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New Thinking on Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory

New Thinking on Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory

3

Hours:

79

Cost: $

CE's Available:

Instructor(s):

Stephen Porges, PhD

Deb Dana, LCSW

Course Overview

In order for therapy to work, clients need to trust and feel safe with their therapist. Unfortunately, many of our clients have nervous systems that have been programmed – via traumatic events – to be in a constant physiological state of fear and defense, always scanning for threat. This interferes with the therapeutic relationship and the outcome of therapy itself unless we are able to address it first. Otherwise, helpers may give off subtle non-verbal cues that lead to a feeling of threat in the nervous system of their clients, without even knowing it. Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, provides helpers with tools and insights they can use to help clients experience safety at a neurophysiological level. It explains how social behavior turns off defenses and promotes opportunities to feel safe. It provides an innovative model to understand bodily responses to trauma and stress and the importance of the client’s physiological state in mediating the effectiveness of clinical treatments. It also gives helping professionals a guide to becoming a regulated and co-regulating resource for clients by leveraging neurobiology and psychophysiological cues of safety. This, in turn, provides the conditions for therapy to be effective so you can truly help your clients overcome the impact of trauma, anxiety, addiction, depression and other mental health conditions. In this 3-hour workshop, you will be introduced to the principles and practical applications of Polyvagal Theory by the most qualified experts on the topic: Dr. Stephen Porges and Deb Dana. You will learn: 1) The fundamental principles of Polyvagal Theory 2) How the autonomic nervous system responds to cues of safety and risk 3) Simple, concrete ways to incorporate Polyvagal Theory into your existing practice including: - How to create a map of the autonomic hierarchy - How to work with neuroceptive cues of safety and danger - How to engage the pathways of the Social Engagement System to create an environment of safety and foster co-regulation Optional one hour live broader student community discussion: • Monday, May 6, 2024 at 2 pm Eastern Time with Stephen Porges, PhD Students will have access to the course for 180 days from the date of registration.

2 videos, 6 handouts

Format

self-paced

Recommended Audience

helping professionals who provide some form of counseling including (but not limited to) therapists, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health and/or health-care professionals.

CE's and/or Certificate of Completion Available

  • What is the attendance policy for a course?
    Live/Hybrid courses: While specific course policies may vary, we typically allow one absence for a live or hybrid course and require watching the recording and/or sometimes submitting a reflection for the missed session. If a participant is absent for more than the permissible number of live sessions, they may no longer be eligible to receive their certificate. Self-paced courses: Attendance does not apply to self-paced courses as they are designed to be consumed when the student is willing and able to take the course. All material is pre-recorded content, reading, or individual assignments. Please note that if you are enrolled in a course that offers CEs (continuing education credits) and you have opted to earn them, specific attendance policies apply and must be adhered to in order for you to remain eligible to earn CEs at the end of the course. Contact us for details if you are unsure of the attendance policy for your particular course!
  • How and where are live sessions held?
    Live sessions are held online via Zoom. You will find your course Zoom link inside the course content on our Learning Platform once you enroll; email reminders with the Zoom link are sent to enrolled students. While having your camera on is not required, you are invited to turn your camera on during your live course session; this allows you to share in co-regulation with other learners and to build a sense of community.
  • What if I am unable to attend a live session?
    We upload recordings of our live course sessions to our Learning Platform within 72 hours for you to view. (Please see the attendance policy above.)
  • How can I tell what time the live session will be in my local time zone?
    To convert live course session meeting times to your local timezone, please use a conversion website like this.
  • Where can I find the course material?
    PVI uses a Learning Platform (LMS) called Thinkific. Upon enrolling in a course, you will receive an email invite to access the course in Thinkific. This is where you'll find all of the course materials, links, and class community.
  • Is this course accredited?
    PVI is the founding home of Polyvagal Theory, and we believe our courses offer the most accurate and up to date content about Polyvagal Theory and its many applications. There is no accrediting body for this type of curriculum. Our course descriptions will list any continuing education credits (CEs/ CEUs) or other professional benefits that might be available for the course (along with any applicable restrictions). If CEs are not listed for a particular course, then none are available.
  • How do I reset my password to the PVI Learning Platform?
    You can reset your password by going to https://pvi.thinkific.com/users/sign_in and clicking the “Forgot Password?” link. You will then enter the email address you used when creating your account to receive a one-time password reset link. Use the instructions in that email to complete your password reset. If you have any other technical questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@polyvagal.org.
  • Is there closed captioning?
    Yes. Most of our pre-recorded course content is hosted on a platform that offers closed captioning. If you come across a video that does not have closed captioning, please send us a message at info@polyvagal.org and we will be glad to assist you.
  • In which currency are your prices listed in?
    Our prices are listed in USD (United States Dollars). Your credit card or bank statement will likely reflect the price in your local currency.
  • Will I be charged sales tax?
    If you are located in the US or Canada, you will be charged sales tax on the cost of your course.
  • Are there scholarships available?
    Yes, PVI offers scholarships for all of our courses on a rolling basis. You can apply for a scholarship at https://forms.gle/vvfQdyAtw3k79LpM9.
  • Are there group discounts?
    Yes. For groups of five or more participants, a 15% discount is available for each participant. Please contact us at info@polyvagal.org to inquire and to enroll as a group!
  • What is your refund policy?
    We are proud to offer a 30 day Money Back Guarantee for all of our courses (from date of purchase for self-paced courses and from date of first live session for live courses). Please reach out to us at info@polyvagal.org if you'd like to inquire about a refund.
  • Can I purchase a gift certificate for PVI courses?
    Give the gift of learning! Yes, Polyvagal Institute offers digital gift certificates that arrive by email, and can be used towards any of our courses. Gift certificates are a simple way to share polyvagal insight and knowledge that stems from a better understanding of the human experience. Purchase a gift certificate now!

INSTRUCTOR(S)

Stephen Porges, PhD

Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. is a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium in the Kinsey Institute. He is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and Professor Emeritus at both the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland. He served as president of the Society for Psychophysiological Research and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences and is a former recipient of a National Institute of Mental Health Research Scientist Development Award. He is the originator of the Polyvagal Theory, a theory that emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of behavioral, mental, and health problems related to traumatic experiences. He is the creator of a music-based intervention, the Safe and Sound Protocol ™ , which currently is used by approximately 4,000 therapists to improve spontaneous social engagement, to reduce hearing sensitivities, and to improve language processing, state regulation, and spontaneous social engagement. Dr. Porges is a founder of the Polyvagal Institute.

Stephen Porges, PhD

Deb Dana, LCSW

Deb Dana, LCSW

Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, author and speaker. Her work is focused on using the lens of Polyvagal Theory to understand and resolve the impact of trauma in our lives. She is a founding member of the Polyvagal Institute, consultant to Khiron Clinics, and advisor to Unyte.

Deb’s work shows how an understanding of Polyvagal Theory is applicable across the board to relationships, mental health, and trauma. She delves into the intricacies of how we can all use an understanding of the organizing principles of Polyvagal Theory to change the ways we navigate our daily lives. Deb is well known for translating Polyvagal Theory into a language and application that is both clear and accessible and for pioneering Rhythm of Regulation® methodology, tools, techniques and practices which continue to open up the power of Polyvagal Theory for professionals and curious people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life.

Deb believes that we all benefit when we have a basic understanding of the ways the nervous system works and learn how to become active operators of this essential system. Following this passion has led her to offering workshops in partnership with groups and communities outside of the clinical arena - and bringing the Polyvagal perspective to the ordinary, and sometimes extraordinary, experiences of daily living.

Deb’s clinical work published with W.W. Norton includes The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation, Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client Centered Practices, the Polyvagal Flip Chart, the Polyvagal Card Deck, and Polyvagal Practices: Anchoring the Self in Safety. She partners with Sounds True to bring her polyvagal perspective to a general audience through the audio program Befriending Your Nervous System: Looking Through the Lens of Polyvagal Theory and her print book Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory.

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