Mind Training and Neuroscience

A while back, a comment I made prompted a neuroscientist to remind me that I am not a neuroscientist and suggested that I shouldn’t use terms like ‘neuro.’ Understanding that my field is relatively new and unfamiliar to many, I want to provide some clarification rather than engage in a lengthy debate. In this blog, I explain the differences in focus, role, and skillset.

Neuroscientists vs. Mind Trainers; the focus

• Neuroscientists primarily study and research the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells.

• On the other hand, mind trainers focus on training the mind and recognizing its impact on brain function. Despite not being neuroscientists, yogis and Buddhists have long held ancient wisdom about mind training. Recent neuroscience discoveries confirm that such practices can significantly shape brain function.

The Role of Mind Trainers

• As a mind trainer, I specialize in understanding and guiding the workings of the mind. I am skilled and certified in various forms of mind training, helping individuals achieve altered states of consciousness, self-leadership, peak performance, and healing of the subconscious. I follow the legacy of Professor Cade, a pioneer in neurofeedback (who was a physicist, not a neuroscientist), and Wise, a Humanistic Psychologist. They revolutionized brain training. However, it’s crucial to understand that different mind trainers may emphasize different aspects of mind training.

• Neuroscientists, while experts in their field, may not have the skills required for effective mind training.

Different Skills for Different Roles

A skilled cook must know how to use ingredients to create a delicious meal, but they don’t need to be experts in animal breeding, butchery, or crop cultivation. Similarly, butchers and farmers might not possess cooking skills. Just as a racing driver doesn’t need to be an automotive technician, excellent mind trainers don’t need to be neuroscientists. These are distinct skill sets.

Neurofeedback in Mind Training

I use various neuroscience-based methods, including neurofeedback, in my mind-training practices. My knowledge of neurofeedback comes from Professor Cade’s and Anna Wise’s legacy and their knowledge and effectiveness in mind training, not from neuroscience. Neurofeedback provides real-time, tangible feedback on the effectiveness of these techniques.

Clinical Applications of Neurofeedback

In clinical settings, neurofeedback is primarily used for brain training, passively modifying brain function. This, in turn, impacts the mind, addressing clinical issues such as AD(H)D, depression, autism, seizure disorders, and more. Typically, registered psychologists certified in neurofeedback perform this practice, not neuroscientists.

Understanding the Term ‘Neuro’

Using the term ‘neuro’ doesn’t inherently grant any specific qualification. It simply indicates that the nervous system, or nerves, plays a role in a particular field. This includes professions like neurologists, neuropsychologists, neurofeedback trainers, neuro-linguistic programmers, neuro-stress release practitioners, neuro-optics experts, and even neuro-marketing professionals. Thus, the term ‘neuro’ is not exclusive to neuroscientists and encompasses a wide range of disciplines and practices.

For more insights on mind training and its impact, visit https://suzannetempel.com/awakened-mind-training-with-suzanne-tempel/