"Stephen Porges's masterful theory of the nervous system is one of the most detailed, true to life portraits of the embodied nervous system―something of which we only had glimpses of, because of some huge blind spots that Porges has remediated." ―Norman Doidge, M.D., author of The Brain That Changes Itself and The Brain's Way of Healing
Course Timing
As a self-paced course, you can begin at any time and view on your own schedule.
Course Description
This introductory course on the Art and Science of Polyvagal Theory is presented by Dr. Stephen Porges and Deb Dana, LCSW, for a unique exploration of the scientific foundations of Polyvagal Theory along with a discussion of its clinical application.
Dr. Stephen Porges presents the theoretical constructs of Polyvagal Theory, then engages in a discussion on how those constructs shape clinical work with Deb Dana, LCSW.
Throughout six sections, students can expect lectures integrated with discussions and finishing with a clinical case study through the lens of Polyvagal Theory.
Payment Information
Access to this course is $299. You may pay the full fee at registration or in three-month installments. You will have access to the course for 365 days from the time of registration.
Course Requirements
There are no pre-requisites for this course.
Course Format
Course Framework
This self-paced introductory course covers the following areas:
A New Vocabulary: The Organizing Principles of Polyvagal Theory
The Construct of Neuroception
The Social Engagement System
The Biology of Co-regulation
Presenting a One Nervous System Approach
A Polyvagal look at the Pandemic
A Polyvagal Perspective of a Clinical Case Study
Your registration in this course also includes an invitation to attend an optional live community discussion with Deb Dana, LCSW or Dr. Stephen Porges. Dates to be announced.
Recommended Audience
Course Outcomes
You will receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing this course.
Professionals may also be eligible to earn 6.5 CEs from the following providers:
R. Cassidy: 6.5 CEs for psychoanalysts, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, educators, nurses, and dentists are available for purchase for $40 from co-sponsor R. Cassidy Seminars.
Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA): 6.5 CEs for psychologists, LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs, and nurses are available for purchase for $35. CEs are provided by co-sponsor Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA).
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.
