According to the International Society of Neuroregulation & Research (ISNR), Neurofeedback is a process that “…involves placing sensors on the scalp of the individual and connecting the sensors to an amplifier and computer. Through these connections, the electrical activity of the brain is recorded, and then presented back to the individual on the computer screen in the form of a video game or soundtrack that changes depending on what state the brain is in. This is the “feedback” aspect of neurofeedback that enables the individual to change their brain function and keep the game or sound on more”.
Research completed by Dr. Russo and his colleagues have found that neurofeedback can be helpful in reducing symptoms associated with anxiety and PTSD (Russo et al., 2021), as well as helpful in reducing symptoms associated with alcohol, opoid, and methamphetamine use disorders (Russo et al., 2023). Currently, ANNETTE Lab assistants are working with Dr. Russo to evaluate the efficacy of neurofeedback in the reduction of symptoms of sadness and depression.
Russo, G. M., Jimenez, U., Mir, C. P. (2023). Evaluation of neurofeedback in reducing depressive symptomology: A meta-analysis (ID No. CRD42023475999). National Institute for Health and Care Research: PROSPERO.
Russo, G. M., Smith, S., & Sperandio, K. R. (2023). A meta-analysis of neurofeedback for treating substance use disorders. Journal of Counseling & Development, 101(2), 143–156. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12466
Russo, G. M., Balkin, R. S., & Lenz, A. S. (2022). A meta-analysis of neurofeedback for treating anxiety-spectrum disorders. Journal of Counseling & Development, 100(3), 236–251. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12424
Longo, R. E., & Russo, G. M. (2017). Working with forensic populations: Incorporating peripheral biofeedback and brainwave biofeedback into your organization or practice. In T. F. Collura & J. A. Frederick (Eds.), Handbook of clinical QEEG and neurotherapy (pp. 92–105). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315754093
Dreis, S., Gouger, A., Perez, E., Russo, G. M., Fitzsimmons, M., & Jones, M. (2015). Using neurofeedback to lower anxiety symptoms using individualized QEEG protocols: A pilot study. NeuroRegulation, 2(3), 137–148. https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.2.3.137
Russo, G. M., & Novian, D. A. (2014). A research analysis of neurofeedback protocols for PTSD and alcoholism. NeuroRegulation, 1(2), 183–186. https://doi.org/10.15540/nr.1.2.183
Neurocounseling or Neuroscience-informed Counseling are terms that are used to describe the process that counselors undergo to appraise neuroscience research with the aim of developing interventions that can be used to treat clients with a wide range of clinical symptoms.
In the ANNETTE Lab, students contribute to research that informs conference presentations, webinars, and other venues that can be with the aim of supporting counselors to develop interventions that may be helpful to promote client success.
Russo, G. M., Beeson, E. T., & Burt, I. (2024). Integrating neuroscience-informed counseling research into counseling practice. In T. A. Field, L. K. Jones, & L. A. Russell-Chapin (Eds.), Neurocounseling: Brain-based clinical approaches (2nd ed.). American Counseling Association.
Field, T. A., Moh, Y. S., Luke, C., Gracefire, P., Beeson, E. T., Russo, G. M. (2022). A training model for the development of neuroscience-informed counseling competencies. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 44(3), 266–281. https://doi.org/10.17744/mehc.44.3.05
Russo, G. M., Schauss, E., Naik, S., Banerjee, R., Ghoston, M., Jones, L. K., Zalaquett, C. P., Beeson, E. T., & Field, T. A. (2021). Extent of counselor training in neuroscience-informed counseling competencies. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 43(1), 75–93. https://doi.org/10.17744/mehc.43.1.05
In the ANNETTE lab, graduate students will have the opportunity to provide neurofeedback training to individuals that experience symptoms associated with traumatic experiences, substance use, and/or feelings of anxiety. These opportunities can be helpful to students as they pursue neurofeedback certification through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance while simultaneously working towards satisfying educational experiences associated with counseling Practicum and Internship coursework. All services provided will be under the direction and mentorship of Dr. Russo, ANNETTE Lab Director and BCIA- BCN Mentor.
Individuals that are seeking neurofeedback training will be evaluated for inclusionary criteria prior to receiving services. As part of this evaluation, Dr. Russo will see if individuals meet criteria to be included in one of the ongoing studies through the ANNETTE Lab. Participation in the study is not mandatory to receive neurofeedback services, but is always appreciated. For more information, please contact Dr. Russo.
In the ANNETTE Lab we don’t simply provide assessments to people, we challenge the assessments that we provide to people. To accomplish this, we build from a provisional patent (#63/643,567) developed by Dr. Russo, which allows us to analyze brainwave (EEG) activity as people answer questions on an assessment. Information obtained from this process allows us to actually test the tests and better understand patterns of decision making that people use to inform their choices from a brain-based perspective.
Department of Educational Psychology
820 Van Vleet Oval, Room 321
Norman OK, 73019
Dr. G. Michael Russo is an assistant professor of Professional Counseling at the University of Oklahoma. He maintains his licensure as a professional counselor in the state of Oklahoma, is a National Certified Counselor, and is Board Certified in Neurofeedback, Fellow.
Russo draws upon his 10+ years of clinical experience to actively publish research that focuses on neuroscience-informed counseling, neurofeedback, anxiety, crisis, and substance abuse/misuse. He currently serves as an Editorial Board Member for the Journal of Counseling & Development (JCD) and the International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling (IJAC). Additionally, Russo serves as the chair of the Neuroscience Committee with the International Association of Addiction and Offender Counselors (IAAOC), as well as co-chair of the Neuroscience Taskforce through the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA). He is passionate about counseling student success and is keenly focused on community engagement opportunities.
