Interpersonal Biofeedback

Interpersonal Biofeedback is a promising new area of study and clinical practice. It is a hybrid of two evidence based therapies, Biofeedback and Psychotherapy, where information of physiology, such as heart rate, heart rate variability, brain waves, hand temperature, sweat gland activity, and/or resperation are given back to more than one person at a time to help them learn how to tone down nervous system arousal or better tune-in to one another. The earliest work of which I am aware was done by artist Nina Sobel in feedback of brainwave activity of 2 people onto an osciliscope while they each tried overlap wave form patterns. Some of her work appears on youtube. Les Fehmi, PhD has also worked with couples looking at brain waves. Ray Varlinski, MFT has been using Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback using 2 EmWave single channel instruments with couples. My work with I-Biofeedback has primarily been to research the effect of 8 channels of peripheral biofeedback, that which does not include brainwaves, and it has been most helpful in working with couples (though it may be done as part of treatment, patients need to be aware that the combination of these 2 evidence based therapies is still experimental). As a coaching tool, it may be useful in employment situations or in divorce mediation. The feedback screen, seen below shows the 8 channels of feedback and used audio/video for playback for subject/patient/client observation and better learning.For the research I am doing, I am currently looking for subject couples to participate in a 10 session original study of Interpersonal Biofeedback. This study was mentioned in The Biomedical Reports.

This study examines the additive therapeutic effect of two existing evidence-based techniques, marital therapy and biofeedback. We are studying the benefits of using interpersonal biofeedback as an additional modality to traditional marital therapy. Specifically, the effects on marital satisfaction and psychophysiologic reactivity will be measured.

In this study we will be monitoring and giving feedback to each partner about their physiology and teaching them how to control reactivity in order to remain more calm when discussing emotionally charged subjects with their partner. Physiologic parameters such as breathing, heart rate, sweat gland activity and hand temperature will be monitored with specialized equipment, as well as audio and video monitoring of the couple during the study sessions. The therapist will have the ability to stop and replay recordings in order to demonstrate changes in physiology to the couples. The study hypothesizes that study subjects will be able to learn to modify their physiologic reactions and thereby improve communications with their intimate partner.

The aim of this study is one of directed therapy, to focus on the process of how couples talk to one another and how to better resolve conflicts, rather than to simply talk about burning issues in the relationship. If further therapy is required to expand on specific relational issues, subjects will be referred back to their original therapist.

There will be no financial compensation for participating in this study, as this is a non-funded research project, and no charge will be made for these sessions. Involvement for the full 10 sessions is a commitment that will be much appreciated and, we anticipate will be of benefit to the couples involved.

Here is a short movie explaining I-BF and showing 2 actors resolving a dispute while using biofeedback to control nervous system arousal. Please click!

Click to play video CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO SEE THE MOVIE.

I have been using I-Biofeedback for over 1 year and have presented at several professional conferences. Since this is a complex therapy, a hybrid of 2 Evidence Based Therapies involving specialized instrumentation, I do not accept third party payment unless it is in writing and worth the overhead and training involved. Please call the office at 661 259-3704 to get further details for training you and your partner or if you would wish to participate in the research for free.

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