The Many Faces of Alpha
Presented by: Tiff Thompson
This presentation will focus on the king of brainwaves, alpha, that 8-12Hz sinusoidal rhythm that cheats its frequency parameters, unlike any other bandwidth. This rhythm is much more than meets the eye.
Why is alpha allowed to be as slow as theta content? And how does it manage to enter the beta 1 range? And how does it inform us of one's cognitive health in developmental EEG? This frequency, the first ever dubbed, profiles vigilance stages, detects ischemias, tells us of dissociations, and reveals different pathologies, such as autism, depression, and even age related cognitive decline. But, similar to other bandwidths, this frequency range has a high vibe expression, as well. Alpha can proffer states of flow, of genius, and of meditative prowess. This is the range that allows healers to heal and deep insights to arrive. This many-faced frequency can clue us in, with the subtle change of shape, to its own innocence or deviance. The listener can expect excitement, drama. and surprise in this full spectrum debut of the one and only alpha.
Learning Objectives:
o Participants will be able to discuss the distinction of mu rhythm from sigma rhythm in sinusoidal EEG signatures.
o Participants will be able to discuss discernment of labile vigilance from trauma markers in the alpha waveform.
o Participants will be able to discuss the maturation of alpha speed over the course of development from youth into adulthood and old age.
Participants will be able to discuss the difference between monomorphic alpha and diphasic alpha
LEVEL: INTRODUCTORY
Content is designed for psychologists who may have little to no background in a specialized skill or content area. Through this level of programming, the learner can become acquainted with the theoretical underpinnings, principles, methods, and perspectives of a content area. An introductory level program also may serve as the foundation for subsequent intermediate and advanced learning. Introductory level programming may also be related to an emerging area of knowledge or practice. Although this content can be used as a foundation for more advanced learning, an introductory level program may simply focus on breadth, enrichment, or general knowledge. 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.