Polyvagal Theory in Practice: Clinical Applications for Psychotherapists

Course overview

This course will provide a clinically focused overview of polyvagal-informed therapy through a combination of interactive exercises and instruction. Participants will review the key principles of Polyvagal Theory, including neuroception, our internal surveillance system, regulated and adaptive survival states, and the Social Engagement system, including exercises that allow participants to identify and assess these states in themselves. Then, the course will outline a framework that incorporates this new awareness into clinical practice, empowering therapists to more accurately and effectively engage with clients in ways that encourage nervous system states more conducive to trauma healing, self-discovery, and growth. Polyvagal-informed care is well-suited for phase one of phase-based trauma treatment, in which creating a safe and stable environment is the primary focus. Establishing this first step allows therapists to then move forward more readily and confidently into their individualized approach to each client.