Polyvagal Institute

Join us in this SPECIAL 2-HOUR EDITION of the Embodied Dialogue Series with Jan Winhall and guests Patrick McA, Elizabeth Moitoza, Robert Ragucci, and Ann Dowsett Johnston for an enlightening exploration of how Polyvagal Theory and Twelve-step Programs can intersect to enhance addiction treatment. ‘𝗣𝗼𝗹𝘆𝘃𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝟭𝟮 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀' with Patrick McA, Elizabeth Moitoza, Robert Ragucci, Ann Dowsett Johnston 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 12pm-2pm ET on 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬, 2025 FREE - sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gMf-zDqP Since the 1930s, Twelve-step Programs have been a cornerstone in helping millions overcome addictive behaviors through accessible, global support groups rooted in the concept of a ‘higher power.’ Founded by Bill Wilson and Bob Smith, these programs view addiction as a brain disease and emphasize community and spiritual connection. Polyvagal Theory, introduced by neuroscientist Stephen Porges in 1994, offers a fresh perspective by framing addictions as adaptive survival strategies linked to the autonomic nervous system’s regulation of emotional states. This approach highlights how trauma influences our nervous system responses, providing new insights into why individuals might engage in addictive behaviors. In this event, we will discuss how these differing views can inform one another. What can the Twelve Steps learn from Polyvagal Theory’s focus on physiological triggers and trauma? How can Polyvagal-informed approaches benefit from the long-standing community and spiritual support of Twelve-step Programs? --- #polyvagal #polyvagaltheory #trauma #traumahealing #traumainformed #somatic #somaticexperiencing #focusing #feltsensepolyvagalmodel #addiction #addictionrecovery #feltsense #embodiment #traumaresponse #interpersonalneurobiology #janwinhall #therapeuticpresence #coaching #therapy #emotionalregulation #coregulation #attachment #clientrelationship #12stepstorecovery #12steps

Today we have two PVI Course Partners together, discussing a timely topic "WHAT MAKES US BOND? The deep biology of love, oxytocin and the vagus nerve." Dr. Sue Carter and Dr. Amelia Barili share an engaging conversaton here: https://lnkd.in/ekWQRRQt We have two upcoming opportunities to learn more from these experts! First, we are currently enrolling a new cohort of Amelia Barili's course, "Embodying Safety: A Certificate for Integrating Yoga, Qigong & Polyvagal Theory." If you are curious to learn more from Amelia, the live online sessions begin March 13, 2025, and teaches how the three maps of Yoga, Qigong and Polyvagal Theory complement and enrich each other, helping you understand your own autonomic nervous system (ANS), its vulnerabilities, and its potential. Learn more and enroll here: https://lnkd.in/eHib9exq Secondly, we have an exciting Women's Health series beginning March 14, 2025, with Chantal Traub and special guest Dr. Sue Carter. "Reclaim your Rhythm: A Midlife Wellness Series for Women" consists of three live webinar sessions on topics including sleep and menopause, the healing power of oxytocin, and the importance of setting boundaries in relationships. Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/en7hD4Gt #polyvagaltheory #stephenporges #suecarter #polyvagal #vagus #vagusnerve #vagaltone #yoga#nervoussystemregulation #selfregulation #autocuidado #autocuidadoemocional #traumahealing #traumarecovery #oxytocin #womenshealth #perimenopause #menopause #thenewmenopause #polyvagaltraining #selfcare #nervoussystemhealing #somatics https://lnkd.in/ekWQRRQt

Aligning Our Voice with Our Intentions: A Polyvagal Course for Communication starts April 29! 📣 Free Info Session Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 2:30pm-3:00pm ET Our voice is a profound resource that shapes how others perceive and engage with us. Whether in leadership, parenting, performing, counseling, therapy or coaching, our voice can either invite closeness or create distance. While these dynamics often occur unconsciously, this new course, Aligning Our Voice with Our Intentions: A Polyvagal Course for Communication with Mattie Shisko and co-instructor Michael Allison, empowers you to intentionally develop strategies to align your vocal and physiological presence with your core values, aspirations, and intentions. This live-online course begins April 29, 2025. Come join PVI Course Partners Mattie Shisko and Michael Allison on April 15 for a free info session to learn more about this learning opportunity. Mattie will share an overview of the curriculum and learning objectives for the course, and the pair will be available to answer any of your questions! If you can not attend live in real time, a recording will be emailed to all who register. Sign up to attend on our Events page at the link in our bio! #nervoussystem #nervoussystemregulation #voice #useyourvoice #vocal #speakup #communication #communicationstrategy #leadership #leadershiptraining #polyvagal #polyvagaltheory #mentalhealth #therapistsofinstagram #neuroscience #coregulation #neuroception #coregulation #humanconnection #relationships

PVI Course Partner Jan Winhall, MSW, FOT, has a new book coming out in March! In 20 Embodiment Practices for Healing Trauma and Addiction: Using the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model, Jan presents readers with two vital tools for healing: learning how to recognize and rewire their autonomic state, and finding the felt sense of somatic wisdom. This compassionate and inviting model centers the intelligence of the body to allow for deep healing, and these 20 step-by step exercises present an accessible approach for clinicians, their clients, and anyone on the journey to healing from trauma and addiction. The book’s exercises are uniquely designed to be completed either with a mental health professional, another person engaged in this embodied process (a felt sense partner), or both. Find it now on pre-order in the PVI Bookstore and be sure to explore the FSPM courses and facilitator training sequence offered exclusively at Polyvagal Institute: https://lnkd.in/ePVrkZgb #feltsense #feltsensesafety #janwinhall #stephenporges #polyvagaltheory #scienceofsafety #connection #community #nervoussystem #holistichealing #polyvagal #vagusnerve #vagaltoning #vagus #vagusnervehealing #somatictherapy #somatichealing #traumahealing #ptsd #mentalhealthjourney #mentalhealthtools #nervoussystemhealing #embodiment

Free Author Talk with Deb Dana, LCSW: Glimmers Journal Wednesday, March 7, 2025, 12pm-1:00pm ET ✨ Deb Dana, LCSW, PVI Course Partner and PVI Co-Founder, is known worldwide for translating the principles of Polyvagal Theory for use by clinicians in the therapeutic setting. Deb is also known as the conceptualizer of "glimmers"― micromoments of joy and well-being in your day. In her newest publication, Glimmers Journal, Deb provides space and context for you to understand and start noticing glimmers. Glimmers tell your nervous system that you are safe and okay in the world, thus shifting your system’s response from defense to calm. When we notice and name glimmers, we train our nervous system to be open to more of these moments―expanding our overall sense of well-being. ✨ In this free Author Talk, Deb will share with us about the concept of glimmers, and how keeping a journal such as this will help you to build a foundation of wellness and regulation. Can't join us for this event in real time? No worries! Your registration here ensures that you will receive the recording of this session sent to you by email within 48 hours of the live event. 💫 Register to attend on our EVENTS page (polyvagal.org/events) and find the book in our BOOKSTORE (polyvagal.org/bookstore)! #glimmers #debdana #nervoussystemhealing #vagusnerve #vagus #groundingtechniques #heartcentered #innerstrength #bodymindsoul #mindfulness #mindfulmeditation #selfawareness #chronicpainrelief #chronicpain #chronicpainlife #feedthesoul #anxietyattack #nervoussystem #nervoussystemregulation #selfcompassion #healingtrauma #somaticexperiencing #anxietyfighter #nervoussystemhealing #polyvagal #polyvagaltheory

PVI colleague Bessel van der Kolk, PhD was recently interviewed for the popular podcast, The Diary of a CEO, where he shares his perspective on trauma, childhood experiences, medication, EMDR, and more. Bessel van der Kolk is Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and President of the Trauma Research Foundation. He is the author of the global bestselling book ‘The Body Keeps The Score’. https://lnkd.in/eyDQinXa #emdr #besselvanderkolk #thebodykeepsthescore #mentalhealth #traumahealing #diaryofaCEO

Register to attend the upcoming 2025 Play Therapy Conference, with keynote speaker Stephen Porges, the founder of Polyvagal Theory. This LIVE online conference is scheduled for June 4–6, 2025, and offers a comprehensive exploration of effective, evidence-based play therapy tools and strategies tailored to help children navigate challenges and thrive. Some highlights include: 🧒Practical Interventions: Discover creative, proven techniques you can immediately integrate into your practice. 🧒Expert-Led Sessions: Gain insights from renowned play therapy specialists across 10 live sessions over two days. 🧒Professional Development: Earn up to 25.5 CE hours and access additional bonus materials, client handouts, and comprehensive manuals. 🧒Interactive Learning: Engage in live Q&A sessions and connect with peers for collaborative growth. On-Demand Access: Revisit all session recordings for 30 days after the conference. Register directly through our partner link here receive exclusive pricing. https://lnkd.in/eu5kMEaw Please note, this event is presented by PESI and is not managed by Polyvagal Institute. Please refer to contact information at the link above with any questions!

Starting in March! 🍃 In this live, online course, you will learn how the three maps of Yoga, Qigong and Polyvagal Theory complement and enrich each other, helping you understand your own autonomic nervous system (ANS), its vulnerabilities, and its potential. Dr. Amelia Barili gives you tools to learn to engage your nervous system’s natural pathways and your body’s regulating circuits to regain a sense of safety and connection, and to gently shape your nervous system in new ways. Course includes conversations between Dr. Stephen Porges and Dr. Barili. Self-paced ourse content is available March 6, and your first live session meets on March 13. Visit our course page to learn more and to register: https://lnkd.in/e5Wiy3Fr #yoga #qigong #embodiedhealing #traumahealing #polyvagaltheory #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealth #autonomicnervoussystem #vagusnerve #selfregulation #autocuidado #autocuidadoemocional #traumahealing #traumarecovery #ptsd #ptsdrecovery #chronicpain #yogatherapist #traumatherapist #stephenporges #scienceofsafety #nervoussystem #holistichealing #somatichealing #somaticmovement #mentalhealthjourney #mentalhealthtools #chronicstress #reclaimmylife #reclaimmyhealth

"Our physiology is impacted by the food we consume, interactions, and sensory input. These create the signals responsible for our feelings, behaviors, and physical experience, and should be a part of every conversation for early childhood development, behavioral, and mental health. " - BG Mancini, PVI Course Partner, Neuro-Integrative Medicine Expert 🍃 Introducing "Polyvagal Theory & the Brain-Gut Axis: An Intro to Neuro-Integrative Medicine" with BG Mancini! Live sessions begin March 25, 2025. 🧠 This exciting new course explores human physiology and the nervous system on every level, with special attention given to the bi-directional brain-gut axis and microbiome health and functionality. When we feel safe in our bodies, we can optimize our metabolic resources, regulate our internal systems, and shift our behaviors, improving our overall health, resilience, and quality of life. By understanding how food, sensory input, neuroception, interoception, and more influence our nervous system, we can make small, impactful changes in our physical and mental health. 🍃 Join us for a free Info Session with BG Mancini to explore this learning opportunity and see if this Certificate Course is right for you. BG will share an overview of the curriculum and learning objectives for the course, and will be available to answer any of your questions! If you can not attend live in real time, a recording will be emailed to all who register. ✅ Find the course details and info session sign up here: https://loom.ly/WSqn3es #polyvagaltheory #microbiome #autonomicdysfunction #healthiswealth #braingutconnection #guthealthiseverything #guthealth #antiinflammatory #antiinflammatorylifestyle #polyvagal #gutmicrobiome #gutbacteria #braingutaxis #neurointegrative #neurointegrativemedicine #functionalmedicine #naturopath #neuroception #interoception #vagus #vagusnerve #vagaltone #brainhealth

Listen in on a recent episode of The Mark Groves Podcast for an interview with Dr. Porges where he discusses the impact of trauma histories on our relationships and behaviors and Polyvagal Theory’s role in our physiological responses. Dr. Porges also explores alternative modalities for self-regulation – emphasizing the importance of co-regulation, and shares somatic therapies for trauma healing. Polyvagal Path: Healing Your Nervous System & Your Life with Dr. Stephen Porges https://lnkd.in/emRwegwm