Introduction
Date course created: March 2026
Trauma therapists know that while deep wounding happens in relationships, it is also in relationships that we must heal. New research is helping us understand that we are biologically designed to co-regulate with others for survival. Polyvagal theory teaches us that we are wired to connect and engage with each other in safety. This is where we heal, grow, and restore ourselves.
This workshop presents the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (FSPM), a paradigm shifting approach that brings somatics into the field of couples therapy. The model introduces a two phased process that establishes enough safety for couples to begin to co-regulate.
Phase One: Partners learn how to begin to regulate their nervous systems, and connect with mind/body awareness through finding their felt sense- a deeper bodily awareness.
Phase Two: Partners learn the Felt Sense Polyvagal Dialogue (FSPD), a step-by-step process for deep embodied listening and reprocessing of conflict and traumatic wounding.
As couples build their capacity to regulate their own nervous systems, they also learn how to help each other establish safety together, engaging the power of co-regulation. Particular attention is paid to helping partners learn how to titrate dysregulated states as they work through their trauma histories and subsequent behavioral responses such as dissociation and addiction.
The presentation is based on Winhall’s book Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model and her new book Twenty Embodied Practices for Healing Trauma and Addiction: Using the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model. This book is a manual for applying the FSPM.
This workshop will be a mixture of didactic presentation and embodied practices. Case examples will be included!
This is a 2.5-CE noninteractive, self-paced online video course delivered in home study format via an industry-standard online learning platform
Agenda
00:00 – 00:22 → Introduction to the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model, Theoretical Foundations, Establishing Safety
00:22 – 01:05 → Introduction to Polyvagal Theory, Neuroception, the Seven F’s Model, The Trauma Feedback Loop Explained
01:05 – 01:41 → Mindfulness as a Foundation for Connection, Welcoming Discomfort and New Awareness, Case Study
01:41 – 02:04 → Transitioning to Phase Two of Therapy, Setting Up Effective Dialogues, Exploring Childhood Wounds in Therapy
02:04 – 02:37 → Challenges in Couples Therapy, Safety Contracts, Neuroplasticity and Daily Practices, Integrating CBT
Objectives
This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:
After completing this training, participants will learn the 7 ANS states in the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model.- After completing this training, participants will be able to describe the two phased process in the FSPM for Couples.
- After completing this training, participants will be able to describe the steps of the Felt Sense Polyvagal Dialogue.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this event includes psychologists, social workers, counselors, MFT’s, psychiatrists and other clinical mental health professionals.
Instructional Level: Intermediate
Instructor(s): Jan Winhall, MSW, FOT
Material Author(s): Jan Winhall, MSW, FOT
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:
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Online CE Credits has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6795. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Online CE Credits is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
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, 2025 – July 23, 2028. Social workers completing this course receive 2.5 clinical continuing education credits.
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