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The Polyvagal Certificate Course: 

Safety, Connection, and the Human Experience

An in-depth exploration of the Polyvagal Theory and its application

to our personal and professional lives, Dr. Stephen Porges

and our team of leading experts in the fields of neuroscience, healthcare, and therapeutics offer a course that

explores Polyvagal Theory like no other. 

Registration for Cohort 4 is now open!

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A Letter from Dr. Porges

Since its inception in 2020, Polyvagal Institute has been sharing and teaching the foundations of Polyvagal Theory and its application in both personal and professional environments. Through numerous book publications, webinars, live events, and courses, PVI has brought my work and research to learners and practitioners around the globe. 

It is with great excitement and pride that we bring you The Polyvagal Certificate Course: Safety, Connection and the Human Experience. Unlike any other course available, this comprehensive study of Polyvagal Theory explores key principles through interactive lectures, embodiment practices, and multidisciplinary discussions.  

We look forward to welcoming you to our community of learners.

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-Dr. Stephen W. Porges,

Developer of Polyvagal Theory and Co-founder of Polyvagal Institute

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Course Overview

Polyvagal Institute delivers the flagship educational experience for understanding and applying Polyvagal Theory and principles to life.

The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive and interactive Polyvagal Theory learning experience for a broad audience of those looking to apply polyvagal principles to their personal and/or professional lives. Students finish this course equipped with practices, concepts, and a community to embody and refine their application of polyvagal principles whether it is with themselves, their families, friends, clients, or colleagues. An option to earn 35 CEs is available for psychologists, LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs, and nurses.

Class size is limited to offer you the best interactive learning experience possible, so our cohorts fill fast!

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Registration is NOW OPEN for

Cohort 4

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The Polyvagal Certificate Course Outline 
Enrollment is now open! 

Live sessions include 9 live classes (2 hours each) and 2 live discussions (1 hour each). Additionally, your small Practice Pod will gather for 90 minutes each month. 

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Module 1  - Our Autonomic Nervous System 

Module 2  - Hierarchy - Our Neurophysiological States 

Module 3  - Neuroception - Our Threat and Safety System 

First Live Discussion with Dr. Porges

Module 4 - Listening to Our Bodies

Module 5 - Co-regulation:  How Our Nervous Systems Speak to Each Other 

Module 6 - Movement and Self-Regulation

Module 7 - Community as Medicine  

Module 8  - Relationships: Home to Workplace 

Second Live Discussion with Dr. Porges

Module 9 - Living Polyvagal

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Module order, schedule, and instructors may change in future cohorts. 

"Our biological imperative is to connect with others. Humans are not able to flourish without connection."
-Dr. Stephen Porges, developer of Polyvagal Theory

In this course, you'll dive deeper into your understanding of the human nervous system and the role the vagus nerve plays in responding to perceived threat and stressors.

From self-regulation to co-regulation, you'll learn the science behind community and connection, and how feelings of safety and trust impact our social interactions and sense of resilience so that we can grow and thrive.

Meet Your Instructors

This course is led by your team of expert instructors, including Dr. Stephen Porges, developer of the Polyvagal Theory and co-founder of Polyvagal Institute. Our online classrooms are trauma-informed spaces of safety and belonging, and our instructors each bring their own unique perspective, experience, and expertise to the course content.

Dr. Porges

Stephen Porges

Michael Allison

Michael Allison

Amber Gray
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George Thompson

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Arielle Schwartz

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Jan Winhall

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Niki Elliott

Tracy Stackhouse

Tracy Stackhouse

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Niloufer Merchant

The Polyvagal Certificate Course

We believe this course is special. Really special. Here are a few reasons why:

Dr. porges

Live discussions with Dr. Stephen Porges, the developer of Polyvagal Theory and a founder of Polyvagal Institute.

THe PVI Flagship

This is the most comprehensive course Polyvagal Institute has ever offered on the topic of Polyvagal Theory. This is the one you have been waiting for! 

multi-languages

This course will be offered in multiple languages through our international partners in the near future. Check back for details!

live teaching

Live sessions and over 30 hours of course time offer you conversation and connection so you can learn in the moment.

practice pods

Connect with people learning alongside you in monthly Practice Pods over the duration of the course.

certificate

Earn a certificate from Polyvagal Institute, the founding source for learning about the Polyvagal Theory. Psychologists, LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs, and nurses may choose to earn an optional 35 CEs.

Why should I take this course?

There is no other training program available that offers the depth and breadth of this exclusive certificate program. This is the Polyvagal Institute’s flagship course, a fully comprehensive look at Polyvagal Theory and its applications. 

 

Outside of lectures, practice pods, and discussions, learners will continue to inquire and converse within a private, digital space on the Polyvagal Institute Community app.  You’ll be simultaneously immersed in the broader, supportive Polyvagal community of informed individuals, professionals and fellow learners. 

 

Upon completion of the modules, learners will be awarded a Certificate from Polyvagal Institute. Polyvagal Institute affirms that certificate training results in a polyvagal-informed level of knowledge and application.

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Your certificate not only showcases your personal and professional accomplishment, it distinguishes you from your peers and shows your clients, your colleagues, and employer your continued dedication to improving environments, experiences, and outcomes.

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*Please note: because we are not an accrediting agency, neither the Certificate of Completion nor the Polyvagal-Informed Certificate offers licensure or certification of any kind. We do not measure nor endorse one’s ability to teach Polyvagal Theory or use the term “PVI certified.” However, the Polyvagal Institute affirms that certificate training results in a polyvagal-informed level of knowledge and application.

Happy Woman

Who Should Enroll?

This course is designed for a variety of educational backgrounds. Material is accessible to anyone with at least a high school diploma, equivalent secondary education, and beyond. 

Mental health practitioners, life and wellness coaches, educators, executives and anyone interested in gaining a full understanding of both the science and the application of Polyvagal Theory. The core curriculum will be supplemented with some optional advanced readings to satiate learners with advanced degrees. 

Learner Agreement

Polyvagal Theory teaches that community is an essential part of the human experience. At PVI, we strive to create a safe learning environment conducive to connection and belonging. Please take a moment to read the following details as you prepare to join this course. 

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Time Commitment

This course is composed of 9 live classes (2 hours each) and 2 live discussions (1 hour each) for a total of 20 hours of live-online course time. You'll also meet with your Practice Pod virtually once a month for 90 minutes of practice, inquiry, and discussion, providing additional learning and connection. The time you choose to dedicate to practice and study outside of the course meetings is up to you, but a minimum of 1-2 hours a week is recommended to get the most out of the course.

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If you are unable to attend a course meeting, you will have access to the course for 8 months/240 days from the day of your enrollment, so if you are unable to attend a live session, you will be able to catch up on the recording. Additionally, you will have weekly assessments and journaling assignments, and the opportunity to connect with other learners in a private online group setting via the PVI Community App. 

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Cohort 4
begins August 26, 2024

Live course meetings for Cohort 4 take place on the following dates at

3:30 pm PT / 6:30 pm ET. Each course meeting is two hours in length. ​

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Monday, August 26

Monday, September 9
Monday, September 23

Monday, October 7

Monday, October 21

Monday, November 4

Monday, November 18

Monday, November 25: First Live Discussion with Dr. Stephen Porges (one hour in length)

Monday, December 2

Monday, December 9: Second Live Discussion with Dr. Stephen Porges (one hour in length)

Monday, December 16

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*This schedule is subject to change. All efforts will be made to communicate any changes well in advance of the start of the course. 

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Financial Investment

Community Price $2100 or three payments of $700

additional option of seven payments of $300 also available 

Supporter Price*  $2400 or three payments of $800

 

* If you feel that you are financially able to pay the Supporter price, the extra funds from your enrollment will go towards scholarships for other learners in this course. Thank you for contributing to the PVI community in this way!

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35 CEs for psychologists, LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs, and nurses are available for purchase for $85. CEs are provided by co-sponsor Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA).

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Cohort 3 (Starts May 6) is now FULL

Gift Certificates

PVI now has gift certificates available for any of our courses!! Get one here to provide this learning experience to a friend or family member.

Scholarships

If you need financial assistance to enroll in this course, please fill out our Scholarship Application here.

Multilingual Learning

Our International Partners offer this course in French, German, Italian, and Polish. 

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