Vicki Demirdjian - Psychotherapist

Developed by neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory explains how the Autonomic Nervous System influences our physiological states of safety, connection, and survival—shaping the way we respond to stress, trauma, and relationships.

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This 6 hour CPD course is ideal for psychotherapists, counsellors, and mental health practitioners interested in trauma-informed and somatic approaches to therapy.

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The main takeaway will be how to smoothly integrate the polyvagal theory into practice complementing how you work with your existing chosen modalities.

 

Through a combination of psychoeducation, case reflection, and embodied exercises, you will learn to identify autonomic states, promote co-regulation, and create therapeutic safety from a neurobiological perspective enabling the fluid integration of the Polyvagal Theory into clinical practice.  

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By the end of this course, participants will understand:

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• The foundations of the Polyvagal Theory.

• The Parasympathetic Nervous System and the Sympathetic Nervous System. 

• The Vegas Nerve and the hierarchy of the autonomic states and their role in survival and connection.

• The Fight, Flight and Freeze realities.

• Develop the skills to enhance clients physiological (not just cognitive) states of awareness.

• Apply Polyvagal-informed techniques to promote safety, connection, and regulation.

• Support clients in moving from dysregulation to self-regulation through co-regulation and body-based awareness.

• Understand the connection between the therapist presence and tone as tools for nervous system client safety.

• How to create Polyvagal-informed treatment plans, supervision approaches, with practical strategies for working with clients in sympathetic and dorsal states. Using grounding, pacing, and breath-based interventions safely and effectively.

• Develop the skill of Mapping the Nervous System with clients, especially effective with Trauma, PTSD and OC clients.

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