Grounded within the principles of polyvagal theory, affective neuroscience, and trauma-informed care, this class will help you gain a better understanding of how our brains and bodies respond to stress and trauma.

Vagal toning has benefits for emotional, mental, and physical health and is especially important for any imbalance to the autonomic nervous system as a result of trauma, chronic illness, and those suffering from long-haul covid symptoms. When we look at the root cause of these symptoms, we recognize that they all come from a common source which is a dysregulation of your autonomic nervous system.

Healthy vagal tone can be thought of as an optimal balance of parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system actions. This balance is regulated by your vagus nerve. Vagal toning means you are adding gentle stimulation to the vagus nerve pathway through breath, sound, eye-movements, self-applied touch, and gentle movements that help you come into balance. We are strengthening the nerve pathway of the social engagement system through repeated practices within the context of connection and safety through conscious breathing, movement, and self-compassion practices. Since most of us are sympathetic dominant, balance involves more down-regulation of the nervous system into the parasympathetic. However, some of need up-regulating strategies to come out of fatigue or collapse.

Within this class, Dr. Schwartz will offer lectures on the science of vagal toning and guide you through an experiential process so you can sense the benefit of these practices for yourself as well as teach them to clients. These practices can quickly reduce client’s anxiety, obsessive thinking, or feelings of hopelessness. Applied polyvagal theory within psychotherapy provides a powerful foundation for lasting changes that promote physiological balance and psychological wellness.

Join Arielle Schwartz, PhD, CCTP-II, E-RYT, internationally sought-out teacher, therapeutic yoga instructor, and leading voice in the healing of PTSD and complex trauma as she guides you through applied polyvagal theory in somatic therapies.

Attendance and Location Details

Date and Time

**This is a 6-CE online seminar delivered virtually in real-time via an industry-standard webinar platform**

Friday, August 8, 2025, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm CST / 10:00am – 5:30pm EST / 7:00am – 2:30pm PST

*Live Webinar Attendees: Zoom link and course materials will be made available to you 24-48 hours prior to event date

Agenda:

Key Principles of Applied Polyvagal Theory (1.5 hour)

• Tiered Response to Threat
• Hybrid Nervous System States
• Co-Regulation
• Neuroception
• Polyvagal Ladder
• Practice: Awaken The Social Engagement System

 Break (.25 hour)

Vagal Toning and Vagal Efficiency (1.5 hour)

• Recognize stress-induced and promote positive neuroplasticity
• Understand vagal tone and heart rate variability
• Discover the power of conscious breathing for nervous system regualtion
• Practice natural vagus nerve stimulation techniques
• Discussion and Questions

 Lunch (1 hour)

Enhance Vagal Efficiency  (1.5 hour)

• Describe vagal efficiency and its role in helping us adapt to stress
• Practice postural awareness tools to support vagal tone
• Recognize the connection between eye movements and vagal tone
• Discover the power of grounding and empowerment practices in psychotherapy
• Engage in Reflex Integration skills with clients to support nervous system regulation

 Break (.25 hour)

Compassion based practices to enhance wellbeing (1.5 hour)

• Explore how compassion and loving kindness practices enhance vagall tone
• Discover the difference between Empathy and Compassion
• Explore the blocks to self-compassion
• Navigate Approach-Avoidance Conflicts with Clients
• Discussion and Questions

Objectives:

a). After completing this training, participants will be able to fine-tune the nervous system moment-by-moment to help clients come out of chronic stress.

b). After completing this training, participants will be able to address the client’s health with breath, movement, and body awareness practices.

c). After completing this training, participants will be able to learn and describe the fastest ways to reduce stress and regulate the nervous system.

d). After completing this training, participants will be able to learn and understand the science of vagal tone and vagal efficiency.

e). After completing this training, participants will be able to state the key elements of applied polyvagal theory in psychotherapy.

f). After completing this training, participants will be able to teach clients to naturally stimulate their vagus nerve to enhance their physical and emotional health.

Target Audience:

Mental Health Clinicians & Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, Marriage & Family Therapists, Counselors, School Personnel, and Healthcare Workers.

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Instructor(s): Arielle Schwartz, PhD

Material Author(s): Arielle Schwartz, PhD

Arielle Schwartz, PhD, CCTP-II, E-RYT, is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified complex trauma professional, EMDR Consultant, and Kripalu yoga teacher. She is an internationally sought-out speaker, leading voice in the field of trauma recovery, and the author of seven books including The Complex PTSD Workbook, EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology, The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook, and her latest, Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga. As the founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy, she offers an integrative, mind-body approach to therapy that includes relational therapy, somatic psychology, EMDR Therapy, parts-work therapy, and therapeutic yoga for trauma. She specializes in applied polyvagal theory which focuses on addressing imbalances within the autonomic nervous system that underlie most mental and physical health conditions. Dr. Schwartz provides informational mental health and wellness updates through her writing, public speaking, social media presence, and blog. She believes that the journey of trauma recovery is an awakening of the spiritual heart. Learn more at www.drarielleschwartz.com.

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 (including the link to view the scheduled live webinar) are made available to all registered attendees 24-48 hours before the event start time. 
• This training is interactive and provides opportunities to ask direct questions to the trainer as well as request immediate help from staff if needed. The attendee will view the presentation in real-time from their connected device via an industry-standard internet webinar 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] live interactive webinar continuing education credits.

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