Short course
An Introduction to the Polyvagal Theory in Counselling Practice
Discover how Polyvagal Theory can enrich your counselling practice. This engaging CPD course explores the science behind the autonomic nervous system, introduces the core principles of Polyvagal Theory, and demonstrates how this knowledge can support some clients more effectively.
Overview
The Polyvagal Theory has developed out of the wider context of interpersonal neurobiology and the developing research on mind-body connection and how best to support people to recover from trauma.
This CPD course will give you an overview of the theoretical and biological basis of interpersonal neurobiology, explain the key organising principles of Polyvagal Theory and support you to use the knowledge with your clients in counselling. The final hour will provide a space for Polyvagal Theory experimentation to develop your confidence to work creatively with clients.
Through discussion, reflection, and practical experimentation, you will gain confidence in applying polyvagal-informed approaches creatively and safely in your therapeutic work.
Learning Outcomes
-
Describe the theoretical foundations and biological principles underpinning Polyvagal Theory and its relevance to counselling practice.
-
Explain the key organising principles of Polyvagal Theory and apply this understanding to support client wellbeing, safety, and therapeutic engagement within counselling sessions.
-
Demonstrate confidence in using Polyvagal Theory-informed approaches by experimenting with and developing creative interventions for use with clients in counselling practice.
Who would benefit?
Counsellors in practice or counselling organisations who want to develop their individual or team knowledge of interpersonal neurobiology using creative ways of working and supporting clients with recovery from trauma. No previous knowledge of polyvagal theory or interpersonal neurobiology is required.
Course in Depth
This section outlines how the course will be delivered in detail. What’s covered within the hours on the course.
What's included?
Hour 1
We will consider the biological underpinnings of Polyvagal Theory including the role of the autonomic nervous system, the vagus nerve and Hypothalamus-Pituitary Gland-Adrenal Glands (HPA) axis. We will consider what happens biologically to a person when they have experienced trauma in the past.
Hour 2
Building on the knowledge from the first hour, the key organising principles of Polyvagal Theory will be explored. We will discover the three polyvagal states: ventral vagal (the place of safety and connection), sympathetic (fight or flight), and dorsal vagal (freeze) and learn how to support clients to move to homeostasis (a place of emotional regulation, across all three states).
Hour 3
Using your new knowledge, you will build a creative collage of your personal ventral vagal state of safety, building confidence to introduce this way of working to some of your clients.
Location
Birmingham City University
Curzon Building
Cardigan Street
Birmingham B4 7BD
Room – Room C283
This CPD can also be provided to organisations at your location for no extra cost.
Fees and enrolment
Level: CPD
Cost: £35
If you’re interested in finding out more about this course or would like to sign up directly for our next course, please sign up today, or register your interest and we’ll be in touch with more information.