Alpha Theta 
This approach to neurofeedback stands apart from all of the other neurofeedback and biofeedback approaches.  Alpha is a level of brain activity described as “still presence”, where there is an absence of thinking, a state associated with bare attention, or meditation.  Theta is associated with that state between wakefulness and sleep and is present in deep states of meditation by experienced meditators.  This neurofeedback protocol encourages a mental state described as “liminal”, occupying the boundary territory between waking and sleeping.  

Twilight Learning
Early in the history of neurofeedback training, Thomas Budzinski developed a concept of twilight (or liminal) learning and approaches to increase Theta because when successful with this, research had found that the mind was less resistant to change, more receptive to suggestion.  The Theta or liminal state may be the same as the hypnotic state also known to research as a highly suggestible state.  This line of thinking combined the unconscious mind with the right hemisphere of the brain, an association advanced in the hypnosis literature as well.  

Elmer and Alyce Greene from the Menninger Clinic, collaborating with Budzinsky, added an important component to this process by formulating a protocol for presenting suggestions to the right hemisphere while in a Theta state through the use of imagery rather than words.  

Penniston and Kulkosky
These developments led to the formulation of Penniston and Kulkosky’s “Alpha Theta” protocol highly successful with Vietnam vets suffering from PTSD, alcoholism, and polysubstance abuse (approximately 60% to 80% success rates which held for up to three years at post-test depending on study. Other researchers have produced rates of success ranging from 60 – 100%).  

The swift development and odd success of this protocol with PTSD and alcoholism, two disorders known to be highly resistant to therapy, was revolutionary, and so were received by the scientific community with outright disbelief.  It has taken decades for this breakthrough to be accepted through the slow process of research replication across various substances, settings and programs.  (see our Addiction section and Research sections for more information).