Polyvagal Theory, offers a groundbreaking perspective on how our nervous system shapes emotional experiences, relationships, and responses to stress. This course introduces the foundational concepts of Polyvagal Theory, emphasizing its application in psychotherapy and trauma-informed care. You will learn how the autonomic nervous system—particularly the vagus nerve—impacts safety, connection, and regulation in therapy. You will also explore how to recognize and respond to nervous system states in both yourself and your clients, fostering deeper therapeutic engagement and more effective interventions.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Define and contextualize Polyvagal Theory within the framework of the autonomic nervous system, explaining the function of the vagus nerve in mind–body communication and emotional regulation.
- Recognize the importance of Polyvagal Theory in understanding and treating nervous system dysregulation, including the role of somatic safety in therapeutic progress.
- Apply mapping, body awareness, and state-specific interventions such as grounding, co-regulation, and DBT-informed skills to promote safety and connection.
- Differentiate between cues of danger (triggers) and cues of safety (glimmers) to enhance client engagement and therapeutic effectiveness.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Define Polyvagal Theory and Its Relationship to Psychotherapy
- Understand the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its three key states: ventral, sympathetic, and dorsal.
- Learn how the vagus nerve facilitates communication between the brain and body.
- Explore the Polyvagal Theory framework as a model for understanding stress responses and social connection.
- Compare Polyvagal Theory to the Window of Tolerance model used in trauma-informed care.
Objective #2: Discuss Why Polyvagal Theory Is Important for Treatment
- Recognize how many clients present with dysregulated nervous systems, impacting therapeutic progress.
- Understand that logical safety is not enough—clients must feel safe somatically to process information.
- Appreciate the role of the ventral vagal state in creating therapeutic connection and co-regulation.
- Apply case examples to identify how physiological state influences client behavior and engagement.
Objective #3: Identify Ideal Clients and Considerations
- Identify clients who may benefit most from Polyvagal-informed approaches (e.g., those with PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, chronic pain, or addiction).
- Discuss potential contraindications and complexities (e.g., active withdrawal, sensory triggers, or severe trauma histories).
- Reflect on symptoms or behaviors that may signal ANS dysregulation.
- Examine client context and readiness when choosing to incorporate Polyvagal concepts into therapy.
Objective #4: Learn How to Implement Polyvagal Theory Interventions With Clients and Self
- Use body awareness exercises and psychoeducation to help clients map their own nervous system states.
- Employ tools like TIPP (DBT skills) and Sensorimotor techniques for sympathetic states; grounding and co-regulation for dorsal states.
- Understand the concepts of triggers vs. glimmers (danger vs. safety cues).
- Maintain a ventral state as a therapist and intentionally structure sessions to begin and end with safety and connection.
Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 hours of Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Ashley Esry, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Recording Date: April 30, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2025 - 08/6/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com