Interpersonal Biofeedback
Steven Kassel, MFT
1-day workshop
Date: TBD
Workshop Title
Interpersonal Biofeedback
Workshop Description
Biofeedback has almost 60 years of research and clinical application while Marital Counseling has many more years and a higher usage rate. Research on both fields as a hybrid is minimal and recent advances have made the study of Interpersonal Biofeedback more accessible. Clinical usage of Interpersonal Biofeedback has been reported to have success by this author and others.
The goal of this presentation is to educate participants in this unique and under-utilized form of treatment. They will be shown research sessions of husband and wife along with 5 channels of physiology (hand temperature, sweat gland activity, respiration rate, heart rate and heart rate variability), historical perspectives of Couples Counseling and how couples are learning to self-regulate physiology to enhance marital satisfaction. There will be a demonstration of equipment that is used in the office and as remote Interpersonal Biofeedback training. Psychophysiological Profiling of couples and treatment approach and strategies will be discussed as well as outcome from a small study. The workshop will also discuss ways in which participants will be able to incorporate Interpersonal Biofeedback into their professional practices.
Learning Objectives
- 1) Participants will demonstrate understanding of the role of psychophysiological assessment in light of interpersonal dynamics.
2) Participants will demonstrate understanding in how to integrate biofeedback into interpersonal counseling settings including marriage counseling and family counseling with children and adolescents.
3) Participants will be able to create treatment plans to integrate biofeedback into relationship focused therapy.
4) Participants will be able to demonstrate understanding of Psychophysiological Profiling of Couples for research and clinical purposes.
About Steven Kassel
Steven C. Kassel, MFT, is Board Certified in Biofeedback and Board Certified in Neurofeedback. He has practiced biofeedback since 1985 and is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 1991. He is past President of the Biofeedback Society of California (now known as the Western Association of Biofeedback and Neuroscience) and has recently served on its Board of Directors. He is a pioneer of Interpersonal Biofeedback, has brought biofeedback programs to several schools and recently published on both of these subjects as well as presented as various conferences. He is also an activist in health care reform.
