This article discusses the relevance of quantitative EEG (QEEG) and live z-score training (LZT) to the field of mental health in general, and to neurofeedback in particular. We examine what practitioners might learn about clients when QEEG is used for assessment, and the relevance of LZT as a treatment modality. Clinicians can benefit from viewing the brain as a dynamic system, and this point of view can provide a foundation for QEEG and LZT. This approach emphasizes understanding the value of brain activation as a basis for observed symptoms and behaviors. Of paramount importance are localization and frequency information, as well as connectivity metrics. The brain can be viewed as a complex self-controlled system operating with various identifiable networks and frequencies that, when dysregulated, produce what we commonly refer to as “disorders.”

The use of the quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) in assisting the trainer to assess the impact of a second concussion to previously concussed players is studied. Four case studies are presented, illustrating the use of this technique and its value.

Classic medical treatment of migraine and tension-type headaches is an ongoing struggle and challenge for the medical practitioner. Pharmacologic treatment does not cure these common conditions and offers only short-term palliation. Biofeedback treatment, on its own or in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy, offers long-term encouraging results. The methodology is noninvasive, easy to apply and efficacious. Furthermore, the migraine or tension headache sufferer acquires a sense of self-control and mastery over the short term and especially over the long term. Best results are achieved with continued practice of biofeedback skills over the long term.

Body posture reflects emotional states, and this study investigates the effect of posture sitting in a slouched or upright position on recall of either negative (hopeless, helpless, powerless, or defeated) memories or positive (empowered or optimistic) memories. Two hundred and sixteen college students sat in either a slouched or an erect position while recalling negative memories and then in a second step, recalling positive memories. They then sat in the opposite body position while recalling negative and then positive memories. Eighty-six percent of the students reported that it was easier to recall/access negative memories in the collapsed position than in the erect position (p < .01), and 87% of the students reported that it was easier to recall/access positive images in the erect position than in the collapsed position (p < .01). Participants who reported being most depressed over the previous two years reported significantly more recall of negative memories in both the slouched position (p = .01) and erect position (p < .05). For those who were most depressed, there were no differences in recalling positive memories. We recommend that therapists teach clients posture awareness and to sit more upright in the office and at home as a strategy to increase positive affect and decrease depression.

Slouched posture is very common and tends to increase access to helpless, hopeless, powerless, and depressive thoughts as well as increased head, neck, and shoulder pain. Described are six educational and clinical strategies that therapists can incorporate in their practice to encourage an upright/erect posture. These include practices to experience the negative effects of a collapsed posture as compared to an erect posture, watching YouTube video to enhance motivation, electromyography to demonstrate the effect of posture on muscle activity, ergonomic suggestions to optimize posture, the use of a wearable posture biofeedback device, and strategies to keep looking upward. When clients implement these changes, they report a more positive outlook and reduced neck and shoulder discomfort.