This is a workshop for counsellors and psychotherapists. Based on Stephen Porges' revolutionary research into the Vagus Nerve, this training will explore how the Autonomic Nervous System affects mental health whilst striving to keep us safe.

You will understand how we, as mammals, have developed 3 states of being; Safe and Social, Fight/Flight and Shut-down, and how and why we can become stuck in any of these states. We will explore the implications of this for mental health and well-being.

You will leave with a toolbox of ideas and techniques to support your clients to move up and down the Polyvagal 'ladder' of states in order to empower them to understand how to engage their own safe and social state. These techniques can be used with clients who present with a range of difficulties including Anxiety, Attachment, Depression, Anger, Relationship Difficulties and Trauma.

Aim:

To develop a basic understanding of the Polyvagal Theory and how it can be used in a therapeutic setting.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the day learners will:

1. Understand the basic principles of Polyvagal Theory including the basic biology and evolution of the Vagus Nerve and the Autonomic Nervous System.

2. Understand what ‘Neuroception’ is and how this can activate different survival states.

3. Recognise some of the signs and symptoms of different survival states.

4. Understand the link between unhealthy Neuroception and various mental health conditions.

5. Explore strategies and techniques to use with clients to support them to better understand how their Autonomic Nervous System affects their mental health.

6. Explore strategies and techniques to use with clients to support them to develop a healthier ‘vagal brake’ to enable them in their movement through and management of these survival states.

Please bring your own lunch.

Review: This course has an average rating of 9.6 out of 10.

"Emma is so passionate and enthusiastic about the Polyvagal Theory that she delivers a brilliant training on this subject. I really enjoyed her open style of encouraging all attending to add our own thoughts as she facilitated our understanding of this enlightening and progressive theory, throughout the day. Warm, friendly and knowledgeable, Emma's delivery was excellent! I feel really clear about the theory and very ready to begin to apply it both in my own life, as well as therapeutically with my clients." (Counsellor and Supervisor)