Dr. Merlyn Hurd is a licensed Psychologist with over 40 years of experience providing psychological therapy, neurotherapy, Quantum Reflex Integration, and hypnosis to clients from her practice in Manhattan and Long Island. As the former Director of Health, Nutrition, and Mental Health for the New York City Agency for Child Development Head Start Program, Dr. Hurd trained 2,000 staff members and served a student population of over 16,000 children and their parents.

Dr. Hurd holds a Doctorate of Philosophy from Yeshiva University whose research focus is  language development. She is a BCIA Certified Biofeedback and EEG Neurotherapist, and IQCB Certified QEEG Diplomate. A Certified Hypnotherapist, she was awarded Certification of Proficiency from the APA College of Proficiency in the treatment of Substance Abuse. Dr. Hurd holds Diplomate Status in Neurotherapy from the National Network of Neurofeedback Providers. She has Fellow Certification in EEG Biofeedback as well as in Peripheral Biofeedback from the Biofeedback Certification Association of America (BCIA).

She is the former chairperson of the International QEEG Certification Board, and former editor of the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research's newsletter, NEUROCONNECTION.

Three authored chapters are accredited to Dr. Hurd in the following technical books:

• Chapter author in Handbook of Clinical EEG and Neurotherapy

• Chapter author in Neurofeedback the First Fifty Years

• Chapter author in 3rd Edition: Introduction of QEEG and Neurofeedback

Her philosophy is that the brain, mind and body are one - and helping one, helps the others. Using the skills developed as an actress she has honed intuitive and loving detective skills to enable you to probe the issues that affect your life.

Presenting: “The Alphabet Soup in our Brain”

The development of processing electrical frequencies in the brain dates back to the 1850s, with significant advancements occurring throughout the 20th century. By the 1970s and 1980s, advancements in computer technology allowed for more detailed analyses of electroencephalograms (EEG), leading to the creation of brain electrical activity mapping (BEAM) and quantitative EEG (QEEG). These technologies opened the gates to identifying biomarkers and enhancing the focus of training. Pioneers like José Manuel Rodriguez Delgado contributed significantly to electroencephalography through electrical brain stimulation, which added insights into mental illness and epilepsy treatment. His work on the "stimoceiver," enabling two-way brain communication, laid groundwork for modern neuromodulation techniques. The journey of using electrical frequencies has been evolutionary, with early attempts involving rudimentary treatments, such as the historical use of electric eels to manage pain.

Neurofeedback has significantly evolved since its first use by Dr. Barry Sterman and Dr. Joe Kamiya in the 1950s and 1960s, focusing on non-invasive brain self-regulation training. Sterman’s work with NASA, using EEG and neurofeedback to train astronauts, underlined the significance of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) in regulating brain activity, with its efficacy extending to various disorders. Meanwhile, technologies like LENS and PEMF emerged, offering deeper tissue stimulation compared to traditional methods. Neurofeedback's fusion with stimulation protocols, like the NF 64, illustrates its dynamic evolution. Tools such as event-related potentials (ERPs) and ICA have enriched analytical capabilities, enabling sophisticated techniques to address client needs. Adopting such advancements promises enhanced protocols and improved client outcomes, as underscored by the latest Neurofield analysis suite, which provides comprehensive data to refine therapeutic strategies.

Education Level: INTERMEDIATE

Content builds upon the learner's foundational knowledge, familiarity with the literature and/or experience in a content area. Programming at this level includes more depth than at a beginning level program. It could also serve as a refresher course for individuals who have a background in a content area and are interested in learning more contemporary applications. The primary goal of this particular program is to broaden the clinical, consultative, and research knowledge bases of attendees and was deemed intermediate, by the definition above.  For those psychologists using the modality of biofeedback and interested in efficacy, science, and latest clinical applications. This conference presents research relevant to psychological practice, education, and science; (2) it is our intention to host an offering to help psychologists to keep up with the most current scientific evidence regarding assessment, intervention, and education; and (3) we believe that this program would allow psychologists to increase competencies to improve services to patients. This conference is IN NO WAY a substitute for the basic academic education and training needed for entry into the field of psychology.