We recently notified all users of the ClinicalQ and BrainDryvr software suite about a class on the Mind WorkStation Add-On and have received a number of questions about its use. So, here's a brief description of what it is, what it does and how you can learn more about it.
Not long ago, a few clinicians contacted us - the Biofeedback Federation of Europe's (BFE) Swingle Team - about an idea. They thoroughly appreciated Dr. Swingle's efficient ClinicalQ Assessment method and his BrainDryvr training screens, but they wanted to take the training feedback one step further. They hoped to integrate more dynamic sound and vivid visual feedback into the training process, using outside equipment. With a significant amount of work, that idea created the ClinicalQ Mind WorkStation (MWS) Add-On.
What are the advantages of the ClinicalQ Mind WorkStation Add-On?
The MWS Add-On provides superior sound and unrivaled visual feedback, through the MWS program. The normal feedback sounds and music included in the original ClinicalQ & BrainDryvr Suite can still be used, but the MWS system can plays tones that evenly change in pitch, wave and volume. The sounds can be linked to individual EEG bandwidth amplitudes for entrainment, such that as the amplitudes go up or down, so does the sound change in stepwise manners. Individual sounds can also be muted/unmuted at will. The MWS can also use audiovisual headgear (although not required) to outrival the feedback animations of the ClinicalQ & BrainDryvr Suite. There are many additional feedback options available with the MWS program that are open for the clinician to set themselves.
Who should get the Add-On?
The Mind WorkStation Add-On can be complex for the clinicians operating their computer system. Both the Biograph Infiniti program and the MWS program are running simultaneously, since the Biograph feeds EEG data to the MWS in real-time. The MWS program has its own user interface for monitoring data and feedback.
Therapists should first be comfortable with the standard ClinicalQ & BrainDryvr Suite before they decide to embark on using the MWS. Naturally, the individual also has to purchase the MWS program to use our add-on.
How do I download the ClinicalQ Mind WorkStation Add-On?
Please send an email to the BFE's Swingle Team (blueswingle@gmail.com) to notify them. Due to the complexity of the add-on, we are currently giving out the ClinicalQ Mind WorkStation Add-On at no charge, for anyone who signs up for the MWS online class that we are providing. The online class is 6 hours (4 x 1.5 hour sessions) of instruction guided by Elizabeth Tegan, the main software designer for the Add-On. It is the best way to take advantage of this training opportunity.The second session of the class is set two take place on Friday. Anyone who wished to join late will receive the class recording from the first lesson.
There is a change in what programs and equipment are used:
The standard and original ClinicalQ & BrainDryvr Suite collects data using the Thought Technology-made EEG sensor(s)/encoder and then processes that raw data in the Biograph Infiniti program to yield statistics and provide feedback. The ClinicalQ MWS Add-On uses a similar process, however the statistics calculated by the Biograph Infiniti are imported in real-time to the MWS program to provide high quality sound and visual feedback.
The MWS program and visual equipment is manufactured by TransparentCorp (http://www.transparentcorp.com/) and must be purchased from them. The standard Thought Technology equipment (ProComp Infiniti or ProComp 2 encoder with 2 EEG sensors, and Biograph Infiniti program) are still necessary for recording data with this add-on.
THE MIND WORKSTATION - ADD-ON
Presented by: Elizabeth Tegan
If you are interested in exploring what the Mind WorkStation add-on can do for you, we invite you to join the ongoing class followed by grand rounds sessions during which specific cases or questions can be asked of Elizabeth. Click on the links below for more details.
Mind WorkStation Class
Jan 18, Feb 1, Feb 8, Feb 15, 2013
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
$169.00
Mind WorkStation Grand Rounds
Feb 22, Mar 1, Mar 8, 2013
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
$149.00
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the BFE Swingle Team at blueswingle@gmail.com.
