Integrating Polyvagal Theory in Clinical Practice: Becoming a Polyvagal Informed Therapist – Dr Stephen Porges

In this course, participants will learn about Polyvagal Theory from its author, Dr. Stephen W. Porges. Dr. Porges will dive into clinical applications of the theory to help you understand the mechanisms underlying several core features related to biobehavioral state regulation that are shared with several psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., PTSD, autism, depression, and anxiety disorders). He will explain how neuroception, a ‘neural’ detection system not requiring conscious awareness, constantly scans the environment for cues of safety or threat which leads to a psychological response of calm and connected, mobilized and defensive, or immobilized and disassociated. Read More

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Understand the importance of the client’s and the therapist’s physiological state during a therapy session.
Be able to use observable features of self and (vocal intonation, facial expression, posture, muscle tension) to detect and monitor both their own and their client’s physiological state.
Become aware that bodily state of both therapist and client influences the therapeutic interaction and can influence the clinical trajectory and facilitate or deter the efficient impact of therapy.
Learn what cues signal a neuroception of safety or a neuroception of threat.
Learn, from a polyvagal perspective, to establish a ‘safe’ therapeutic context during which their clients are more likely to calm and downregulate physiological states of defense.

About the Speaker

Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. is a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium in the Kinsey Institute. He is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and Professor Emeritus at both the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland. He served as president of the Society for Psychophysiological Research and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences and is a former recipient of a National Institute of Mental Health Research Scientist Development Award. He is the originator of the Polyvagal Theory, a theory that emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of behavioral, mental, and health problems related to traumatic experiences. He is the creator of a music-based intervention, the Safe and Sound Protocol ™ , which currently is used by more than 1500 therapists to improve spontaneous social engagement, to reduce hearing sensitivities, and to improve language processing, state regulation, and spontaneous social engagement.

CPD/CE

CPD / CE / NBCC credits available: 3

How do I receive these credits? The participant must pass the multiple-choice test with a minimum score of 80%. There is a maximum of three attempts to achieve this. The post-test is included in the price of the training.

Does my regulatory body accept the credits? The CPD & CE credits awarded can be used towards your declaration to any governing regulatory body in your state or country, provided the content is relevant to your discipline. Our trainings are accredited by: – The CPD Group, London – Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association – Australian Counselling Association – National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).