The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) was founded in 1969 as the Biofeedback Research Society (BRS). The association aims to promote understanding of

biofeedback Biofeedback is the process of gaining greater awareness of many physiological functions of one's own body by using electronic or other instruments, and with a goal of being able to manipulate the body's systems at will. Humans conduct biofeedbac ...

and advance the methods used in this practice. AAPB is a non-profit organization as defined in Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

Aims

AAPB aims to advance the development, dissemination and utilization of knowledge about applied

psychophysiology Psychophysiology (from Greek , ''psȳkhē'', "breath, life, soul"; , ''physis'', "nature, origin"; and , ''-logia'') is the branch of psychology that is concerned with the physiological bases of psychological processes. While psychophysiology was ...

and

to improve health and the quality of life through research, education and practice. AAPB's aims include: * the encouragement of scientific research and the expansion of clinical and educational applications of biofeedback and applied psychophysiology, * the integration of biofeedback with other self-regulatory methods, * the promotion of high standards of professional practice, ethics, and education, * the increase of member knowledge through events, publications, educational programs, and special interest sections and divisions, * making the public aware of biofeedback.

Definition of biofeedback

The

American Psychological Association The American Psychological Association (APA) is the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United States, with over 133,000 members, including scientists, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students. It has ...

has named biofeedback as a clinical proficiency. The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB), the Biofeedback Certification Institution of America (BCIA), and the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) approved the following definition of

on May 18, 2008:

Journals

Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback

'' Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback'' is a journal devoted to study of the interrelationship of physiological systems,

cognition Cognition refers to "the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses". It encompasses all aspects of intellectual functions and processes such as: perception, attention, thoug ...

, social and environmental parameters, and health. Priority is given to original research which contributes to the theory, practice, and evaluation of applied psychophysiology and biofeedback. Other sections are for conceptual and theoretical articles; evaluative reviews; the Clinical Forum, which includes case studies, clinical replication series, treatment protocols, and clinical notes and observations; the Discussion Forum; innovations in instrumentation; letters to the editor, comments on issues raised in articles; and book reviews. ''Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback'' is a publication of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. Frank Andrasik serves as the journal's editor.

Biofeedback: A Clinical Journal

'' Biofeedback: A Clinical Journal'' is a peer-reviewed, quarterly online journal for biofeedback practitioners, educators, health and mental health professionals, and researchers in psychophysiology. ''Biofeedback'' includes reports on advances in biofeedback, neurofeedback, self-regulation strategies, sports physiology, personal and occupational wellness, peak performance in the arts, and scientific psychophysiology. ''Biofeedback'' also publishes articles on practice standards and ethical principles in research and practice, feature articles on uses of biofeedback, and case studies illustrating use of mind-body therapies and principles. Priority is given to programs of research, innovative clinical programs, and technical advances. The journal also publishes historical and biographical articles on biofeedback and psychophysiology; reviews of the development of biofeedback in international settings; innovations in instrumentation and software; and book reviews. ''Biofeedback: A Clinical Journal'' is an official publication of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. Don Moss serves as the journal's editor.

Teleseminar Series

AAPB Teleseminars
present findings in topics of interest to biofeedback and neurofeedback professionals like ''Battle Trauma'' and ''Neurons and Neurotransmitters''. Teleseminars are approved by the APA and Nursing Association, and most last 90 minutes, providing 1.5 hours of CE Credit. Telesminars allow professionals to earn all of the CE credits needed for professional licensure and BCIA renewal.

Membership

Membership in AAPB is open to professionals interested in the investigation and application of applied psychophysiology and biofeedback, and in the scientific and professional advancement of the field. The AAPB has grown to more than 2,000 members representing the fields of

psychology Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. Psychology includes the study of conscious and unconscious phenomena, including feelings and thoughts. It is an academic discipline of immense scope, crossing the boundaries betwe ...

medicine Medicine is the science and Praxis (process), practice of caring for a patient, managing the diagnosis, prognosis, Preventive medicine, prevention, therapy, treatment, Palliative care, palliation of their injury or disease, and Health promotion ...

nursing Nursing is a profession within the health care sector focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life. Nurses may be differentiated from other health ...

social work Social work is an academic discipline and practice-based profession concerned with meeting the basic needs of individuals, families, groups, communities, and society as a whole to enhance their individual and collective well-being. Social wo ...

counseling Counseling is the professional guidance of the individual by utilizing psychological methods especially in collecting case history data, using various techniques of the personal interview, and testing interests and aptitudes. This is a list of co ...

physical therapy Physical therapy (PT), also known as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions. It is provided by physical therapists who promote, maintain, or restore health through physical examination, diagnosis, management, prognosis, patie ...

education Education is a purposeful activity directed at achieving certain aims, such as transmitting knowledge or fostering skills and character traits. These aims may include the development of understanding, rationality, kindness, and honesty. ...

, and other

health care Health care or healthcare is the improvement of health via the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, amelioration or cure of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments in people. Health care is delivered by health ...

areas. Corporations can support AAPB through their Corporate Membership. There are many state chapters, and the association has members in several countries.

Structure

Allied Professionals Section

Th
Applied Professionals Section
was formed to create an alliance of biofeedback professionals in order to support recognition of unlicensed biofeedback practitioners. Members include biofeedback professionals who are researchers, rehabilitation specialists, educators, stress management counselors, health care specialists, and other biofeedback consultants who are not recognized under a specific license. The Allied Professionals Section accepts unlicensed biofeedback practitioners, regardless of their specialty (EMG, EEG or general).

Applied Respiratory Psychophysiology Section

Th
Applied Respiratory Psychophysiology Section
promotes scientific and clinical activities in the area of respiratory retraining for treating psychological and physical symptoms, and the management of respiratory diseases. The section fosters research on the causes and effects of

hyperventilation Hyperventilation is irregular breathing that occurs when the rate or tidal volume of breathing eliminates more carbon dioxide than the body can produce. This leads to hypocapnia, a reduced concentration of carbon dioxide dissolved in the blood. ...

and effects of respiratory rhythms on other physiological systems including the body's homeostatic reflexes.

Education Section

Th
Education Section
is the oldest within AAPB. The section focuses on assisting biofeedback professionals as educators and supporting applications of biofeedback in an educational setting. The section embarked on a project in 2008 to redefine its mission and function within AAPB. Included in the section's proposed initiatives is the development of a web-based “link” that will enable the exchange of information between AAPB's stakeholders. The first phase of implementation for the link project is planned as a component of AAPB's larger website renovation, and will involve coordinating information about planned educational programs amongst AAPB and its state, regional, and international chapters.

International Section

Th
International Section
fosters the promotion of scientific research and clinical practice; promotion of high standards of professional practice, peer review, ethics, and education in biofeedback; and dissemination of information about biofeedback to members and the public. Members can be involved in the governance of the section, develop a network of international contacts dealing with similar issues, clarify how AAPB and the section can better meet their needs, and can contribute to the expansion of biofeedback worldwide.

ISMA - USA Stress Management Section

The purpose of th
ISMA-USA Stress Management Section
is to promote scientific and clinical activities in the application areas of stress management for treating psychological and physical symptoms and management of stress-related disorders.

Mind-Body Medicine Section

Mind-body medicine is an area of research funding by the

NIH The National Institutes of Health, commonly referred to as NIH (with each letter pronounced individually), is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research. It was founded in the late 1 ...

’s

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is a United States government agency which explores complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It was initially created in 1991 as the Office of Alternative Medicine (OAM), ...

(NCCAM) and the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR). The website is a
The goal is to increase participation in AAPB by creative thinkers, teachers, researchers and explorers in meditation
, distant healing, prayer">meditation">The goal is to increase participation in AAPB by creative thinkers, teachers, researchers and explorers in meditation
, distant healing, prayer, hypnosis and Guided affective imagery, imagery, yoga, Intuition (knowledge), intuition and dreams, psychoacoustics, qigong, and related areas.

Neurofeedback Division

Neurofeedback Division
membership is open to members of AAPB who are interested in research and practice in neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback). The division sponsors activities at the AAPB Annual Meeting, including key speakers and workshops. The Neurofeedback Division Newsletter includes articles on clinical and technical interviews, topics including insurance, ethics, medicolegal issues, and products, systems, and approaches. Articles for the Biofeedback Newsmagazine are also submitted by division members. Benefits of membership include newsletters and list servs, programs and a dinner at the annual meeting, web-listing opportunities, and access to the AAPB website's member's only area. Sustaining Members receive recognition in the Neurofeedback Newsletter, certificate showing support of Division, and free web link in Member's Only Section of website.

Optimal Functioning Section

Th
Optimal Functioning Section
was organized to discuss and explore uses of biofeedback and applied psychophysiology for optimizing health, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual functioning, and peak performance fields. The section holds a meeting in conjunction with the annual conference, and sponsors invite symposia and presentations from recognized experts.

Performing Arts Psychophysiology Section

Th
Performing Arts Psychophysiology Section
is open to anyone interested in psychophysiology for artists. Members possess a background in art. The section was founded on the premise that the physiological effects of stress threaten artists' health and professional careers. It encourages development of clinical applications, validation of therapies which artists utilize, and testing of arts populations with psychophysiological models.

sEMG/SESNA Division

Th
Surface EMG Division
within AAPB began as the Surface EMG Society of North America (SESNA). The aim is to promote the use of surface electromyography techniques within the context of applied psychophysiology. They provide a track at the AAPB Annual Meeting, workshops, and internet dialogue on members’ interests.

State, Regional, and International Chapters

State Chapters

Biofeedback Society of California

Colorado Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback

Biofeedback Society of Florida

Biofeedback Society of Georgia

Biofeedback Society of Illinois

Michigan Society for Behavioral Medicine and Biofeedback

Biofeedback Society of New Mexico

Biofeedback Society of North Carolina

Pennsylvania for Behavioral Medicine & Biofeedback

Biofeedback Society of Texas

Biofeedback Society of Washington

Biofeedback Society of Wisconsin

Regional Chapters

Mid-Atlantic Society for Biofeedback and Behavioral Medicine

Northeast Regional Biofeedback Society

International Chapters

Polish Biofeedback and Applied Psychophysiology Society

History

The Biofeedback Research Society (BRS) was founded in 1969. The BRS was renamed the Biofeedback Society of America (BSA) in 1976 and the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) in 1989.Schwartz, M. S., & Olson, R. Paul (2003). A historical perspective on the field of biofeedback and applied psychophysiology. In M. S. Schwartz, & F. Andrasik (Eds.). ''Biofeedback: A practitioner's guide'' (3rd ed.). New York: The Guilford Press.

Executive Directors

1969 to 2009 - Francine Butler, PhD, CAE, CMP 2007 to 2010 - David L. Stumph, IOM, CAE

Past presidents

2008 - Aubrey Ewing 2007 - Alan Glaros 2006 - Richard Gevirtz 2005 - Richard Sherman 2004 - Steve Baskin 2003 - Lynda Kirk 2002 - Paul Lehrer 2001 - Donald Moss 2000 - Doil Montgomery 1999 - Dale Walters 1998 - Ian Wickramasekera 1997 - Sebastian Striefel 1996 - Joel F. Lubar 1995 - Angele McGrady 1994 - Michael McKee 1993 - Frank Andrasik 1992 - Paula B. Amar 1991 - Steven L. Wolf 1990 - J. Peter Rosenfeld 1989 - Susan Middaugh 1988 - M. Barry Sterman 1987 - Mark Schwartz 1986 - Carol Schneider 1985 - Patricia Norris 1984 -

Neal Miller Neal Elgar Miller (August 3, 1909 – March 23, 2002) was an American experimental psychologist. Described as an energetic man with a variety of interests, including physics, biology and writing, Miller entered the field of psychology to pursue ...

1983 - John D. Rugh 1982 - Steven L. Fahrion 1981 - Bernard T. Engel 1980 -

Edward Taub Edward Taub (born 1931, Brooklyn New York) is a behavioral neuroscientist on the faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is best known for his involvement in the Silver Spring monkeys case and for making major breakthroughs in th ...

1979 - John Basmajian 1978 - Elmer Green 1977 - Charles Stroebel 1976 - Erik Peper 1975 - Joe Kamiya 1974 - Thomas H. Budzynski 1973 -

Gary Schwartz Gary E. Schwartz is an American psychologist, author, parapsychologist and professor at the University of Arizona and the director of its Laboratory for Advances in Consciousness and Health. Schwartz researches the veracity of mediums and energy ...

1971 to 1972 - Johann Stoyva 1970 to 1971 - Thomas Mulholland 1969 to 1970 - Barbara Brown,

AAPB Foundation

The AAPB Foundation was formed in 1985 at the urging of then AAPB president,

. Miller believed that the organization should encourage the interest and application of work by students to demonstrate the efficacy of biofeedback techniques. Presently, the foundation annually supports travel scholarships to students whose papers have been accepted for presentation at the annual meeting. The Foundation for Education and Research in Biofeedback and Related Sciences initiated a program aimed at stimulating biofeedback research at its 2009 Board meeting. The board established funding for three grants at $1,000 each. Eligibility is limited to graduate students doing research in biofeedback and related fields. The award is accompanied by a travel scholarship and a waiver of registration to attend the AAPB annual meeting where the results of the research are presented.

References

External links

Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB)Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA)Biofeedback Foundation of Europe (BFE)Northeast Regional Biofeedback Society (NRBS)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Association For Applied Psychophysiology And Biofeedback Biofeedback Physiology organizations Mind–body interventions Devices to alter consciousness Psychotherapy organizations