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Using Slack for Support

Slack is your primary communication tool for remote neurofeedback coaching. This guide shows you how to use it effectively.

📱 Getting Started with Slack

Download the App

Mobile (Recommended): - iOS: App Store → Search "Slack" - Android: Play Store → Search "Slack"

Why mobile? Easy to take photos of electrode placements and signal issues!

Desktop: - Download from slack.com/downloads - OR use web browser: peakbrainla.slack.com

Your Channel

Channel name: remote-lastname_ID
Example: remote-smith_josm

Who's in your channel: - You (single-channel guest) - Your assigned remote coaches - Dr. Hill (monitors all channels) - @channel group (notifies all coaches)

Privacy: This is YOUR private channel - other clients can't see it.

💬 Sending Messages

Basic Messaging

To post an update: 1. Open your channel 2. Type your message in the box at bottom 3. Press Enter to send

To notify coaches: Start your message with @channel

Example: 

@channel Quick question - where is C4 again? I forgot!

This pings all coaches so someone will respond quickly.

When to Use @channel

Use @channel for: - Protocol check-ins - Questions needing coach response - Equipment/signal issues - Anything you need help with

Don't need @channel for: - Sharing survey results (coaches see these automatically) - General updates - Thinking out loud

When in doubt, use @channel!

📸 Sharing Photos & Screenshots

Taking Placement Photos (MOST USEFUL!)

Best method: Phone camera

  1. Download Slack app on your phone
  2. Open your channel in Slack mobile app
  3. Tap the camera icon or + button
  4. Take photo of your electrode placement
  5. Upload immediately

What to show: - The electrode on your scalp - Nearby landmarks (ear, centerline, etc.) - Overall head position/orientation - Clear, well-lit photo

Caption your photo: 

@channel Does this look right for C4?

Coaches can usually tell immediately if placement is correct!

Screenshots (Computer)

Windows: 1. Press Windows + Shift + S 2. Drag to select the area 3. Image copies to clipboard 4. Go to Slack, press Ctrl + V to paste

Mac: 1. Press Cmd + Shift + 4 2. Drag to select the area 3. Image saves to desktop 4. Drag file into Slack

What to Screenshot

Helpful screenshots: - Signal quality issues (show the EEG traces) - Software error messages - Game settings/configurations - Portal pages if you have questions

Example message: 

@channel Getting fuzzy signal at C4, tried adding more paste but still looks bad. Screenshot attached.

⏰ Response Times

During Coverage Hours

Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm Pacific - Usually within hours - Often same-hour for urgent issues - Dr. Hill often checks mornings/evenings

Saturday-Sunday: 7am-5pm Pacific - Usually same-day - May be slower than weekdays

Outside Coverage Hours

Evenings, late weekends: - Next business day - For true emergencies, text your location

Not urgent? Post anytime - coaches will respond when back online.

🎯 What to Post vs. What to Skip

DO Post:

✅ Protocol check-ins after 2-4 sessions
✅ Questions about electrode placement
✅ Signal quality issues
✅ Equipment problems
✅ Negative effects from training
✅ Requests for new protocols
✅ General questions about neurofeedback
✅ Scheduling questions

Don't Need to Post:

Auto-tracked: - Survey submissions (we see these in your portal) - Session logs (if you're logging in portal)

Too early: - "Just did my first C4-A1, what's next?" (wait for 2-4 sessions) - Immediate after-session questions (wait 24 hrs for real effects)

📋 Message Types & Templates

1. Protocol Check-In

@channel Protocol update:

Did C4-A1 3x this week (Mon/Wed/Fri)
Sleep: Falling asleep faster, fewer wake-ups
Energy: Less foggy, more sustained
Main goal: Still working on anxiety

Should I repeat or try something new?

2. Placement Verification

@channel Trying to find C4 - does this look right?

[Photo attached]

3. Signal Quality Help

@channel Getting fuzzy signal, tried these fixes:
- Added more paste
- Moved amp away from power
- Still looks bad

Screenshot attached - any ideas?

4. Equipment Issue

@channel Amplifier not being recognized by EEGer

Tried:
- Different USB ports
- Restarting computer
- Reinserting dongle

Still not working - what should I try next?

5. Quick Question

@channel Quick q - can I train 2 days in a row if I take a few days off after?

6. Negative Effects

@channel After C3-A1 last night had trouble sleeping and feeling more anxious today. Should I stop doing this one?

Important: Don't wait on negative effects!

💡 Slack Tips & Tricks

Editing Messages

Made a typo? - Hover over your message - Click the three dots ... - Select "Edit message" - Fix and save

Searching Your Channel

Find old messages: - Use search bar at top - Search for keywords like "C4" or "sleep" - Review past recommendations

Notifications

Make sure you get notified: - Settings → Notifications - Enable mobile push notifications - Set "All new messages" for your channel - Customize notification sounds

You won't miss coach responses!

Pinned Items

Important info pinned to your channel: - Remote training resources - Scheduling links - Key guides - Emergency contacts

To see pins: - Click the pin icon at top right of channel - Review anytime you need those resources

📸 Photo Best Practices

Good Placement Photos

Include: - The electrode on scalp - Hair parted to show position - Nearby reference points (ear, centerline) - Clear, well-lit

Example: 

@channel First time doing T4, is this the right spot?

[Photo showing electrode above right ear]

Good Signal Screenshots

Capture: - All EEG traces visible - Raw signal window if relevant - Which channel is problematic - The artifact percentage if visible

Example: 

@channel Is this signal good enough to train on? 
Looks a bit fuzzy to me.

[Screenshot of EEG traces]

🚫 What NOT to Do

Avoid:

❌ Posting in wrong channel - Make sure you're in YOUR remote channel, not a general channel

❌ Too many messages - One check-in every 2-4 sessions is plenty

❌ Calling out individual coaches - Use @channel so whoever's available can help

❌ Sharing personal medical details publicly - Your channel is private, but still be mindful

🔔 Coverage & Response

Who Responds?

Your channel is monitored by: - Assigned remote coaches (rotate coverage) - Dr. Hill (reviews all channels) - Other coaches (may jump in with insights)

You'll get help from whoever's available!

Typical Response Times

Urgency Expected Response
Urgent (negative effects, broken equipment) Within hours, often faster
Normal (check-ins, questions) Same day during coverage
Low priority (general questions) Within 24 hours

💡 Making the Most of Slack

Be Active!

Good engagement: - Post check-ins regularly - Ask questions when unsure - Share placement photos for verification - Report changes (even small ones)

This helps us: - Guide your protocols better - Catch issues early - Track your progress - Support you effectively

Don't Be Shy!

Common worries: - "I'm bothering the coaches too much" - "My question is probably stupid" - "I should figure this out myself"

Reality: - Coaches WANT to hear from you! - Questions help us help you - That's literally what you're paying for!

Ask away!

🆘 Getting Help Fast

For Quick Help:

  1. Be specific in your message
  2. Include a photo/screenshot if relevant
  3. Use @channel to notify coaches
  4. Mention what you've already tried

Example:

❌ Slow response: 

Having issues

✅ Fast response: 

@channel C4 electrode showing flat line. 

Tried:
- Checking connections (all plugged in)
- Adding more paste
- Still flat

Screenshot attached. Ideas?

📱 Mobile vs. Desktop

Use Mobile For:

  • ✅ Taking placement photos
  • ✅ Quick messages
  • ✅ On-the-go questions
  • ✅ Checking responses

Use Desktop For:

  • ✅ Detailed check-ins
  • ✅ Copying/pasting protocol info
  • ✅ Screenshots of software
  • ✅ Reviewing long threads

Both work great! Use whatever's convenient.

Slack is your lifeline for remote training. Don't hesitate to use it - we're here to support you every step of the way! 💬✨