Our history
Well before the opening of our clinic, the study of the brain was already a common subject amongst the Therrien. The father, Rene Therrien, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Ottawa then at the University of Sherbrooke, completed several projects in the research on the impact to the head, whose doctoral thesis in biomechanics on the protection of the head in hockey. He is also the one, along with two collegues from the University of Ottawa who developed the first certified hockey helmut back in 1973.
Francine Therrien, Ph.D., the eldest of three and co-founder at Neuroperforma. She also holds a doctoral in clinical science, a master’s in global health, a bachelor’s in kinesiology and physical education, a degree in naturopathy and a specialization in biofeedback and Neurofeedback.
Mrs. Therrien is a speaker and also the author of the book ReConstruisez votre cerveau. Practicing biofeedback and Neurofeedback since the early 2000’s, she, along with her youngest brother Rock, inaugurated the Neuroperforma Clinic.
Marc Therrien, MD, FRCPC, a neurologist, is the second eldest in the family. It was during his fellowship in epilepsy and electroencephalography at the Montreal Neurological Institute that he discovered Neurofeedback and therefore acquired the necessary skills needed for reading and the interpretation of a cerebral activity profile. A renowned specialist in sleep medicine and brain function optimization. He then followed his training in Neurofeedback. He was the director of a unique research project where for 400 consecutive nights 10 years apart his cerebral activity was recorded. This allowed him subsequently to develop the recently validated application permitting optimized sleep, physical and mental performance. Dr. Therrien practices medicine in the Gatineau region where he is as well involved in many social and community projects.
Rock Therrien is the youngest in the family. He completed his studies in health sciences before obtaining a bachelor’s in engineering. He spent 13 years of his career running a company in the pharmaceutical field. He then followed his training in Neurofeedback under the guidance of Dr. Michael Thompson, a psychiatrist and former president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Former Canadian champion in windsurfing and former coach of the Estrie team in sailing and windsurfing. He is very familiar in the field of high level competition and their requirements. His training was of great utility and for training professional and Olympic athletes such as Gabriella Papadakis (World Figure Skating Champion), Lucian Bute (World Boxing Champion) and other great athletes in various sports of International levels.
In 2012, Francine and Rock made their way to Fort Campbell, an American army base, where they learnt how to use the latest generation of Neurofeedback equipment in cases of concussion and post-traumatic stress. The results were quite impressive and realized why this service was never known in Quebec.
Returning to Canada, they decided to open the first Neurofeedback clinic in the basement of a gymnasium. To their great delight, the list of clients grew rapidly and within the year, Neuroperforma moved into their new local situated in Brossard on the south-shore of Montreal. By then, new clients were traveling from all regions of Quebec. In order to serve them well, Neuroperforma decides to open several points of service starting in Sherbrooke, then Drummondville, Quebec City and finally Laval. Future locations on the island of Montreal and Gatineau are also considered to respond to customer demand.
With their unique expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, qualified staff and 5 clinics, Neuroperforma have now become the leader in Quebec in Neurofeedback. Even with a significant business development, simplicity, accessibility and honesty, a deep desire to help are part of the company’s values, as is the Therrien family.