Course Timing
As a self-paced course, you can begin at any time and view on your own schedule.
Course Description
Polyvagal Theory for Somatic Experiencing (SE) Practitioners is specifically designed to introduce key polyvagal theories and practices to Somatic Experiencing Practitioners and students who have completed their first year of SE training.
The course begins with two teaching modules where master clinician Deb Dana, LCSW presents the organizing principles of Polyvagal Theory in combination with practices that bring the theory into practical application. In the third module Deb Dana, LCSW and the founder of Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Stephen Porges, continue to illustrate how the theory can be applied to the field of Somatic Experiencing through an in-depth case study analysis. The series concludes with a lively discussion between Dr. Stephen Porges and the creator of Somatic Experiencing, Dr. Peter Levine, facilitated by the President of the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy, Dr. Christopher Walling.
This course includes an invitation to a live discussion with Stephen Porges, PhD or Deb Dana, LCSW exclusively for members of our PVI learning community; our next live session date is TBD.
Payment Information
Access to this course is $299.
Your access will last for 365 days from the date of registration.
Course Requirements
There are no pre-requisites for this course.
Course Format
Course Framework
This self-paced course consists of a series of videos broken into the following modules:
• Module 1: Three Essential Elements, The Three Organizing Principles of Polyvagal Theory: Neuroception, Hierarchy, Co-Regulation, Vagal Brake
• Module 2: Autonomic Mapping, Three Blended States, Ventral Vagal Anchors, Story of the States, Becoming Polyvagal Informed
• Module 3: Case Study Analysis with Deb Dana, LCSW and Dr. Stephen Porges
• Module 4: Discussion with Dr. Porges and Dr. Levine
Your registration to this course includes an invitation to attend an optional PVI student community discussion with Stephen Porges, PhD or Deb Dana, LCSW. Dates for these discussions are announced quarterly.
Recommended Audience
Course Outcomes
You'll be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing this course.
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.
Dr. Peter Levine
Peter Levine, PhD, is a psychologist, researcher, and former stress consultant with NASA. He specializes in working with trauma and stress-related disorders. Peter developed Somatic Experiencing, a body-oriented approach to treating trauma which focuses on processing traumatic memory, calming the nervous system, and releasing traumatic shock from the body. The approach was inspired by Peter’s observation of trauma recovery behaviors in nature. He is the author of several books on the treatment of trauma, including Waking the Tiger and In an Unspoken Voice.
Dr. Peter Levine
