Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory with Stephen Porges, PhD: Trauma, Attachment, Self-Regulation & Emotions

Objectives

Characterize the principle features and foundation of the Polyvagal Theory.
Articulate how the Polyvagal Theory may explain behavioural features related to psychiatric disorders and other behavioural problems.
Determine how maladaptive behaviours, which may accompany several psychiatric disorders, may reflect adaptive responses triggered by survival mechanisms.
Communicate how the neural process (neuroception) evaluates risk in the environment and triggers adaptive neural circuits promoting either social interactions or defensive behaviours.
Appraise the definition of the features of the Social Engagement System to include the neural pathways that connect the brain, face, and heart.
Evaluate how deficits in the regulation of the Social Engagement System are expressed as core features of several psychiatric disorders.
Specify how therapeutic presence is based on the interaction between the Social Engagement Systems of client and therapist.
Evaluate how the Social Engagement System is involved in optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Ascertain which features of the Social Engagement System are compromised by stress and trauma.
Determine how acoustic stimulation, via the Safe and Sound Protocol, may function as an acoustic vagal nerve stimulator to shift autonomic state and facilitate spontaneous social engagement behaviours.

Copyright : 18/10/2019

Polyvagal Theory Informed Trauma Assessment and Interventions: An Autonomic Roadmap to Safety, Connection and Healing

Objectives

Determine the principles of Polyvagal Theory and how to communicate them in client friendly language.
Categorize three circuits of the autonomic nervous system for the purpose of client psychoeducation.
Analyze how the autonomic nervous system operates as an internal surveillance system and its impact on clients’ habitual responses to trauma.
Determine how to help clients engage the regulating capacities of the autonomic nervous system in order to create an environment of safety.
Demonstrate how to exercise the Social Engagement System to assist clients in becoming more adept in skills of co-regulation and creating reciprocal relationships.
Assess for patterns in clients’ autonomic states to better inform treatment planning.
Summarize the trauma-informed therapist’s role as co-regulator and its impact on clinical outcomes.
Determine portals of intervention in the autonomic nervous system to more effectively establish safety and treat trauma.
Discover the right degree of neural challenge and exercises to employ with clients to help shape the autonomic nervous system toward safety and connection.
Examine how to work with the cycle or reciprocity-rupture-repair in helping clients achieve the biological need for connection.
Design a Polyvagal-informed clinical practice based on appropriate assessment and treatment planning.
Examine ethical issues, research limitations, and potential risks to be considered by a Polyvagal-informed therapist

Neuroscience & Physiology of Trauma: Extended Interview with Stephen Porges PhD

Objectives

Ascertain the clinical implications of the polyvagal theory in terms of hierarchy: ventral vagal response; sympathetic response and dorsal vagal.