Harnessing the Nervous System: Applying Polyvagal Theory in Trauma-Informed Mental Health Therapy

This continuing education training for mental health professionals explores the application of Polyvagal Theory in trauma-informed mental health therapy, focusing on how the autonomic nervous system shapes emotional regulation, trauma responses, and healing. Participants will learn polyvagal-informed interventions to help clients achieve safety, co-regulation, and resilience. With case studies and practical tools, this workshop equips therapists to integrate these principles effectively into trauma-informed care.

This introductory continuing education web conference is designed to help mental health clinicians:

1. Define the three responses of the human autonomic nervous system.
2. Explain the foundational principles of Polyvagal Theory and its relevance to mental health and trauma therapy.
3. Identify the role of the autonomic nervous system in emotional regulation, trauma responses, and recovery.

Statement of program material's accuracy, utility, and risks: This course provides evidence-based, clinically relevant content on Polyvagal Theory and its application in trauma-informed therapy. It highlights how understanding the autonomic nervous system can enhance therapeutic rapport and promote healing in trauma survivors. The material draws from validated research and trauma-informed practices, offering practical tools for fostering safety and co-regulation. Risks include overinterpreting nervous system states, misapplying techniques, or overwhelming clients during interventions. Clinicians will learn to mitigate these risks by tailoring approaches to individual needs, maintaining therapeutic boundaries, and practicing self-care. This training ensures safe, effective integration of polyvagal principles in trauma therapy.

Declaration identifying any potential conflict of interest and/or commercial support: No conflict of interest indicated.

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact GoodTherapy here.

How the Web Conference Works

Before the scheduled event, all registered attendees will be sent a reminder email from GoodTherapy with specific instructions on how to log in to the webinar, as well as links to optional handout materials if applicable.

To attend the event, registered attendees will log in to the Microsoft Teams web conference center using a computer or device with internet access and/or call into the teleconference line on a phone. Attendees will be able to submit questions during the webinar via text chat in the Microsoft Teams web conference center and will be able to see the live streaming video and/or document sharing. 

At the conclusion of this event, participants will receive an email with information about how to request a CE certificate in your GoodTherapy Account. To confirm attendance, participants must enter the start code and end code announced at the beginning and end of the live presentation. Participants will also be prompted to complete an online survey evaluating the event. Participants will need to complete this online survey within six days after the event. Once completed, participants will be able to download a copy of their CE certificate right away by logging in to their GoodTherapy account.

For additional information about this event or our CE grievance procedures, please contact us here.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

2 CE contact hours will be provided by GoodTherapy for attending this web conference in its entirety. 

GoodTherapy is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

GoodTherapy.org, provider #1352, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 3/30/2022 – 3/30/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 2 continuing education credits.

GoodTherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0395. GoodTherapy, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0022 and for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0031.

To receive CE credit hours for an archived event, you will need to complete a survey as well as a 12 or 15-question exam, verifying that you listened to or watched the event in its entirety. Archived CE events generally are considered "homestudy" by licensing boards.

Registration Information

Premium and Pro Membership with GoodTherapy includes access to this web conference at no additional cost, as well as other member benefits such as a profile listing in GoodTherapy's Therapist Directory. Not yet a member? Sign up for a Premium or Pro Membership, here.

Just want CE credits? Sign up for a monthly or annual CE Subscription with GoodTherapy to get unlimited access to our CE Program, including this event, other live CE web conferences, and hundreds of hours of homestudy courses.

Mental health professionals who are not members can attend this live web conference for $30.95 or access the homestudy recording for $15.50. Sign up here to purchase this CE course and earn a CE certificate.

If the event is canceled by GoodTherapy, registrants who purchased the event will be notified and the charge for the event will be refunded

If you have any questions or would like information regarding disability accommodations, please contact us.

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