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Polyvagal-Informed EMDR Certification Program

Polyvagal-Informed EMDR Certification Program

33

Hours:

1980

Cost: $

20

CE's Available:

Instructor(s):

Rebecca Kase, MSW, LCSW, RYT

Rebecca Kase demonstrates the power of thinking outside the box to help transform new pathways of healing trauma. - Les Aria, PhD

Course Timing

This live-online course begins April 2, 2025. Over a period of 17 weeks, this course will alternate between Live 2 Hour Lectures, Live 1 Hour Q&As, and Live 1.5 Hour Pod Meet-ups. 

For your Live Lectures and Q&As, we will meet on Wednesdays at 11:00 am ET via Zoom. 

For your Pod Meet-ups, you will be assigned a specific group and time with one of our PV-EMDR-certified facilitators based on your availability.

Please refer to "Course Framework" for modules and additional schedule information. 

Recordings of previous live sessions will be available on our learning platform.

Convert the listed times to your own timezone, here.

Course Description

Polyvagal Theory and EMDR are two well-respected theoretical and practical models with immense implications for therapeutic practice. Polyvagal-Informed EMDR offers a comprehensive approach for integrating Polyvagal Theory into EMDR Therapy. Individually, each model offers powerful pathways to healing. Combined, these models supercharge therapy and the recovery process.


The PV-EMDR Certification Program at Polyvagal Institute is designed to teach clinicians the core concepts of this integrated model within a supportive and collaborative learning community. Through live lectures, bonus Q&A sessions, and interactive learning pods, clinicians will experience a sense of community, connection, and clinical inspiration as they help their clients heal and transform using the power of Polyvagal Theory and EMDR.


Participants will join learning cohorts led by a dedicated PV-EMDR-certified facilitator. Together, they will engage in live sessions focused on reviewing assigned readings, discussing key concepts and clinical interventions, analyzing case vignettes, and practicing new skills and strategies.  Please note: this certification program is exclusively for trained therapists and clinicians who have been trained (or are currently enrolled in Basic Training) with an accredited EMDR trainer: EMDRIA, EMDR UK, EMDR Europe, EMDR Asia, EMDR Australia. 


Join us for a live info session about this course on March 5, 2025, at 11:30am ET. Register to attend the info session here.

We invite you to watch the course info session recording here: link coming soon

Payment Information

This course costs $1980. Learners may opt to pay the full fee at registration, or to pay in three monthly installments. Learners will have access to the course for 300 days from the registration date.

Course Requirements

Clinicians interested in this program must be trained with an accredited EMDR trainer: EMDRIA, EMDR UK, EMDR Europe, EMDR Asia, EMDR Australia. 


You will receive a Polyvagal-Informed EMDR Certificate from Polyvagal Institute upon successfully completing this course. 


We have two options for students interested in obtaining continuing education credits (CEs) to support the maintenance of a professional license.

CEs will be available through EMDRIA, and CEs will also be available for purchase for an $85 fee through the Spiritual Competency Academy, for psychologists, LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs, and nurses.

20 CEs are available for this certification program.

*If you are interested in obtaining optional continuing education credits (CEs) to support the maintenance of a professional license (mostly relevant to learners based in the U.S.), please note that 100% live attendance is required in all live sessions and live practice pods, in their entirety; however attendance in the live discussions is optional for CE purposes.

Course Format

hybrid

Course Framework

This course offers one 1 Hour Live Welcome Session, four Live 2 Hour Lectures, four Bonus Live 1 Hour Q&As (including a conversation with Dr. Porges), and eight Live 1.5 Hour Pod Meet-ups. The Live sessions are complemented with required reading to enhance students’ learning and practice.


The schedule for this certification program is as follows:

  • April 2 - Welcome Live Session

  • April 9 - 1st Q&A with Arielle Schwartz, PhD

  • Week of April 14 - 1st Pod

  • April 23 - 1st Lecture

  • Week of April 28 - 2nd Pod

  • May 7 - 2nd Q&A with Tamera J. Brown, LPC

  • Week of May 12 - 3rd Pod

  • May 21 - 2nd Lecture

  • Week of May 26 - 4th Pod

  • June 4 - 3rd Q&A with Instructor Rebecca Kase, MSW, LCSW

  • Week of June 9 - 5th Pod

  • June 18 - 3rd Lecture

  • Week of June 23 - 6th Pod

  • July 2 - 4th Q&A with Stephen Porges, PhD

  • Week of July 7 - 7th Pod

  • July 16 - 4th Lecture

  • Week of July 21 - 8th Pod


Required texts & readings:

Polyvagal informed EMDR: A Neuro-Informed Approach to Healing by Rebecca Kase

The Applied Polyvagal Flipchart by Rebecca Kase


Additional assigned readings:

Gellar, S. M., & Porges, S. W. (2014). Therapeutic Presence: Neurophysiological Mechanisms Mediating Feeling Safe in Therapeutic Relationships. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 24(3).

Porges, S. W. (2022). The Science of Safety. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience.

Recommended Audience

Clinicians interested in enrolling in this program must be trained with an accredited EMDR trainer: EMDRIA, EMDR UK, EMDR Europe, EMDR Asia, or EMDR Australia.

Course Outcomes

This program will be organized to cover the following objectives:

1. Core Concepts and Foundations

  • Explore polyvagal theory and its application to trauma therapy. 

  • Review criticisms of polyvagal theory.

  • Examine the clinical benefits of integrating polyvagal theory within the evidence-based EMDR model.

2. Nervous System Education (AIP & PVT)

  • Learn the autonomic nervous system and the three branches of the ANS.

  • Learn how the vagus nerve mediates responses through neuroception and activation of protective defenses.

  • Review of the AIP model.

  • Explore the relationship between memory storage and autonomic state.

  • Identify signs of different autonomic states in clients.

  • Analyze the preparation hierarchy and explore its application as a clinical tool for preparation and readiness.

3. Therapeutic Presence and PV-EMDR

  • Analyze the role of the social engagement system throughout the 8 phases of PV-EMDR.

  • Explore the key components of therapeutic presence.

  • Assess key components of the social engagement system as described in polyvagal theory.

  • Learn the role of embodiment as a Polyvagal informed EMDR therapist.

4. Clinical Application of Skills

  • Review the concept of neural exercises as it relates to preparation and readiness. Gain a variety of clinical tools to support the establishment of autonomic resiliency to aid in target reprocessing.

  • Learn the 8 phases of PV-EMDR.

  • Analyze the guidelines for conducting polyvagal-informed EMDR sessions.

  • Apply skills and concepts to case studies highlighting different scenarios, symptoms, and therapeutic strategies.

5. Tools and Techniques:

  • Learn and practice specific PV-EMDR skills for successful target reprocessing.

  • Incorporate applied polyvagal theory interventions into client sessions.

  • Review creative strategies for enhancing regulation, like breathwork and visualization.

  • 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)

Rebecca Kase, MSW, LCSW, RYT

Rebecca Kase is a licensed clinical social worker, EMDR trainer & expert, and owner of the Trauma Therapist Institute, with nearly two decades of experience in trauma healing and therapy.
A Polyvagal Theory expert, she is the author of Polyvagal-Informed EMDR: A Neuro-Informed Approach to Healing and The Applied Polyvagal Theory Flipchart, essential resources for integrating neuroscience into clinical practice. Rebecca’s approach blends Polyvagal Theory, somatic practices, and mindfulness techniques to foster safety, regulation, and transformation for clients. Through the Trauma Therapist Institute, she provides EMDR Basic Training, advanced courses, and consultation, equipping therapists with the tools to navigate the complexities of trauma work with confidence and compassion. Rooted in authenticity and her shame free approach to learning ™, Rebecca inspires clinicians to embrace the challenges of trauma healing, knowing that even in the messiest moments, profound growth and beauty can emerge.

Rebecca Kase, MSW, LCSW, RYT

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