The Clinical Handbook of Biofeedback: A Step–by–Step Guide for Training and Practice with Mindfulness

This practical handbook guides clinicians step by step through the processes of applying biofeedback in a clinical setting, providing proven and effective methodologies for those new to the technique as well as offering established practitioners a means of enriching their work and improving patient outcomes. Integrating powerful mindfulness approaches into biofeedback practice, the book’s clearly defined sections cover core aspects of the peripheral biofeedback method, now widely recognized as one of the most scientifically robust applications of psychophysiology and behavior therapy. Beginning with a clear and authoritative introduction to mindfulness and acceptance, the author describes proven and effective ways of integrating these approaches with biofeedback, as well as dealing with general aspects such as instrumentation. She moves on to protocols on assessment, providing step–by–step instructions and guidelines on interpretation. Next is detailed coverage of five peripheral biofeedback modalities including heart rate variability, surface electromyography, and temperature. Finally, a section on psychophysiological disorders brings the material and approach together across a range of conditions for which biofeedback has been shown to work as an efficacious treatment option, including sample scripts for use with patients.

List of Figures vii List of Tables ix Acknowledgments xi Introduction xiii Part I Foundations 1 1 Mindfulness and Acceptance Approach to Biofeedback 1 2 General Issues in Biofeedback 24 3 Biofeedback Equipment 29 Part II Assessment 33 4 Initial Evaluation 33 5 Psychophysiological Stress Profile 37 6 Psychophysiological Relaxation Profile 47 7 Evidence–Based Treatment Planning 57 Part III Biofeedback modalities 67 8 Breathing 67 9 Heart Rate Variability 97 10 Surface Electromyography 118 11 Temperature 157 12 Skin Conductance 165 Part IV Biofeedback application 172 13 Anxiety 172 14 Asthma 196 15 Migraine Headaches 204 16 Tension–Type Headache 215 17 Essential Hypertension 224 18 Irritable Bowel Syndrome 234 19 Raynaud’s Phenomenon 242 20 Temporomandibular Joint Disorders 250 21 Chronic Low Back Pain and Other Chronic Pain Disorders 261 22 Emerging Directions 276 Appendix I Meditation Scripts 285 Appendix II Client Logs 300 Index 326

Inna Khazan is a Clinical Instructor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, USA, where she teaches biofeedback. A clinical psychologist specializing in health psychology and biofeedback, Dr. Khazan also maintains a private practice in Boston, working with clients presenting with various psychophysiological disorders, using both biofeedback and mindfulness–based approaches to psychotherapy.