About
Dr Marina van der Ryst

Educational Psychologist Specializing in Neuropsychology & Neurofeedback training

The intricacies of the brain and how it regulates daily functioning have always fascinated me. With the discovery of Functional Connectivity brain networks and research linking network dysregulation to a variety of psychopathology, we can now link behaviour patterns (function and symptoms) to brain function (neurophysiology). This additional lense on psychological (dys)function led to new neuromodulation techniques used to assist clients in optimizing mental well-being. 

As a Neuropsychologist and Educational-, qualification as an EEG technician added to my understanding of applied psycho-neurophysiological tools and – interventions. Certification as a BCIA Neurofeedback practitioner and QEEG-Licensed Diplomate enabled me to employ methods like qEEG-driven Neuro- and Biofeedback.

Focus:  Over the past 20 + years, qEEG formed part of our neurocognitive and -psychological assessments. Outcomes are used to guide Neurofeedback training, psychological interventions and other neuromodulation techniques.

Extended focus: As interest in the applicability of qEEG in the broader mental health society grew, qEEG-reports were requested by sport performance coaches, psychologists, medical- and functional medicine practitioners, nutritional experts, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, remedial therapists etc using it to monitor changes in the CNS and ANS (Central- and Autonomous Nervous system), performance levels, or the progress due to their specific choices of treatment / training protocols. It gives me great satisfaction to provide mentoring and supervision to support professionals with their certification process; to add value to their respective practices with expert qEEG-reports, and to foster multi-disciplinary teamwork.

More About My Professional Career Development

1992

I registered at the HPCSA as an Educational psychologist and Psychometrist in 1992. I obtained a Master degree and PHD in Psychology at the University of Pretoria, specializing as an Educational psychologist. There after I completed Post-Master diploma studies at the University of Johannesburg in Adult Pathology, Neuro-psychology and –physiology, and Personality Models. I am a member of the Psychological Society of SA.

2010

I obtained an advanced Level III Hypnosis Certificate: Eriksonian; Medico-Analysis and Ego-states and have used this tool effectively in a wide variety of problems since 2010.

My passion for neuroscience, the human brain and its role in human behavior and learning have led me to specialize further in neuropsychology. I have testified in numerous court cases over the past 10-12 years in the field of cognitive functioning and Traumatic Brain Injury

I have continued my training with SAMLA (South African Medico-legal Association) to enhance my medico-legal skills and specializes in Traumatic Brain Injury cases and Medical negligence.
It was natural to expand into the field of Brain training eg, Clinical Neurofeedback (training of the EEG) using advanced EEG equipment.

2015

In 2015 I became a BCIA (Biofeedback Certification International Alliance) accredited practitioner.

2019

HPCSA: Registered as a Neuropsychologist, Educational psychologist and EEG Technician

Specialized in:

  • Advanced Level III Hypnosis Certificate: Eriksonian; Medico-Analysis and Ego-states
  • Medico-legal assessment focussing on Traumatic Brain Injury and Medical negligence.

Specializing into Clinical Neurofeedback since 2014:

  • BCIA (Biofeedback Certification International Alliance) accredited Neurofeedback practitioner
  • HPCSA registered as an EEG Technician 
  • International QEEG Licensed Diplomate practitioner performing QEEG (brain mapping)

International and National Training and Alliances

In the fast-developing Neuroscience field, we strive to remain internationally connected and certified to provide the newest techniques to our clients. Additional information regarding training, interventions, research and articles can be found at:
\

SA Clinical Neuropsychological Association (SACNA)

\

International Society of Neuro-Semantic Association (ISNS)

\

International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR)

\

BrainMaster Bio-and Neurofeedback Equipment

\

The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback

\

Biofeedback Certification International Alliance

\

International QEEG Certification Board

\

ISF Associates

Associates & Associated Services

Lorraine Mokgonyane

Independent Psychometrist

Speaks 6 African languages: HPCSA PMT 0071994

Vera-Marie Kuhn

Educational Psychologist

HPCSA 8639736

Karin Ayers

Educational Psychologist

HPCSA 0083747

Karlien Nederveen

Occupational Therapist

HPCSA 0032735

Referral to a variety of trusted medical- and psychiatric experts can be done according to your unique needs to ensure effective and appropriate support.