Learn with Deb & Steve

If you’re new to Polyvagal Theory and are interested in learning more, this course is for you! Featuring a two-hour overview on Polyvagal Theory, presented by Dr. Stephen Porges, who created the theory in 1994. Dr. Porges is joined by Deb Dana, LCSW, who is a renowned trainer of Polyvagal practices. Together, they will walk students through the key concepts of the theory, giving students a foundational understanding and opportunities to apply the theory in their own practice.
Deb Dana & Stephen Porges

Pricing options

Your access will last for 365 days from the date of registration.

Extra Details

This course is a great place to start for anyone looking to learn the basics of Polyvagal Theory.

  • Your registration to this course includes an invitation to attend an optional PVI student community discussion with Stephen Porges, PhD or Deb Dana, LCSW. Dates for these discussions are announced quarterly.

  • You'll be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing this course. Psychologists, LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs, and nurses have the option to earn 2 CEs for and additional $35. CEs are provided by co-sponsor Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA).

  • You'll be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing this course.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome!

    2. Watch: What is Polyvagal Theory? A short introduction

    1. Watch: Navigating the Nervous System: A Polyvagal Guided Approach with Deb Dana, LCSW

    2. Slides Handout: Navigating the Nervous System Powerpoint

    3. Read: Polyvagal Primer

    4. Watch: Polyvagal Theory A Neuroscience Explaining Reactions to Safety and Threat with Dr. Stephen Porges

    5. Slides Handout: A Neuroscience View Powerpoint Handout

    6. A Beginner's Guide To Polyvagal Theory

    7. Watch: Stephen Porges PhD interview with Mark Grove

    1. Recording: Broader Student Discussion with Dr. Stephen Porges Oct 16, 2024

    2. Recording: Broader Student Community Discussion with Dr. Stephen Porges May 6, 2024

    3. Recording: Live Discussion with Stephen Porges, PhD (January 11, 2024)

    1. Course Survey

    2. Course Quiz

    1. To Purchase Your CEs

About this course

  • $49.00
  • 18 lessons

Reviews

5 star rating

Insightful and Useful

Hannah Engle

Such an interesting theory to learn about that makes sense! This course has helped me realize the different reactions the body has to a situation, depending ...

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Such an interesting theory to learn about that makes sense! This course has helped me realize the different reactions the body has to a situation, depending on what polyvagal state they are in. It helps to know it isn't all in our head- but the body. Stephen and Deb are wonderful speakers full of insight.

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5 star rating

thank you

Antonia Brito

Amazing information, thanks for sharing this, is clear, simple, and can be life changing. As a therapist, is a very good resource and I would love to continu...

Read More

Amazing information, thanks for sharing this, is clear, simple, and can be life changing. As a therapist, is a very good resource and I would love to continue with other courses.

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4 star rating

DeFreitas review of PVT for the Newly Acquainted

Paula DeFreitas

This is an understandable (mostly) as well as powerful beginning to how and what Polyvagal Theory is.

This is an understandable (mostly) as well as powerful beginning to how and what Polyvagal Theory is.

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5 star rating

Overview of Polyvagal Theory

Sandy Thoma

5 star rating

Overview of Polyvagal Theory

Sandy Thoma

Instructor(s)

LCSW Deb Dana

Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, author and speaker. Her work is focused on using the lens of Polyvagal Theory to understand and resolve the impact of trauma in our lives. She is a founding member of the Polyvagal Institute, consultant to Khiron Clinics, and advisor to Unyte. Deb’s work shows how an understanding of Polyvagal Theory is applicable across the board to relationships, mental health, and trauma. She delves into the intricacies of how we can all use an understanding of the organizing principles of Polyvagal Theory to change the ways we navigate our daily lives. Deb is well known for translating Polyvagal Theory into a language and application that is both clear and accessible and for pioneering Rhythm of Regulation® methodology, tools, techniques and practices which continue to open up the power of Polyvagal Theory for professionals and curious people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. Deb believes that we all benefit when we have a basic understanding of the ways the nervous system works and learn how to become active operators of this essential system. Following this passion has led her to offering workshops in partnership with groups and communities outside of the clinical arena - and bringing the Polyvagal perspective to the ordinary, and sometimes extraordinary, experiences of daily living. Deb’s clinical work published with W.W. Norton includes The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation, Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client Centered Practices, the Polyvagal Flip Chart, the Polyvagal Card Deck, and Polyvagal Practices: Anchoring the Self in Safety. She partners with Sounds True to bring her polyvagal perspective to a general audience through the audio program Befriending Your Nervous System: Looking Through the Lens of Polyvagal Theory and her print book Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory.

Creator of Polyvagal Theory Stephen Porges, PhD

Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. is a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium in the Kinsey Institute. He is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and Professor Emeritus at both the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland. He served as president of the Society for Psychophysiological Research and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences and is a former recipient of a National Institute of Mental Health Research Scientist Development Award. He is the originator of the Polyvagal Theory, a theory that emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of behavioral, mental, and health problems related to traumatic experiences. He is the creator of a music-based intervention, the Safe and Sound Protocol ™ , which currently is used by approximately 4,000 therapists to improve spontaneous social engagement, to reduce hearing sensitivities, and to improve language processing, state regulation, and spontaneous social engagement. Dr. Porges is a founder of the Polyvagal Institute.