, Corydon Hammond, PhD, Southern California Society of Clinical Hypnosis, 6 MCEP hours, Los Angeles, CA, 3/02
“Pain Management: perception and management”, Brent Van Dorsten, PhD, Cortext Educational Seminars , 6 MCEP hours, Goleta, CA, 11/01
First Annual Neuropathways EEG Imaging Conference , Margaret Ayers, 14 hours, Manhattan Beach, CA, 8/01
"Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Mental Health Professionals", Community Counseling Center, 7 MCEP hours, Santa Barbara, CA 5/01
"Introduction to Neuropsychological Testing", California Graduate Institute, 7 MCEP hours, Irvine, CA, 5/01
"Forensic Sciences: Series 1", Prescribing Psychologists' Register, 18 MCEP hours Los Angeles, CA, 4/01
“All Digital, Real Time EEG Neurofeedback Training”, Margaret Ayers, MA, Neuropathways EEG Imaging, 40 hours, Beverly Hills, CA, 4/01
“The Developing Mind: advances in interpersonal neurobiology, clinical implications”, Daniel Siegel, MD , 6 MCEP hours, Fullerton, CA, 3/01
International College of Prescribing Psychologists’ (ICPP) National Exam Preparation/Review Course , 15 hours, Los Angeles, CA, 8/99
"Second Annual Advanced Psychopharmacology Update: epidemiology, legal, and ethical issues", Prescribing Psychologists' Register, (Series 17), 18 MCEP hours, Las Vegas, NV, 5/99
Prescription Privilege Preparation Program , Prescribing Psychologists' Register, Series 9-16,132 MCEP hours, 1996-1999.
"First Annual Advanced Psychopharmacology Update", Prescribing Psychologists' Register, Inc., (Series 8), 15 MCEP hours, Las Vegas, NV, 6/97
Prescription Privilege Preparation Program , Prescribing Psychologists' Register, Series 1-7, 126 MCEP hours, 1994-1996.
“Secrets Kept from the Mind but not the Body”, Ian Wickramasekera , PhD, 10 MCEP hours, Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA 5/98.
“Comprehensive Energy Psychotherapy”, David & Rebecca Grudermeyer, PhD , 16 hours, Huntington Beach, CA, 6/98.
"Understanding and Treating Chemical Dependency", Edward Kaufman, MD, UCI Family Therapy Training Program , 7 MCEP hours, Irvine, CA, 5/97
"A Scientifically-Based Marital Therapy", John Gottman, PhD , Seattle Marital and Family Institute, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, 12 MCEP hours, 5/97
"Combating Destructive Thought Processes ", Lisa Firestone, PhD & Joyce Catlett, MA, UCSB Extension, Santa Barbara, CA, 6 MCEP hours, 9/97
"Thought Field Therapy ", Suzanne M. Connolly, CISW, Santa Ana, CA, 6.5 hours, 9/96.
"Personality, Health and Motivation", William Polonsky, PhD, Institute for Cortext Research and Development , San Diego, CA, 6 MCEP hours, 9/96.
"Delete Techniques Training", Dr. Rolla Pennell, Newport Beach, CA, 20 hours, 4/96.
"Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level II Training", Francine Shapiro, PhD, Los Angeles, CA, 14 CE Credits, 4/96.
"Using EMDR to Help People Reach Their Peak at Work", EMDR Institute, Inc. Sandra Foster, PhD and Jennifer Lendl, PhD, 7 MCEP hours, 12/95.
"Beyond Survivor '95: Advances in the Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder", Richard Landis, PhD, Southern California Society for Ericksonian Psychotherapy and Hypnosis , Irvine, CA, 20 MCEP hours, 7/95.
"Emotional Complex Clearing (ECC)", Brad May, PhD, San Diego, CA, 18 hours, 3/95.
"Conceptual Issues in Forensic Evaluation of Sexual Harassment", California Psychological Association Convention, San Diego, CA, 1 MCEP hour, 2/95.
"The Clinical Practice of Career Assessment: Interest, Abilities, and Personality", APA Continuing Education Home Study Program, 10 hours, 2/95.
"Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMD-R) Level I Training ", Francine Shapiro, PhD, Los Angeles, CA, 14 MCEP hours, 1/94.
Separation Theory & Voice Therapy Study/Training Group, Glendon Association , Los Angeles, CA. Completed an 18 month post-graduate course consisting of seven weekend seminars and ten monthly follow-up sessions studying the theory and therapy methods of Robert W. Firestone, PhD. 11/91 to 4/93.
"Psychiatric Injuries and Workers' Compensation Medical-Legal Report Writing", Westwood Seminars, Los Angeles, CA, 7 hours, 11/90.
"A Promising Brainwave Training, Bio-behavioral Treatment of Alcohol and Drug Addiction ", Menninger Clinic, Topeka, KS, 20 CE Units, 9/90.
"Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMD-R) Workshop", Francine Shapiro, PhD, San Jose, CA, 12 hours, 9/90.
"Treatment of Panic and Agoraphobia Under Managed Care", CPC Santa Ana Psychiatric Hospital, 4 hours, 11/90.
"CHAANGE Affiliate Training for Severe Anxiety and Agoraphobia" , John R. Pullen, PhD, San Diego, CA, 6 hours, 11/88.
"Spear Methodology for Professional Counselors and Therapists", Joseph Spear, D.O. and The Lorizon Institute, Long Beach, CA, 15 hours, 1/88.
"Resolving Traumatic Memories", David Grove Seminars , Los Angeles, CA, 12 hours, 11/87.
"Breaking the Cycle: Assessment and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect", Cambridge School of Psychology, Garden Grove, CA 6/87.
UCLA Extension : "Cocaine: The Costly High", Richard Fields, PhD, course chairman, 6 MCEP hours, 5/85.