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. The Polyvagal Certificate Course offers our most robust training toward becoming a polyvagal-informed professional.
For those seeking training in languages other than English, Polyvagal Institute's network includes over a dozen International Partners who offer courses that are produced in collaboration with PVI.
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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.
What is the Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve is a primary carrier of information describing the state of the body to the brain, and transmitting information from the brain back to the body. It’s a feedback mechanism which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis for many of our vital organs and brain/body functions. Research over the past few decades shows that the vagus plays a key role in managing our levels of stress as well as our body’s inflammation; in this age of stress- and inflammation-related disease, it is perhaps the most important nerve in the body for us to be paying attention to.
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Find more information on our What is the Vagus Nerve? page.
Opportunities to Learn & Explore Together
The global PVI community comes together to consider
wide-ranging topics through a polyvagal lens.
We pose questions, share experiences, and connect with one another.
We hope you'll join us.
