tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281028152012-01-05T11:32:05.316-08:00Train your brain, calm your minddrdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.comBlogger781100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-79154180415856473032011-12-30T10:38:00.000-08:002011-12-30T11:08:12.375-08:00

I will be giving a public presentation titled, "ADHD and the Healing Power of Neurofeedback" at the Faulkner Gallery on Sunday, January 15, 2012 from 3:30 to 5:00pm. The room is located in the downtown Santa Barbara Public Library at the corner of Anapamu and Anacapa St. No reservations are needed. Just show up for an entertaining and informative 90 minutes. I will be offering a discount for

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-21310176369070213672011-06-07T15:34:00.000-07:002011-06-07T15:38:09.848-07:00

New research now shows that gut health affects your mood and behavior. Improving the balance between bacteria in the gut can improve how your feel and how you act. Nourishing your gut flora is extremely important because in a very real sense you have two brains, one inside your skull and one in your gut, and each needs its own vital nourishment.A study published in 2010 in the Archives of General

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-37920215382185236082011-04-13T18:31:00.000-07:002011-04-13T18:59:51.120-07:00

The British Journal of Psychiatry recently published an article showing that a diet heavy in processed and fatty foods increases the risk of depression. Researchers also found that a diet including plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit and fish could help prevent the onset of depression.They compared participants -- all civil servants -- who ate a diet largely based on "whole" foods with a second

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-86464259673232803262011-04-13T18:25:00.000-07:002011-04-13T18:27:21.271-07:00

The following is an article written by Randall Lyle for the San Antonio Business Journal in 2004. Imagine operating at optimum performance. Going to work every day with your mind focused and body productive; coming home and allowing yourself to relax and enjoy your family; sleeping soundly through the night without distractions. Imagine if it wasn't just a dream. Research shows that neurofeedback

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-84428391626725034272011-04-13T18:21:00.000-07:002011-04-13T18:22:54.643-07:00

This is a summary of Megan Johnson’s report found in the December 2009 edition of US News & World Report. Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback, has been under investigation as a treatment for epilepsy and ADHD since the 1970s. Studies suggest that in ADHD, the brain generates insufficient beta waves, which are associated with focus and attention, and an overabundance of lower-frequency

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-63978421148175395752011-04-13T17:20:00.001-07:002011-04-13T17:20:52.224-07:00

In addition to my program for cocaine addiction using neurofeedback, I am now recommending that clients who are addicted take 1000mg of the supplement N-acetylcysteine (NAC) three times daily. A recent study reported in Science Daily found that NAC restored normal functioning to the brain circuits in rats that had been previously addicted to cocaine. Repeated exposure to psychoactive drugs such

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-39876210520581135552011-04-13T16:56:00.000-07:002011-04-13T16:57:12.356-07:00

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems in the US. According to the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), just over 18 percent, or about 40 million American adults aged 18 and older, have an anxiety disorder. The most common medical treatment for this disorder is a class of prescription anti-anxiety medications called benzodiazepines, such as Ativan, Xanax and Valium.

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-19727502059125486912011-04-13T16:52:00.000-07:002011-04-13T16:54:01.001-07:00

In August 2009. ScienceDaily reported on a discovery that the brain rewires itself following an experience. Researchers, Henry Markram and Jean-Vincent Le Bé, at the Brain Science Institute in France showed that this process of changing, strengthening and pruning brain circuits takes place on a scale of just hours, suggesting that the brain is evolving considerably even during the course of a

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-9551909907892104282011-04-13T16:43:00.000-07:002011-04-13T16:52:21.526-07:00

A new study in the 2011 journal Cognition overturns a decades-old theory about the nature of attention and demonstrates that even brief diversions from a task can dramatically improve one's ability to focus on that task for prolonged periods. The brain gradually stops registering a sight, sound or feeling if that stimulus remains constant over time. For example, most people are not aware of the

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-15417368855991603542010-10-05T12:28:00.000-07:002010-10-05T12:30:03.531-07:00

The New York Times ran a feature story about neurofeedback in its October 4, 2010 edition. It reported that there are an estimated 7,500 mental health professionals in the US now offering neurofeedback as part of their services and that more than 100,000 Americans have tried it over the past decade.John Kounios, a professor of psychology at Drexel University, published a small study in 2007

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-82667101789500851442010-05-03T12:25:00.000-07:002010-05-03T12:30:11.517-07:00

For all my clients starting neurofeedback, I am highly recommending they take the 25 minute computerized test called CNS Vital Signs here in my office.CNS Vital Signs is a neurocognitive assessment battery that measures a range of brain functions, including sustained attention, complex attention, visual memory, verbal memory, fine motor speed, processing speed, and response inhibition.The test

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-48400789608180155302010-04-18T20:07:00.000-07:002010-05-03T12:27:53.486-07:00

A pioneering collaboration between two laboratories from the University of London has provided the first evidence of neuroplastic changes occurring directly after brainwave training. Researchers from Goldsmiths and the Institute of Neurology have demonstrated that half an hour of voluntary control of brain rhythms is sufficient to induce a lasting shift in cortical excitability and intracortical

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-34824645722732625652010-03-29T14:07:00.000-07:002010-03-29T14:15:05.253-07:00

I just finished a course on The Aging Brain. I was very interested in how to reduce the risk of brain deterioration and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Dementia in particular. What would you guess is the best thing you can do? If you answered exercise, you would be correct. A fast-paced workout boosts the production of a brain nourishing protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-57185554415266100392010-01-21T14:49:00.000-08:002010-01-21T14:52:50.408-08:00

A recent biomonitoring study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, has revealed that out of 212 chemicals tested, all 212 were found to be in the blood and urine of most Americans. Six chemicals in particular, found in virtually every person, were identified by the CDC as probable health

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-68927115168117502132009-08-27T17:24:00.001-07:002009-09-01T10:59:45.278-07:00

I now have copies at my office of the newly released DVD brochure "Unlock your Brain's Potential". It features two powerful and compelling new case studies regarding autism and addictions.This new release also includes the original video case studies of people who have successfully used neurofeedback for migraines, ADD/ADHD, autism, peak performance and PTSD.This DVD describes the basics of how

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-44514141857798002862009-08-24T12:48:00.000-07:002009-09-01T11:14:10.345-07:00

In two recent 2009 editions of Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, a group of researchers from The Netherlands reported on the effectiveness of neurofeedback in improving executive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and its long-term positive effects.Seven autistic children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders received a neurofeedback treatment that aimed to

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-40852940343677091662009-08-19T14:05:00.000-07:002009-09-01T11:14:40.068-07:00

A team of researchers has found that trainee eye surgeons can significantly improve their surgical skills by regulating their own brainwave activity, using a process called neurofeedback.Published in BMC Neuroscience (August 2009), the study, led by Tomas Ros and Professor John Gruzelier, both from Goldsmiths, University of London, specifically looked at the effects of self-regulating brainwaves

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-41062098703713099602009-07-18T15:08:00.000-07:002009-09-01T11:15:01.773-07:00

In the July 2009 edition of the Journal of Clinical EEG & Neuroscience, a group of researchers reported that EEG biofeedback was found to produce a significant reduction of seizure frequency. About one third of patients with epilepsy do not benefit from medical treatment. For these patients electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback is a viable alternative. EEG biofeedback, or neurofeedback,

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-44181429748651939172009-07-17T13:29:00.001-07:002012-01-05T11:32:05.329-08:00

A recent publication in the journal EEG and Clinical Neuroscience (2009) shows that neurofeedback is an "evidenced based" treatment for ADHD. Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback, is a method used to train brain activity in order to normalize brain function and treat psychiatric disorders. This treatment method has gained interest over the last ten years; however, the question of whether

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-44287618989791176142009-04-03T16:58:00.000-07:002009-04-03T17:01:08.204-07:00

A few years ago I read John Sarno, MD’s book Healing Back Pain, and was impressed with the concept that most chronic pain and many chronic conditions were due to unconscious and unresolved emotions. Medical journals consistently estimate 70-80% of all doctor visits are due to stress and not to a “true medical condition”. I have seen many clients in my practice who have painful conditions that

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-12773242624006216002009-04-01T13:04:00.000-07:002009-04-01T13:06:46.455-07:00

One of the more effective ways of improving brain functioning is to exercise at least three times weekly for 30 minutes. Exercise has been shown to help build new capillaries, thereby increasing oxygen and nutrient supplies to brain cells as well as removing waste. Virtually any type of exercise is better than none, whether it’s walking, biking, jogging, sports, or lifting weights. However, I

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-71955574472193998452009-02-25T16:48:00.001-08:002009-02-25T16:48:59.700-08:00

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that is found in fish and in certain plants such as flaxseed, pumpkin seed, and walnuts flax seeds. Omega-3 appears to be critical to the growth and maintenance of brain cells. It is strongly implicated in helping depression and Bipolar Disorder. A 1999 Harvard pilot study was conducted on 30 patients with bipolar disorder. The trial was supposed to go on for

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-62477383390306817422009-02-25T12:54:00.000-08:002009-02-25T12:57:11.968-08:00

Siegfried Othmer of eeginfo wrote, “Some 57 years ago the efficacy of lithium was discovered in Australia for what was then called "Manic-Depressive Illness." The finding took another fifteen years or so to gain acceptance in the United States, but then lithium changed the face of American psychiatry almost single-handedly. By now, of course, treatment with lithium and the anti-convulsants is

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-73530564074652010042009-02-25T12:40:00.001-08:002009-02-25T12:42:04.991-08:00

In the March 2009 edition of Ode Magazine, writer Blaine Greteman offers an in depth view of neurofeedback. She writes, “After years on the outskirts of medical respectability, neurofeedback has been vindicated by a growing body of evidence showing its potentially remarkable benefits to everyone from elite athletes and musicians to violent criminals and children with Attention Deficit

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-11362681677116195812009-02-24T10:28:00.000-08:002009-02-24T10:31:27.904-08:00

In the latest eeginfo newsletter, Siegfried Othmer presented a case history of a successful outcome of Vietnam veteran using neurofeedback. He wrote, “We have just experienced a remarkably quick recovery from PTSD symptoms in a Vietnam veteran. The case is illustrative of the more rapid pace of recovery that is achievable with the latest neurofeedback techniques that encompass the infra-low

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-58572454000146101002008-12-14T17:06:00.000-08:002008-12-23T12:12:16.946-08:00

The most recent technology to be added to my practice is Hershel Toomin’s biofeedback unit, the nirHEG. This unit trains a person to increase blood flow in the brain, with a special focus on the prefrontal cortex. An optical sensor is placed on the forehead using a headband, and a person is instructed to watch the display and increase their score. HEG is not relaxation. It is concentrated

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-23977674609293482502008-09-30T17:22:00.001-07:002008-09-30T17:22:57.146-07:00

Periodically, I am asked whether neurofeedback can help heroin or amphetamine addiction. The answer is yes and no. While I have had excellent success with marijuana, alcohol, and cocaine dependency, heroin and amphetamine are far more difficult to treat. I have found that the best initial treatment is Ibogaine for these two drug dependencies. Ibogaine is a plant alkaloid found in the root

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-32429156071582073272008-09-29T14:13:00.001-07:002008-09-29T14:15:49.721-07:00

I found this report in Science Daily Feb 2008 on a recent study published in Biofeedback. “Research on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) shows that neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) can remediate anomalies in brain activation, leading to symptom reduction and functional improvement. This evidence raises the hopes for a behavioral, psychophysiological intervention moderating the severity of

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-88512617829390400012008-09-17T10:09:00.000-07:002008-09-17T10:13:58.885-07:00

The University of North Texas is conducting a study using NeuroResearch amino acid protocols that I use in my practice for ADHD. Twelve school districts in north Texas were recruited and have signed up to participate in the study. In the pilot study leading to this research project, Ross Stewart, PhD from Dallas, Texas, reported that 82% of children achieved relief of ADHD symptoms. Of the 18%

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-13753315110998606372008-09-03T13:27:00.000-07:002008-09-03T13:29:41.240-07:00

I found this article on the Internet. “At the most recent Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Conference, Deborah Stokes, Ph.D, presented her study on neurofeedback and migraine headaches. The findings showed that 26 clients, or 70% of the 37 migraine sufferers, experienced at least a 50% reduction in frequency of their headaches. This data was collected after an average of

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-42960075148585684842008-08-20T18:08:00.000-07:002008-08-20T18:10:50.229-07:00

Abhinav Bindra was determined to do whatever it took to win the Olympic Gold for India in 2008. He became the first ever to win the medal for shooting (Men’s 10m Air Rifle) for his country. It was India’s first gold medal for any sport in the Olympics since 1980. To prepare for this event, Abhinay accumulated over 150 hours of training on the various modalities of biofeedback and neurofeedback

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-81267214706165401542008-06-24T13:41:00.001-07:002008-06-24T13:42:35.372-07:00

NBA Clippers center Chris Kaman hopes to become a spokesman for neurofeedback after being mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD. Kaman’s brain was being overmedicated and he would forget plays or try to do too many things at the same time. Noticing the problem, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy even instituted a rule limiting how many times Chris Kaman could dribble the ball in the post before making his

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-40394443698189440792008-06-24T13:27:00.000-07:002008-06-24T13:28:51.850-07:00

Recently, three key associations, the International Society for Neurofeedback & Research (ISNR), the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) and the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA) adopted the following definition of biofeedback:"Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-79745798030383125392008-06-12T10:39:00.000-07:002008-06-12T10:56:19.740-07:00

I found this article in the San Jose Mercury News dated June 12, 2008 by Amber DanceRyan Withers had so much fun at his therapist's office that his older brother got jealous. Robert wanted to play the video games, too. The 12-year-old Ryan was having trouble paying attention to the home-school tasks his mother, Cindy Withers of San Jose, set for him. Determined to avoid drugs such as Ritalin,

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-80877096487863991782008-06-02T15:16:00.000-07:002008-06-12T10:58:04.668-07:00

I have added the NeuroAmp EEG unit with Cygnet software from EEG Institute in Woodland Hills. Siegfried and Sue Othmer have put together a powerful neurofeedback system that appears to produce some of the fastest results in the field. Its common for a client to notice some effect within the first 24 hours of the training.

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-8092498496998239802007-11-25T21:14:00.000-08:002007-11-25T21:15:53.844-08:00

It seems everyone loves the relaxation experience they get on the Symmetron Vibroacoustic Motion Chair. I’ve had it in my office for over a month and the response from clients has been overwhelmingly positive. I hear comments like: “I felt a detached calm all day.” “My daughter said I didn’t have that stressed out look on my face.” "I had a feeling of calm, and for two nights had a profoundly

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-13821914597254436812007-11-25T18:54:00.000-08:002007-11-25T19:00:10.243-08:00

Amino acids can help restore neurotransmitter balance in the brain. After carefully studying the positive effects of amino acids, I have chosen to work with the company NeuroResearch. Established in 1997, they are the only amino acid-neurotransmitter testing research project and company run by licensed MDs. Most psychotropic medications work by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters in

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-84292849929371628302007-11-25T18:52:00.000-08:002007-11-25T19:01:00.124-08:00

I recently completed a 3-day training with the Advanced Brain Institute in Salt Lake City and returned as an Authorized Provider for The Listening Program (TLP). This will have immediate application for autism, learning disabilities, ADD, depression, and social shyness. I first learned of TLP’s psychoacoustically modified music a few months ago at the ISNR conference. A child or adult listens

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-78356280502473994202007-09-24T09:59:00.000-07:002007-09-24T10:01:19.111-07:00

I recently attended the ISNR conference in San Diego and was impressed by the tremendous advances in the integration of technology and the neurosciences. I returned with 4 new pieces of equipment for my practice, all of which I received (and will continue to receive) training in. These include the Symmetron Neurowave Motion Chair, the emWavePC (heart rate variability biofeedback unit), the

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-71160956535939455842007-09-09T22:48:00.000-07:002007-09-09T22:50:43.165-07:00

As of September 1, 2007, my new office location is 5266 Hollister, Suite 204, Goleta, CA 93111. It is located in the Hollister Professional Building near the intersection of Patterson and Hollister. Take the Patterson exit and turn towards the ocean (left off the 101 Freeway). Go to Hollister and turn left. I am the second driveway on the left, second building (B), first floor.

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-42088718640743225692007-08-29T11:09:00.000-07:002007-08-29T11:11:14.760-07:00

The Peak Achievement Trainer now has even more science behind it. The August 22, 2007 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience has an article about the dorsal fronto-median cortex (dFMC), an area on the midline of the brain directly above the eyes. This is where the active EEG sensor is placed during PAT training. Researchers discovered that this part of the brain is responsible for self-control.

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-73045715669376415052007-04-15T17:02:00.000-07:002007-04-15T19:43:30.215-07:00

I've added the Peak Achievement Trainer (PAT) to my practice. The PAT is an EEG unit that helps a person develop their ability to focus while maintaining optimal alertness. While just about anyone can benefit from this training, those with attention difficulties are most likely to improve their lives after a series of sessions. In order to pay attention, the prefrontal cortex must turn off the

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-57004406534916987672007-02-09T09:48:00.000-08:002007-02-09T09:47:44.942-08:00

When I have my clients use the dual brain method of accessing their more mature or positive side, I encourage them to say certain words out loud that reflect their intention to start their day the best way possible. I have them cover one eye and half of the other while they are in the sunshine or next to bright lights."I will make this the best day of my life. Today I will share my love toward

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1164150422007992202006-11-21T14:52:00.000-08:002006-11-21T15:07:02.023-08:00

Do you have a chronic medical problem? Do you have hypertension, arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, head injury, stroke, chronic fatigue, RSA, asthma, chronic pain, sciatica, restless leg syndrome, incontinence, imbalance, diabetes, or have a history of heart attacks?About 4 years ago psychologists were allowed to start billing for “health and behavior assessment and intervention

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1163458690180308112006-11-13T14:52:00.000-08:002007-11-16T12:06:14.629-08:00

Many of my clients see me because they are unable to break out of a depression. They often have been feeling blue, unmotivated, and unenergetic about life. They are typically self-critical and blame themselves for much of what is going wrong in their lives. Pessimism is a prominent theme.In the brain depression has been found to be associated with hemispheric asymmetry. The left frontal lobe has

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1160357256102528242006-10-08T18:21:00.000-07:002006-10-08T21:58:21.406-07:00

In my practice I routinely teach a core stress management exercise called Coherent Breathing. It is the strategy of consciously controlling your breathing rate to 5 breaths per minute. When done properly, it rapidly balances the autonomic nervous system. There is an alignment between the sympathetic and parasympathetic system and synchronization between the energy of the heart and the energy of

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1160350712171648192006-10-08T16:36:00.000-07:002006-10-08T16:38:32.183-07:00

In order for your brain to function properly (as well as the rest of your body) it is essential that you get at least 8 hours or more of sleep each night. I cannot emphasize this enough. Study after study has consistently shown that humans require this amount, and in the winter season, we need even more sleep, 9.5 hours to be exact.You may be seeing me because, among other problems, you don't

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1158347095276083062006-09-15T12:04:00.000-07:002006-10-08T16:18:33.200-07:00

Betty called after hearing of my work. Now in her mid 20's, she related a story of having to deal with OCD since early childhood. Her obsessions were causing her significant difficulty at work and her primary relationship. She was desperate for relief but very doubtful I could help. I combined neurofeedback with her learning and using the four-step method taken from Dr. Schwartz’s book “Brain

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1155836508793837172006-08-17T10:38:00.000-07:002006-08-17T11:31:43.763-07:00

The following article is a summary of one I found at the International Society of Neuronal Regulation website. For the full text, go to http://www.isnr.org/pubarea/mtbi.htmMild Traumatic Brain Injury--The "Missed" Diagnosisby Joseph J. Horvat, Ph.D., Corpus Christi, Texas, and D. Corydon Hammond, Ph.D., ECNS, QEEG-D, BCIA-EEG, University of Utah School of Medicine.Of all the psychological

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1155255912318172752006-08-10T17:24:00.000-07:002006-08-17T10:47:43.336-07:00

Mario was a family man who was close to retirement. His life changed dramatically when a car crashed into him two years prior and he was knocked unconsicous for a few minutes and suffered a slight concussion. While he did not injure any other part of his body significantly, he began to notice mental changes. He began to recognize a loss of short-term memory, couldn't find words, and was

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1152410624211983832006-07-08T19:00:00.000-07:002006-07-13T10:46:58.526-07:00

Monica came to see me in desperation for help with her debilitating migraine headaches. Her headaches had been fluctuating in frequency from 1-3 a week for the past 4 years. Each headache could last up to 2 days at a time. There were some weeks where she would be headache free for only one day in seven.Monica was a single mother in her 20’s, going to college while working full time. Trying to get

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151454753622008542006-06-27T17:21:00.000-07:002006-06-27T17:50:25.656-07:00

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151441991050221392006-06-27T13:59:00.000-07:002006-07-13T15:50:25.630-07:00

Margaret Ayers developed a neurofeedback protocol that improves physical balance, incontinence, and swallowing. In a recent article*, Cory Hammond, PhD, presented case histories of clients he helped with these issues. This protocol holds potential promise for work with the elderly, stroke and head injury patients, primary nocturnal enuresis, and in peak performance training where balance is

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151439776207852752006-06-27T13:21:00.000-07:002006-06-27T13:22:56.223-07:00

I was first trained in EMDR 1990 and later taught EMDR at the California Graduate Institute in Los Angeles. EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is a new, nontraditional, short-term therapy for treating posttraumatic stress syndrome. It involves assisting the client move their eyes back and forth while focusing on the negative experience. I have found it tremendously useful

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151435915324320562006-06-27T12:18:00.000-07:002006-06-29T10:43:03.076-07:00

Attending professional conferences, I keep hearing of the impact of environmental toxins on human health, particularly on the brain. At last year’s ISNR conference, I learned that a 45 day use of Metagenics UltraClear eliminates 90% of the symptoms of fibromylagia. I was intrigued and did some research on the product and on neurotoxins in general. I had heard the name Metagenics several times as

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151391065295965382006-06-26T23:50:00.000-07:002006-06-27T15:10:39.883-07:00

In the past year, I have added altered states training (low frequency) to compliment high frequency training. Basically, high frequency training is done from the middle of the head forward. Low frequency is exclusively done on the back of the head. High frequency is working on stabilizing the physiology of the brain by reducing amplitude and variability. Low frequency is focusing on the

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151383722167618672006-06-26T21:48:00.000-07:002006-06-27T15:33:55.856-07:00

I found three recent articles on the use of neurofeedback and seizure disorder. Neuropathways EEG unit patented by Margaret Ayers has shown excellent results with reducing or eliminating seizures. I have been using this unit for 5 years.Clinical Electroencephalography, 2000 Jan;31(1):45-55, Sterman, MB, Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, UCLA.This is an extensive neurophysiological

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151170588926329552006-06-24T10:35:00.000-07:002006-06-26T22:34:20.826-07:00

Imagine you’re sitting in a comfortable chair watching a DVD movie, perhaps a romantic comedy, a travel show, or a documentary. Now, imagine you have 5 wires attached to your head that you barely even notice. The wires are connected to a computer and you are looking at the monitor enjoying the show. You are wearing a special pair of glasses that have 4 LED colored lights around the edges of

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151170524908391512006-06-24T10:34:00.000-07:002006-09-12T13:39:20.630-07:00

Ken, a man in his 30’s, had attention deficit disorder since childhood and was going through a long spell of feeling depressed. He would wake up unhappy and smoke marijuana to feel better. His wife complained about this, but he refused to stop. After he saw his wife improve in neurofeedback, he agreed to receive some training himself.After 23 sessions he said, “At first, I didn’t know if it would

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151170464879406132006-06-24T10:33:00.000-07:002006-06-24T10:34:24.880-07:00

Rita, a woman in her 50’s, stopped drinking two years ago after many years of alcoholism. She had been on anti-depressants for 6 years and already had years of talk therapy that didn’t seem to help. Her life seemed to be going nowhere. She felt stuck in her life, was negative, unhappy, and felt she had no hope for future. She felt angry most of the time, held grudges, and felt bored with life.

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151170393240488072006-06-24T10:31:00.000-07:002006-06-24T10:38:44.420-07:00

Sally came to see me for chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. A woman in her 40’s, she was on Prozac, and had received 17 years of mental health treatment.After 13 sessions of neurofeedback she reported, “I have had six surgeries on my hands and arms. I was in constant severe pain. I couldn’t do much of anything. My pain overwhelmed me. I would get dizzy, nauseous and throw up. My body would

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151170260503829472006-06-24T10:29:00.000-07:002006-06-24T10:31:00.513-07:00

Mike’s anxiety and depression finally became so severe he was unable to work and took a medical leave of absence. He had a long history of emotional problems, having high anxiety since age 10. He was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder at age 17. He had been in psychiatric treatment for the last 5 years and had tried many medications, including Luvox, Prozac, Xanax, and Effexor. His

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151021696776630982006-06-22T17:13:00.000-07:002006-07-31T17:55:18.066-07:00

My office conducts EEG brainwave biofeedback, also known as neurofeedback. Depending on your situation and needs, a 2 Channel EEG Assessment may be recommended. This is performed with the intent of collecting data on sum amplitude, asymmetry, imbalances, dominant brain wave frequency, theta/beta ratio, and alpha peak frequency. Conducting this evaluation may help the practitioner customize

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151021601059571812006-06-22T17:12:00.000-07:002006-06-22T22:15:01.933-07:00

Vicke Quinlyn interviewed me last year and I thought some readers might be interested in what we spoke of.VQ: How did you get interested in neurofeedback?DS: In 1983 I heard of Margaret Ayers in Beverly Hills doing neurofeedback. I knew nothing of it despite having written my doctoral dissertation on biofeedback. I had been referred a case of a 23 year old man who had injured his head while hang

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151021489264998302006-06-22T17:11:00.000-07:002006-06-22T17:11:29.266-07:00

December 2005If there ever was one to be called a modern-day miracle worker, it would be Dr. Dan Staso. I cannot praise him enough to fully express my satisfaction!I’ve struggled with addictions most of my life. I began drinking around age 14 (I’m now almost 40.) Around age 20 I realized I had a problem. In my late 20’s I wanted to do something about it. I went through 3 different rehab programs,

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1151021428100020932006-06-22T17:10:00.000-07:002006-06-22T17:10:28.110-07:00

Cocaine is a very addictive drug and can be one of the most difficult drugs to stop. Cravings tend to become stronger over time and all too often lead to addiction. I have been treating addictive disorders for 20 years and have put together a protocol that has a very high success rate. From 1986-1993 I specialized in teaching cocaine addicts how to deal with cravings and stop cold turkey.

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1150580472531978002006-06-17T14:40:00.000-07:002006-06-22T22:12:35.896-07:00

This is a summary of the articleThe Peniston-Kulkosky Brainwave Neurofeedback Therapeutic Protocol: The Future Psychotherapy for lcoholism/PTSD/Behavioral Medicine, by Eugene O. Peniston, Ed.D.The full text can be found at http://www.aaets.org/arts/art47.htmElectroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback has been in use since the early 1970's for treatment of anxiety disorders and a variety of

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1150578226759586402006-06-17T14:02:00.000-07:002006-06-17T14:03:46.770-07:00

June 16, 2006I wanted to check in with you and tell you how things are working out for me. Well, that last session really did the trick. I've moved, and I lost all cravings for coke, meth, or anything except weed. I mean 0 cravings. As in, this is the first time they have even crossed my mind since the move. I also have quit smoking weed in the quantity I used to. I literally only smoke at

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1150408895696271342006-06-15T15:01:00.000-07:002006-06-26T22:38:11.400-07:00

May 2006 When I walked into Dr. Dan Staso’s office one ordinary day in Ventura, I didn’t imagine that this treatment would alter my life with the magnitude that it did. I was a typical college drop-out from UCSB. I smoked marijuana everyday, as well as habitual use of cocaine, methamphetamine, oxy-cotton, and alcohol. I knew I was heading down a one way path, so I decided that seeking

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1150167425381465922006-06-12T19:55:00.000-07:002006-06-12T20:01:15.106-07:00

June 6, 2005Today I had another session with Dr. Staso. It has been almost a month since I saw him. I am happy to report that I did well during this month. I thought maybe that meant my mind had nothing more to process in the neurofeedback sessions, but after today, I don't think that's the case. The session went similarly to the last one. I am trying to understand the exact state my brain is in

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1150167325856360282006-06-12T19:53:00.000-07:002006-06-12T20:00:59.973-07:00

May 9,2005My last few neurofeedback sessions have been what Dr. Staso calls "Altered States Training", which is also known as "alpha-theta training". It is different from the other training sessions I have done. It is with eyes closed, and I am listening to different tones while focusing my thoughts on who I want to be. The experience is really interesting. I feel like I am fully conscious, but

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1150167087808002712006-06-12T19:50:00.000-07:002006-06-12T19:52:07.083-07:00

I have been seeing Dr. Staso for several months. I originally came to him because I was having panic attacks, but he has been helping me in so many other ways. The majority of the sessions have involved neurofeedback, which I have found to be extremely helpful for not only anxiety, but depression, PMS, and resolving past issues. Before my first appointment with Dr. Staso, I was really nervous

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1149010947332998952006-05-30T10:38:00.000-07:002006-05-30T10:42:27.350-07:00

I found this article in News WalesMay 29, 2006 New research by psychologists at Swansea University, England, is looking at ways to help people reduce anxiety in everyday life - by teaching them to control their brain activity. The research, in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, has been made possible thanks to the funding grant from the Economic and Social Research

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1148255878596031962006-05-21T16:55:00.000-07:002006-06-17T14:13:16.090-07:00

Chronic pain affects an estimated 50 million Americans. I am often called upon to help clients reduce the severity of this pain. Over the years, I have added various modalities, that combined together, often produce significant relief. Many of my clients report that I have been the only one who has been able to provide such dramatic reduction in their subjective level of pain.I typically combine

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1147647380625850312006-05-14T15:54:00.000-07:002006-05-30T10:43:33.540-07:00

Get Plugged In and Turned On To a Healthier Life Neurofeedback for a New Millennium by Vicke QuinlynThere is a rhythm…..a flow to all of life.In a world where modern technologies, computers, TV’s, Satellites and cell phones loom all around us, we are reminded daily of the delicate balance of correct alignment. Where too much flow overloads circuits and too little flow interrupts reception, even

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1147645826681489452006-05-14T15:24:00.000-07:002006-05-30T10:45:51.600-07:00

Scientific American Mind, February 2006 Issue"Mental exercises with neurofeedback may ease symptoms of attention-deficit disorder, epilepsy and depression--and even boost cognition in healthy brains", by Ulrich Kraft.At first the computer game looks awfully easy for an eight-year-old--like something out of the Stone Age of arcades in the 1980s. A red triangle "arrow" appears on the monitor's blue

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1147645382620053102006-05-14T15:10:00.000-07:002006-05-30T10:48:15.330-07:00

Ventura County Star, March 7, 2006"Parents tell of ADHD concerns", by Marjorie Hernandez.When doctors diagnosed Todd Bullis' 11-year-old son with attention deficit disorder about two years ago, the boy was placed on Ritalin. The drug, however, didn't help much and, in some ways, made things worse.A 13-year-old patient of Dr. Barbara Paul-Blume undergoes a 15-minute treatment to help stimulate the

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28102815.post-1147643636904934712006-05-14T14:42:00.000-07:002006-10-29T09:35:24.900-08:00

I am a psychologist in private practice in Santa Barbara specializing in the use of technology as applied to psychology. I incorporate neurofeedback, audio visual entrainment, cranial electrical stimulation, skin temperature and GSR biofeedback units, and a breath training unit.I specialize in applying these technologies for depression, anxiety, pain management, PTSD, ADD, and addictive disorders

drdanstasohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414815129405086855noreply@blogger.com0