About the Institute
The CFD Institute developed Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT). We are committed to this promising therapeutic modality that provides tangible improvements in cognitive function and emotional regulation.
Our mission is to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to implement CFDT in their practice, offering this innovative, applied neurobehavioral intervention and effective care to their clients. Through our comprehensive training programs, ongoing education and support, research and outcomes analysis, and commitment to consultation, we aim to raise the CFDT practice standard and improve client outcomes.
How Our Training Program Works
The Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT) certification program offered by the CFD Institute (CFDI) is a comprehensive training program that provides individual therapists with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively implement CFDT in their practice. Becoming a Certified CFDT practitioner can help therapists offer evidence-based and effective care to their clients, leading to measurable improvements in cognitive functioning and emotional regulation.
The certification program consists of three levels: Associate, Certified, and Master. The training at each level is completed through progressive education and advancing clinical experience. Training at the Master level also requires a significant, unique contribution to CFDT theory and practice. Additionally, the CFDI requires a minimum of eight continuing education credits annually (completing individual training modules for certification advancement counts toward the CEU requirement). Access to training and ongoing support is provided through a training and licensing agreement between the CFDI and the individual. In many cases, working as a full-time CFD Therapist under a CFDI-licensing agreement includes diversion of the costs of training, annual credential renewal fees, access to the CFDI's body of knowledge, support and oversight, access to CFDI-related technology, and certification exams.
Consultations are a crucial part of the CFDT certification process, ensuring candidates practice CFDT effectively and in fidelity to the CFDI's therapeutic framework. During consultations, therapists receive feedback and guidance from experienced practitioners and experts, identify areas for improvement and growth, and address any specific questions or concerns that may arrise. It also deepens their knowledge and understanding of CFDT theory and practice, ensuring they can provide their clients with the highest level of care.
Achievable for Therapists, Transformative for Clients
CFDT is clinically applied neuroscience that improves cognitive function in individuals with nervous system dysregulation and functional weaknesses through targeted neuroplastic remodeling. Therapists dynamically adjust their deivery of CFDT based on real-time client presentation and the objective assessment, which guides clinical practice and allows the therapist to meet each client’s unique needs.
Consider: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered by many to be the "gold standard" for an evidence-based therapeutic modality. When comparing clients' pre- and post-treatment measures, CBT demonstrates a statistically significant effect size of 0.78, which is considered to be "medium-high" and suggestive that engaging in CBT may be useful for the majority of clients.
However, recent peer-reviewed research on CFDT, comparing clients' pre- and post-treatment measures demonstrates a statistically significant effect size of 0.91 which is considered to be "obvious" and suggestive that engaging the CFDT will be useful for most clients. The targeted neuroplastic remodeling provided by CFDT significantly improves client cognitive function and quality of life. Moreover, CFDT can enhance problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills which are essential for maintaining social and occupational functioning.
The modality is also transformative for therapists. When presented dynamically in fidelity to the CFDI framework, the presenting therapists also benefit from the neuroplastic stimulation alongside their clients. As a result, CFDT can significantly improve their cognitive function and quality of life.
FAQs
Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT) is a form of therapy that aims to improve cognitive function and bring regulation to the ANS (autonomic nervous system) through dynamically varied interpersonal engagements that target specific neural networks and systems.
CFDT is beneficial for anyone willing to engage in the engagements at therapeutic levels. However, it was specifically designed to benefit individuals experiencing neurologic dysregulation. Dysregulation can manifest in a variety of ways: the squirminess of a child with ADHD; the out-of-proportion response to a perceived threat by someone with PTSD; even the superficial compliance of someone who is desperately anxious or afraid. Where behaviors are “excessive” or “subdued” compared to others’ “normal” behaviors, or simply “out of place” for the observed context, the individual is likely experiencing neurological dysregulation. We also see dysregulation frequently in individuals who are “resistant” to other forms of treatment or intervention. In such cases, CFDT has often proven an effective modality, with most clients making significant progress (what one mental health CEO described as “changed trajectories”) in as little as 3–6 months.
In "neuroscience-speak," the primary goal of CFDT is to simultaneously induce sustainable nervous system regulation and optimize the distribution of cognitive resources for proficient functioning in the present. In "plain language," this translates to "rewiring" the client's brain so they can function in "normal and healthy" ways without needing to experience the requisite self-understangin "breakthroughs" or mastering numerous "coping skills" common with traditional therapeutic modalities.
The duration of CFDT varies depending on individual needs and goals. CFDT starts with an objective assessment of cognitive functions, which informs the prescribed number of sessions. A progress assessment occurs after 8-12 weeks and further defines the duration, based on measurable results.
Insurance may cover CFDT, depending on the individual's insurance plan and diagnosis.
The benefits of CFDT include improved regulation and cognitive function which leads to better focus. memory, reasoning and quality of life. CFDT can also help individuals maintain and enhance their cognitive abilities and prevent decline.
CFDT is not meant to replace medical treatment. It acts as a complementary approach that can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies. It can serve as a primary, co-therapy, adjunct, or follow-up treatment, depending on the individual case. The CFD-informed view recognizes that medical assessment by a qualified practitioner may be necessary to identify or rule out physiological causes of distress. For example, mood swings might be due to hormonal changes or specific medical conditions. Furthermore, psychiatric care might be needed temporarily to provide neurological stability, allowing the client to benefit from CFDT.
About the Founders
Brian Beyst
Co-Founder, Research Director
Brian Beyst is co-founder of the Cognitive Function Development Institute, an operative division of Transformational Opportunities, Inc., a 501(c)3 charity he and his wife, Jen, started. He is a Master Cognitive Function Development Therapist, physicist, published researcher, author, speaker, and the concept-architect of CFDT. He is passionate about integrative health care and is working on developing a systems dynamic formulation of the CFDT modality. He earned a B.S. in Physics, minor in Psychology, and a Masters in Accounting and Finance Management. When not working, he enjoys hiking, reading, studying and spending time with his family.
Jen Beyst
Executive Director, Co-Founder
Jen Beyst is co-founder of the Cognitive Function Development Institute, an operative division of Transformational Opportunities, Inc. which is a 501(c)3 charity she and her husband, Brian, started. She’s a Master Cognitive Function Development Therapist, educational therapist, licensed educator, innovator, author, and certified parenting coach. Her past positions include director of Cognitive Function Development at Polara Health, president of SJ Brain Training and master teacher for a dyslexia institute. She’s an ardent speaker who has taught and developed therapists, educators, employees, and students of all ages. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading research, walking, and paper crafting.
Advisory Council
Argie Rivera DNP, MAN, PMHNP-BC
Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Argie Rivera is a doctorally-prepared, board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner in Arizona and Nevada. She migrated to the USA in 2012 and with her passion for advanced studies, she completed the Doctor of Nursing Practice- Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program at Arizona State University in 2017. She also obtained her Master of Arts in Nursing specializing in Advanced Psychiatric Nursing at University of Sto Tomas, graduate school Philippines in 2010. During the master’s degree program, Argie Rivera was trained to provide individual and group psychotherapy as well as community mental health programs. As an advanced practice registered nurse, she has worked as a DNP adjunct faculty at and administrator to name a few.
Argie Rivera is passionate about quality improvement and translating evidence-based programs into nursing practice. With this, she is currently one of the psychiatric consultants in a tertiary hospital in rural Arizona under the Collaborative Care Model, which she also presented overseas. She was also the co-chair of the Hospital Follow-up after Hospitalization for Mental Illness (FUH) Initiative under the HealthChoice AZ in Northern Arizona, USA in 2021.
Why Joining Us:
“After receiving multiple positive feedback from clients about how CFDT has improved their quality of life and stress tolerance, I knew I needed to reach out. It was a leap of faith and looking back, it was one of the greatest decisions I have made not only for my career, but for how I want my career path to progress. The CFDT’s scientific merits, measurable outcomes, its client-centered approach, and purpose driven principles are what makes it worthwhile.” - Argie
Sami Lyn Story Worssam, PhD, NCSP
Sami Worssam is a licensed psychologist in the state of Arizona who obtained her doctorate from Northern Arizona University in 2015. Following an internship in northern Arizona (Flagstaff Unified School district), she became the school psychologist at a rural northern Arizona district (Camp Verde Unified School District) and has been in that position since. She works with children, ages 3-22, with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and adjustment problems, such as developmental, emotional, and learning problems. She is a nationally certified school psychologist.
Due to a strong interest in supporting the training efforts of future professionals, Dr. Worssam has provided supervision to graduate-level practicum and intern students as part of their program of studies in acquiring skills to enter the field of psychology and deliver professional psychological services.
Educationally, in addition to her terminal degree at Northern Arizona University, Dr. Worssam obtained a bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in Postsecondary Education, Student Affairs from the University of Northern Iowa. As a longtime resident of Sedona, she enjoys the natural landscapes of northern Arizona with her family and friends.
Why Joining Us:
“I know from working with students that not all respond to talk therapy. CFDT offers an alternative approach with significant changes in function. I'm excited to be part of this exciting modality.” - Sami
Sonia Brodie
VP Clinical Research at HealthTech Connex
As VP Clinical Research with the Centre for Neurology Studies and National Research Lead for MAPS Canada, Sonia is a neuroscientist, Clinical Research Professional, leader, and a long-standing research nerd. She has a wealth of experience in Phase II-IV trials in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, digital health, and psychedelics, and is passionate about finding efficient ways to bridge the gap between research and reality in clinically meaningful and accessible ways.
Why Joining Us:
“I am an advocate for both evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence. The team behind CFDI has developed an impactful program, and their commitment to continuous evaluation, program improvement and open-access research is truly commendable. Happy to help where I can!” - Sonia
TANJA YARDLEY, B.SC .P.T.
VICE PRESIDENT – CLINICAL INNOVATION, HEALTHTECH CONNEX PHYSIOTHERAPIST, INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP COACH
Tanja has 30+ years of experience in clinical and healthcare leadership; orchestrating strategy and operations across 50+ sites while coaching/developing leaders and allied health teams of all types across multiple business streams. Her past role as Healthcare Innovation Lead with Canada’s largest national healthcare company positioned her in the emerging technology space, where she developed relationships with numerous inventors and start-ups redefining the healthcare landscape. This insight into future-facing innovations brought her to Healthtech Connex, where she currently pursues her passion for technology, clinical neuroscience and brain health across their multiple divisions; working with clinical leaders at the Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic, research professionals at the Centre for Neurology Studies and the medical engineering teams at Neurocatch. She recently founded the Brainnovation Network, linking neurorehabilitation facilities across North America to improve the standard of care for brain health.
Tanja is also part of the global faculty of The Complete Leader (Leadership Development programs) and The Innovator’s Advantage Academy (Innovation Training- Coaching), working with clinics and industry to design and develop clinical innovation programs.
Why Joining Us:
“After spending time with Brian and Jen, and witnessing, first-hand, the life-changing work they do with kids and families, I felt inspired to join in their mission. Their work in the neuroplasticity space is truly remarkable, and I’m thrilled to be on this journey alongside them and contributing to the scientific validation of their purposeful work.” - Tanja
Our Story
According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 individuals are living with what may be deemed “a mental disorder.” The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition, defines a mental disorder as “a syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation or behavior…” usually accompanied by difficulty functioning and significant levels of distress.
Chances are, you or someone you know is living with or has lived with a mental health concern or “mental disorder.” This was certainly true for us. In particular, what had initially presented in elementary school as “learning difficulties” in our now adult children, evolved into a variety of diagnosable conditions.
The best hope that could be offered to us at the time was that, after years of intervention, our children may be able to live with / cope with their “chronic” conditions.
That prognosis was unacceptable.
To find a better answer – and hope for our children – we initiated a decade-long deep dive into a broad spectrum of published research literature in neuroscience and related fields. We consulted with a diverse array of professionals and interventions including cognitive psychology, occupational and physical therapy, speech language therapy, medical doctors, and neuroscientists. In time, we synthesized enough research evidence to formulate a dynamic, engagement-based intervention to help our children.
For our children’s presented needs, the applied approach worked.
It became evident, though, that the engagement-based approach that was successful for our children’s learning difficulties could further developed to address a wide spectrum of mental health needs. Working in conjunction with a community mental health clinic, we noted that as individuals became more proficient and better integrated within their primary cognitive functions, they often realized beneficial transfer effects. Including improved and healthier relationships, greater confidence, lowered frustration, improved impulse control, and so forth. Some individuals were even able to reduce or discontinue use of medications.
Having established clinical efficacy, the engagement-based modality further developed to yield targeted, clinically significant, long-lasting, far-reaching transference effects for individuals impaired by the impact of emotional or physical trauma, those struggling to overcome chronic or severe emotional or behavioral health issues, those challenged by substance and alcohol abuse, and others whose conditions are associated with or result in cognitive impairment.
Through the CFD Institute, we are dedicated to training, supporting, and providing quality assurance for cognitive function development therapists; and we are developing, promoting and supporting CFDT as an effectual, integrative modality.
