Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (HS - WINHALL - 058725)
Tracking # 20-881869
Course overview
Rates of addiction are soaring as the current brain disease model is failing. As clinicians we search for new ways to help our clients that reflect cutting edge, trauma informed practice. The Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (FSPM) provides a paradigm shift from the traditional disease approach to an embodied understanding of trauma and its underbelly, addiction, through the lens of our autonomic nervous system (ANS). Addictions are seen as the bodies' attempt to emotionally regulate by acting as propellors that facilitate shifts in our nervous system. From a polyvagal perspective, addictions are adaptive responses to maladaptive environments. Clinicians will learn how to use the graphic model (FSPM) to help clients recognize their ANS states. In addition, working with the Felt Sense, our bodies intuitive knowing, enables clients to integrate traumatic experiences and establish states of safety. Specific tools for developing harm reduction strategies will be presented. Case examples will be included.
Subject areas
This course counts toward the state boards and subject areas below.
Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Certified Master Social Worker
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Disclosure statements
Financial: Jan Winhall maintains a private practice. She is the Creator and Director of Focusing on Borden. She is a lecturer at the University of Toronto and Athabasca University. Ms. Winhall receives royalties as a published author. She is an internship supervisor at Smith College. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Jan Winhall is a member of The International Association of Focusing Oriented Psychotherapists, the Ontario Association of Social Workers, and the Planning Committee for The United States Association of Body Psychotherapies.