Integrating Polyvagal Theory Into Practice: Clinical Strategies & Techniques

Date course created: August 2022

Polyvagal theory, developed by Stephen Porges, provides a framework to understand how activation of the vagus nerve serves to trigger the calming response of our nervous system in more nuanced ways than previously understood. This calming response is crucial in balancing our sympathetic (i.e. active) response, which is often overactive in clients experiencing various forms of chronic psychological distress. Now, through Polyvagal theory, we are introduced to a third part of our nervous system (in addition to the classic “fight-or-flight” and “rest and digest” parts) Porges calls the “social engagement” system. The ventral branch of the vagus nerve operating above the diaphragm is thought to serve this “social engagement” system that essentially provides for nuanced modulation and activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems through interaction with others (i.e. coregulation) in a way that cultivates a sense of safety and allows for more flexible coping styles and ultimately better relationship experiences.

Learn how these systems work and how to employ this cutting edge theory into practice. Help your most stuck or overactive clients feel safe, shift into their social engagement biology, and achieve nervous system regulation through embodiment and connection with others.

**This is a 2.25-CE noninteractive, self-paced online video course delivered in home study format via an industry-standard online learning platform**

Agenda:

00:00 – 01:00: Polyvagal Theory

01:00 – 02:00: Clinical Strategies

Objectives:

This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:

Target Audience:

The target audience for this event includes psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed counselors, marriage and family therapists, and other clinical mental health professionals.

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Instructor(s): Brent Moore, PhD, LPC

Material Author(s): Brent Moore, PhD, LPC

Dr. Brent Moore is the director of clinical mental health counseling and associate professor of counselor education at Indiana Wesleyan University. He has taught graduate counseling in a full-time capacity for the past nine years. Dr. Moore is a registered play therapist and founder of Neural Pathways Learning Center in Liberty, MO, which serves to assess and treat anxiety, attention, and focus issues related to academic performance. He is a licensed counselor and approved supervisor for the states of Kansas and Missouri. Dr. Moore is the former president of the American Counseling Association of Missouri.

For additional information about this course, the instructors, or the material authors, please contact Content Assistance at content@onlinececredits.com.

Course Materials & Delivery Method:

• Course materials – The course is composed of a recorded presentation and written materials (e.g. a slide deck and/or other worksheets, manuals, or handouts as provided by the instructor). The slide deck and any additional worksheets or handouts (as provided by the instructor) are made available inside the Lesson module after a course is purchased.
• Delivery Method – this course is a recorded asynchronous, self-paced webinar training, and there is no access time limit or due date to complete it once enrolled. The enrolled learner will stream the recorded presentation and view the materials from their internet connected device via an industry-standard online learning platform.

CE Approvals:

Online CE Credits has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6795. Programs that do not quality for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Online CE Credits is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Mind Works Professional Education, Inc. DBA Online CE Credits, #1974, 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: July 23, 2024 – July 23, 2025. Social workers completing this course receive [see advertisement] asynchronous distance learning continuing education credits.

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