Integrating Polyvagal Theory with OT Practice

Course overview

Polyvagal theory is a framework that has gained attention among health practitioners and trauma therapists in the last three decades. It is a trending topic among various health professions, and the evidence base has grown significantly in recent years. Occupational therapists are qualified to treat aspects of their client's physical and mental well-being, so frameworks such as polyvagal theory can be largely helpful in structuring treatment for patients with a range of health concerns. Polyvagal theory bridges physiological and psychological client factors, which lends well to the holistic values of occupational therapy. This theory can also be paired with other psychosocial-based frameworks to create a well-rounded plan of care. Polyvagal theory is an important framework for all rehab therapists to know about, as it can be used to inform practice for many patients.