‘Polyvagal,dorsal vagal, ventral vagal,, collapse, ventral vagal anchors’ – ‘gobbledegook’ to you? And even if you are familiar with these terms, what difference does it make to you, the therapist/counselor and your clients sitting in your practice space? A lot!
By the end of this course, you will not only make sense of Polyvagal Theory, but you will be able to effectively apply it to your practice.
This training (based on the work of S.Porges and Deb Dana) begins with the relevant theory and function of the Polyvagal system and its relationship to co-regulation and connection; safety and danger. Once we have covered how the polyvagal system operates and influences our emotional states, the remainder of the first day focuses on practical application of the system with specific techniques to help our clients feel safe and reconnect to themselves and others. You will understand typical client behaviours such as disengagement, shutting down, hyper-vigilance etc. in the therapy room as manifestations of the polyvagal system. It is effective in working with trauma clients and other clients who have difficulty in emotional regulation and connection.
This training is suited for practitioners of counselling & psychotherapy.
Learning objectives of this training:
1. A clear and concise understanding of polyvagal theory and in particular the role of the three autonomic states.
2. How using polyvagal theory enables a sense of safety and reconnection in your clients.
3. Practical application of this theory translated into very specific techniques and structured exercises with a special focus on Gestalt Therapy to help your clients feel safer, self-regulate, and reconnect to themselves and you, the therapist, and then others in the client’s world.
4. Experience these interventions yourself before applying them to your clinical practice.
DAY 1
Presentation of the Polyvagal System and its influence on safety, danger, reconnection.
Applications to your clients – both inside and outside the therapy setting.
Introduction and demonstration of specific techniques followed by participants’ practicing them in ‘therapist-client’ dyads. Questions and discussion after each practice session.
DAY 2
This day is devoted to looking at participants’ stuck points and other issues in terms of polyvagal applications to Gestalt Therapy. This will be done sometimes by discussion or small groups, but primarily (in a safe manner) through role-plays of the moments of difficulty. This provides great learning opportunities and skill-development for all.
How will participants benefit from attending this presentation?
1. An intellectual and practical understanding of why Polyvagal Theory and its applications are the ‘talk of the therapy world’.
2. To actively know, both cognitively and experientially, Polyvagal Theory’s potential for profound impact on your work with clients (and yourself).
3. The capacity to take this knowledge and apply it to enhance your work with clients in Gestalt Therapy or other therapeutic models.
4. Experience and then actively apply techniques emerging out of Polyvagal Theory in supervised practice sessions.
“I cordially invite you to participate in this workshop because you will be able to offer something purposeful and potent to clients stuck in ‘unsafety’ and fear. I will endeavor to make it a maximum learning experience in a fun and safe context.”
Ari
