Stephen Porges: Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe

Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the principles and features of the Polyvagal Theory and how to apply it in a clinical setting

2. Indicate how Polyvagal Theory can demystify several features related to stress-related illnesses and psychiatric disorders such as PTSD, autism, depression and anxiety

3. Discuss what the Social Engagement System is and how the brain-face-heart connection evolved

4. Describe how deficits in the regulation of the Social Engagement System relate to the core features of several psychiatric disorders       

5. Discuss how neural process evaluates risk in the environment and triggers adaptive neural circuits which promote either social interactions or defensive behaviors

6. Define behavioral responses to trauma including fight/flight and immobilization defense strategies

7. Describe how the Social Engagement System is compromised by stress and trauma and how to reset it

8. Discuss state regulation as a core feature of psychiatric disorders