Advanced Neurofeedback Training: Combining ILF and Hz HD Methods

Advanced Neurofeedback Training: Combining ILF and Hz HD Methods
Presented by Aaron F Gardner at ACAN 2025 in Tenerife, Spain
This presentation explores a dual-domain approach using Cygnet's capabilities to address both slow continuous systems (ILF) and faster discontinuous systems (Hz).
AG
by Aaron F Gardner
Meet Your Presenter
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
30 years of clinical experience — with specialized Othmer Method training since 2010
Extensive Neurofeedback Experience
Over 25,000 hours of neurofeedback sessions provided to diverse clients
Consultant
Regularly provides training and consultation to new and experienced neurofeedback clinicians
Conference Presenter
Previous neurofeedback case presentations at "Advanced Clinical Summit" on enuresis & dementia treatments
Session Objectives
Understand Dual Domain Approach
Highlight Cygnet's ability to address both "slower continuous" systems with ILF training and "faster discontinuous" systems with Hz training.
Introduce Clinical Applications
Learn protocols for combining both training methods
Client Outcomes
Note several client cases showing enhanced treatment effectiveness
Promote Collaborative Development
Encourage clinicians to explore and contribute to expanding the combined ILF and Hz HD methodology
Understanding Neural Systems
At the 2024 Advanced Clinical Summit, Siegfried Othmer spoke of two distinct neural systems that operate in different frequency domains:
ILF Domain (Slow Systems)
Predominantly glial and "subjectively continuous" systems operating in the Infra-Low Frequency domain — realm of Endogenous Neuromodulation
Core stabilization functions
Autonomic regulation processes
Less consciously aware systems
Associated with broader instability symptoms
Hz Domain (Fast Systems)
Neuronal EEG domain characterized by "discontinuous" microstates — occurring approximately 10 times per second
Executive functioning processes
Cognitive processing capabilities
More consciously aware functions
Predominantly in frontal and prefrontal regions
My clinical interpretation suggests that the broadly distributed ILF systems embody the generally "continuous" less consciously aware systems of our nervous system, while the "microstates" dominant in the EEG range tend to be embodied in the much more consciously aware frontal and prefrontal regions.
The Cygnet System Capabilities
ILF HD Training
Addresses "continuous" systems abnormalities that manifest as instabilities and general hyperarousal
Provides general calming of the nervous system
Treats autonomic regulatory system disorders
Hz HD Training
Targets "discontinuous" microstates in cognitive functions
Enhances executive functioning capabilities
Addresses broad range of emotional regulation issues
Combined Approach
Integrates both domains in single sessions
Creates synergistic effects for complex presentations
Offers customizable protocols for individual needs
Initial Protocol Development
ACAN 2023 Introduction
First exposure to Cygnet Hz HD capabilities and European clinicians' work at 16.5 Hz
System Activation
Hz HD module activated on NeuroAmp II — through Beemedic
Initial Trials
Protocol tried with established clients using T3-Fp1 placement at 16.5 Hz — concluding with temporal or parietal site ILF HD training in same session
Expanded Exploration
Early testing of various sites and frequencies across the 3 Hz to 40 Hz range — appeared that 16.5 Hz generally gave best results at most sites — occasionally right-side sites eliminated agitation if trained at 8.25 Hz — some recent benefits noted for left-side at 24.75 Hz — a few clients responding very well to starting with ILF then ending session with Hz training
Electrode Placement Evolution
T3-Fp1
From ACAN 2023 — Recommended T3-Fp1 at 16.5 Hz
Pz Sites
Transition to frequent Pz-Fp1 at 16.5 Hz and/or Pz-Fp2 at 16.5 Hz or 8.25 Hz — occasional  Pz-F7 and Pz-F8 at 16.5 Hz
Fp1-Fp2, F7-F8, T4-Fp2, (P3-Fp1)-(P4-Fp2)
— Encouraging results
Inner-hemispherical sites
Right-side only  — generally T4-Fp2 @ 16.5 Hz or 8.25 Hz
then T4-P4 @ ILF
Parietal based — 5-elctrode protocols (P3-Fp1)-(P4-Fp2) @ 16.5 Hz then (P3-T3)-(P4-T4) @ ILF
Rationale for Pz-Based Training
Default Mode Network
Pz identified as central node of DMN
Network Integration
Connects multiple neural systems
System Stabilization
"Keeping the brain's unrulier tendencies in check"
The Default Mode Network remains "always active in the background" and is crucial for "holding the whole system together." Targeting Pz provides strategic access to this regulatory network.
Effective Hz HD Protocol Combinations
The following protocol combinations have shown effectiveness in clinical applications
COLORED  text to highlight subtle protocol or frequency changes
Protocol Set 1
✅Pz-Fz @ ILF
✅Pz-Fp1 @ 16.5 Hz
✅P3-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 2
✅Pz-Fz @ ILF
✅Pz-Fp2 @ 16.5 Hz
✅P3-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 3
✅Pz-FPz @ ILF
✅Pz-Fp2 @ 16.5 Hz
✅P3-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 4
✅Pz-Fz @ ILF
✅Pz-Fp2 @ 8.25 Hz
✅P3-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 5
✅Pz-Fp1 @ 16.5 Hz
✅Pz-Fp2 @ 16.5 Hz
✅P3-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 6
✅Pz-Fp1 @ 16.5 Hz
✅Pz-Fp2 @ 8.25 Hz
✅P3-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 7
✅Pz-Fp2 @ 8.25 Hz [Training order different than Set 6]
✅Pz-Fp1 @ 16.5 Hz
✅P3-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 8
✅Pz-Fz @ ILF
✅Pz-Fp1 @ 16.5 Hz
✅Pz-Fp2 @ 16.5 Hz
✅P3-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 9
✅Pz-Fz @ ILF
✅Pz-Fp1 @ 16.5 Hz
✅Pz-Fp2 @ 8.25 Hz
✅P3-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 10
✅Fp1-Fp2 @ 16.5 Hz
✅P3-P4 @ ILF
Effective Hz HD Protocol Combinations
The following protocol combinations have shown effectiveness in clinical applications:
COLORED  text to highlight subtle protocol or frequency changes
Protocol Set 11
✅Fp1-Fp2 @ 16.5 Hz
✅F7-F8 @ 16.5 Hz
✅P3-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 13
✅T4-Fp2 @ 8.25 Hz
✅T4-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 15
✅T4-Fp2 @ 8.25 Hz
✅T4-F8 @ 8.25 Hz
✅T4-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 17
✅Pz-Fz @ ILF
✅Pz-Fp1 @ 24.75 Hz
Protocol Set 19
✅(P3-Fp1)-(P4-Fp2) @ 8.25 Hz
✅(P3-T3)-(P4-T4) @ ILF
Protocol Set 12
✅T4-Fp2 @ 16.5 Hz
✅T4-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 14
✅T4-Fp2 @ 16.5 Hz
✅T4-F8 @ 16.5 Hz
✅T4-P4 @ ILF
Protocol Set 16
✅Pz-Fz @ ILF
✅Pz-Fp1 @ 16.5 Hz [END training at Hz]
Protocol Set 18
✅(P3-Fp1)-(P4-Fp2) @ 16.5 Hz [5-electrode montage]
✅(P3-T3)-(P4-T4) @ ILF
Protocol Set 20
✅Pz-Fz @ ILF [2 Channel Hz HD]
✅(Fp1-Cz) @ 24.75 Hz [1 Channel Hz HD]
Clinical Benefits of Hz HD
—
Children
Improved focus, reduced hyperactivity, better emotional regulation, increase impulse control — "A real game changer" said b several parents
—
Adults
Enhanced cognitive function, reduced depression, improved organization
—
Geriatric
Better memory, increased energy, improved cognitive clarity
Benefiting Conditions
Cognitive Issues
Severe ADHD
Memory difficulties
Executive functioning
Emotional Regulation
Treatment-resistant depression
Anxiety states
Trauma-related worry
Motor System Issues
Tourette's Syndrome
Physical energy deficits
Motor control
Organizational Systems
Planning difficulties
Task completion
Obsessive thoughts/behaviors
Hz HD Training Dynamics
Dynamic Characteristics
Rapid continuous fluctuations in "Reward Signal"
Strong shifts in feedback display
Hz HD training produces fast, continuous fluctuations in reward signals that create a visibly dynamic feedback experience
Parameter Adjustment for Sensitive Clients
Initial Training Discomfort
Neurologically sensitive clients may experience discomfort or instability increases with Hz HD training
"Softening" Parameters
Adjusting reward parameters to reduce training intensity allows sensitive clients to tolerate the protocol
Progressive Adaptation
With subsequent sessions, "softening" can be gradually reduced as clients adapt to the training
Parameter "Tightening" for Enhanced Effects
Parameter Adjustment
Strategic modification of settings enhances training potency for resilient clients
Reported Changes
While training with "tightened" parameters, clients  tend to report feeling stronger treatment effects during sessions as well as stronger effects after sessions
Life Changing Improvements
Such “tightening” of parameters seems to have significantly enhanced training outcomes for some clients
Key Adjustable Reward Parameters
Client cases showing enhanced effectiveness
28-year-old with ADHD & Depression
After 57 sessions based on ILF with marginal results, transitioned to Hz HD sessions with progressive "tightening" of parameters.  
Results: Went from poor work performance to exceling in technical manufacturing role; received multiple promotions and recognitions over several months.
7-year-old with DMDD
Fifth session, switched from Fp1-Fp2 ILF module to Fp1-Fp2 @ 16.5 HZ HD.
Results: Parents reported "less explosive and compulsive" behavior, maintained receptive language during triggers, with "no actual fights or episodes" after first Hz HD session.
69-year-old with Cognitive & Memory Issues
After 55 sessions of ILF module and Synchrony training with marginal results, switched to combined Hz HD and ILF approach.
Results: Dramatic cognitive improvements with sudden clear recall of memories, including remembering people's names.
7-year-old with ADHD, Encopresis, Emotional Meltdowns
With 10 ILF based sessions, inconsistent progress; switched to training Hz HD at Pz-Fp1 & Pz-Fp2,
combined with ILF at P3-P4.
Results: Mother describes the Hz HD modification as "a real game changer!"
Around 70% of my current clients are now utilizing Combined ILF and Hz HD Method – Percentage progressively increasing
Key Conclusions: Combined Hz HD and ILF HD training appears to improve outcomes compared to ILF HD alone
Enhanced Cognition
Improved attention, memory, and processing beyond ILF only results
Enhanced Progress
Clients "stuck" or progressing poorly or marginally with ILF alone progress and respond  better with combined approach
Enhanced Emotion
Better emotional regulation and stress resilience in daily activities
Addressing Both Dual Domain Networks
Assume improved integration between ILF "subjectively continuous" and Hz "discontinuous" neural networks
Limitations and Considerations
Emergent Clinical Areas
Limited trials with seizures, migraines, psychosis, and autism spectrum conditions — around 5% of clients, initially, do not respond well to Hx HD introduction
Assessment Methods
Primarily reliance on client feedback about symptom changes and improvements
Quantitative and standardized measurements not systematically administered
Practitioner Experience
Results may vary based on clinician expertise along  with familiarity with parameter adjustments
Theoretical Framework
Underlying mechanisms require further expertise, research and clarification
Future Research Directions
Electrode Placements
Explore additional sites beyond current protocols
Frequency Optimization
Explore various ideal Hz training frequencies for specific conditions
Parameter Fine-Tuning
Investigate other adjustable settings — like filter order
Standardized Assessment
Implement quantitative measures for objective evaluation
Special Populations to Explore
Instability Disorders
Epilepsy
Chronic migraines
Vestibular disorders
Psychosis
Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Autism spectrum disorders
Developmental disorders
Learning disabilities
Specialized Applications
Brainstem training (Sebern Fisher's work)
Traumatic brain injury
Post-COVID cognitive & physical symptoms
Conclusions and Invitation
Our exploration of Cygnet's capabilities reveals promising new frontiers in neurofeedback.
Dual System Approach
Expand effectiveness by addressing both "slower continuous" systems with ILF and "faster discontinuous" systems with Hz training
Parameter Optimization
Fine-tuning Hz HD training parameters shows expedient paths to improved client outcomes
Promising Training Sites
Many Hz HD sites beyond T3-Fp1 demonstrate encouraging clinical results
Join Our Community
Share your findings and protocols to advance our collective knowledge in exploring Cygnet Hz HD potential.
Aaron F. Gardner,
MA, LCMHC
On Track Counseling: BrainElevated.com, Utah, USA
aaron@brainElevated.com
This is only the beginning—there is still very much to learn and explore together.