Trauma Through the Lens of Polyvagal Theory (HS - PORGES - 052667)

Course overview

Polyvagal Theory - the integration of relationship work and biologically based therapies Mechanisms of trauma Disruptions of co-regulation and sense of safety in relationship Limitations of cognitive work in trauma therapy Trauma is lived out in the body Infant attachment and differentiation Trauma and the disruption of connectedness Distortion of social awareness and displacement of social engagement behaviors Interference with co-regulation process Brain stem functional role and trauma related dysregulation Infant development - habituation and adaptation Hierarchy of the autonomic nervous system Role of vagus nerve Origins of the Polyvagal Theory - adaptive and counterproductive functions Three layers of function - evolution and the autonomic nervous system Centrality of social relationships in homeostasis - quest for reciprocity Primitive protective functions of shutting down and dissociation Assessment of safety in relationships - physiological responses The emergence of polyvagal theories Cues of safety downregulate defense mechanisms and optimize homeostasis Strategies for demobilizing counterproductive defenses Role of empathy, compassion and witnessing in trauma treatment Current social/cultural responses to trauma - approaches to improvement Impact of environmental and sensory consideration Damage and repair of the neurological and self-image impacts of trauma - neural exercises Living with the traumatized brain - ongoing influences Neuroception and perceptual bias Personal case example - loss of purpose following trauma Challenges of healing in the face of deficient resources Outcomes of foster care and disrupted attachments Infant calming and safety research - music and frequency modulation Heart rate variability interventions - breath, biofeedback, training, yoga Employing environmental supports for vagal regulatory systems Ongoing vulnerabilities faced by post trauma individuals Levels of polyvagal syndrome Comorbidity and necessity for systemic intervention