Polyvagal Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a new paradigm for health and wellness by providing training, supporting community, and sharing research centered around a revolutionary understanding of the body and mind, as presented in the work of Dr. Stephen Porges and Polyvagal Theory.
Learn with Polyvagal Institute
Our courses and trainings are developed in conjunction with Stephen Porges, PhD, creator of the Polyvagal Theory and co-founder of Polyvagal Institute. Learn directly from Dr. Porges and other thought leaders including Deb Dana, Peter Levine, Arielle Schwartz, Jan Winhall, Mona Delahooke, Lori Desautels, Michael Allison, and more.
Find a course based on your interests, career field, or level of knowledge from beginner to expert- many with CEs available. From foundational knowledge to applications of Polyvagal Theory to your life and profession, course topics include felt safety, trauma, addiction, therapy, yoga, education, parenting, somatic experiencing, performance, childhood development and much more. Our Certificate-Level Courses offer our most robust training toward becoming a polyvagal-informed professional.
For those seeking training in other languages, Polyvagal Institute's (PVI) international partner network includes a dozen countries offering courses which are produced in collaboration with Polyvagal Institute, or are PVI approved.
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What is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal Theory emphasizes the role the autonomic nervous system --especially the vagus nerve-- plays in regulating our health and behavior. Created and developed by Stephen Porges, PhD, the theory describes the physiological/psychological states which underlie our daily behavior as well as challenges related to our wellness and mental health. By applying Polyvagal Theory to our personal lives as well as to disciplines such as medicine, education, and management, we can understand how safety, co-regulation, and connection are paramount to a healthy human experience.
Find more information and polyvagal resources on our What is Polyvagal Theory? page.
Read Dr. Porges' most recent peer-reviewed paper from August 2023: