Polyvagal Theory: Basic Principles, Experiential Learning, and Clinical Applications
with Stephen Porges, Ph.D.
September 23 & 24, 2017
9AM – 4PM
Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Berkeley, CA
Stephen Porges, Ph.D., is a behavioral neuroscience researcher whose investigations of the evolution and expression of human autonomic psychophysiology has become a wellspring advancing the theories and practices of multiple disciplines and human service fields of practice.
In this exciting two-day conference, Dr. Porges will present a basic outline of his Polyvagal Theory, lead attendees in experiential learning, and dialogue with professionals presenting cases from diverse practice arenas. Since 1994, when Dr. Porges announced the basic concepts, Polyvagal Theory has been adopted and used productively in a wide array of psychological and somatic clinical practices. The theory is bringing alive the profound significance of our evolutionary neural organization in daily psychological and relational processes.
Participants will learn about the evolutionary emergence of a set of nerves in the brain that control the heart and face. This connection provided the structures for the Social Engagement System, which links our bodily feelings and thought processes with facial expression, vocal intonation, and gesture. Workshop participants will learn about the relationship between neural regulation of the Social Engagement system and emergent properties, including the development of many forms of mental and physical illness. Additionally, Dr. Porges will speak to developing clinical strategies to rehabilitate the Social Engagement System as an important part of any treatment.
Please join us in this exciting and informative professional education experience. Stephen is an engaging, open, and vital thinker grounded in daily living and with a wide range of experiences and interests beyond the laboratory.
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Ticket Information:
General Admission: $350
Early Bird: $310 Before June 23, 2017
Registered Intern: $245
Student of co-sponsoring institutions $175 – Current student ID required 30% of tickets available First-come, first-served
Onsite $365
Event ticketing: http://polyvagaltheory.
NOTE: No single day tickets will be offered
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About Our Presenter: Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D., is Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University, where he directs the Trauma Research Initiative within the Kinsey Institute. He holds the position of Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina and Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland. He served as president of both 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 has published more than 250 peer reviewed scientific papers across several disciplines including anesthesiology, biomedical engineering, critical care medicine, ergonomics, exercise physiology, gerontology, neurology, neuroscience, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatry, psychology, psychometrics, space medicine, and substance abuse. In 1994 he proposed the Polyvagal Theory. The theory provides insights into the mechanisms mediating symptoms observed in several behavioral, psychiatric, and physical disorders including autism, anxiety, depression, ADD, PTSD, and schizophrenia. His research has led to the development of innovative interventions designed to stabilize behavioral and psychological states and to stimulate spontaneous social behavior that are being applied to autism and other clinical diagnoses.
For more information on Dr. Porges and his work, visit his website: www.stephenporges.com
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Continuing Education
Continuing education credit for this event is co-sponsored by Somatic Psychology Associates and The Institute for Continuing Education. The program offers 6.00 contact hours per day, with full attendance required. The CE processing fee is $25.00 per person and is payable to The Institute for Continuing Education with completed CE paperwork. CE applications will be available on site. CE verification will be mailed to workshop participants following the training. To receive continuing education credit, participants must complete CE paperwork, sign in/out daily, and complete an evaluation of the training. If you have questions regarding this training, continuing education, learning objectives, or grievance issues, contact The Institute at: e-mail: instconted@aol.com.
Social Work: The Institute for Continuing Education, Provider 1007, is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. The Institute for Continuing Education maintains responsibility for the program. ASWB Approval Period: 04-13-2015 – 04-13-2018. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval for continuing education credits.
Counseling / Marriage-Family Therapy: The California Board Behavioral Sciences accepts programs sponsored by approved providers of the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
Psychology: The Institute for Continuing Education is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute for Continuing Education maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Skill Level: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
Teaching Methodology: May include: didactic, audio-visuals, demonstrations, role play, experiential exercises, large and small group discussions.
ADA: If you have special needs, please contact: mludwiglcsw@gmail.com or 510-387-5845
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Conference Learning Objectives
Describe the primary features of the Polyvagal Theory.
Explain how the autonomic nervous system is related to social and defensive behaviors.
Describe the three autonomic circuits that support and disrupt social behavior.
Explain how the neural process “neuroception” evaluates risk in the environment and triggers adaptive neural circuits promoting either social interactions or defensive behaviors.
Describe the clinical conditions necessary to promote feelings of safety in the client.
Identify cues of physiological state in the client’s voice and facial expressions.
Explain why deficits in the Social Engagement System are core features of several psychiatric disorders.
Explain how trauma disrupts typical function of the autonomic nervous system.
Explain how maladaptive behaviors, including dissociation, may accompany several psychiatric disorders, and may reflect adaptive responses triggered by survival mechanisms.
Describe the mechanisms through which voice conveys physiological state and how listening to types of vocalizations and acoustic stimulation can aid in the regulation of biobehavioral states.
Describe a face-heart connection that defines a social engagement system that links our bodily feelings with facial expression, vocal intonation, and gesture.
Explain how trauma and chronic stresses can “retune” middle ear function and distort the ability to process human speech.
A Certificate of attendance will be available to all attendees.
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Co-sponsoring Institutions & Programs
California Institute of Integral Studies, Somatic Psychology ProgramJohn F. Kennedy University, Somatic Psychology Program
Pacifica Graduate Institute, Somatic Studies in Depth Psychology
Northern California Somatic Experiencing Professional Association
The Wright Institute, Integrated Health Psychology Training Program
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Directions, Transportation & Accommodations
The Hotel Shattuck Plaza is conveniently located in downtown Berkeley, CA. The Crystal Ballroom Conference Center has its own entrance on Allston Way, just down the street (west) from the main hotel entrance. Registration will take place at that door.
Public Transportation: The Downtown Berkeley BART station is in front of the hotel.
Parking is available at the City of Berkeley Allston St. Parking Garage across from the hotel. Current rates are $14 weekdays and $5 weekends all-day.
Our mailing address is:
Somatic Psychology Events
c/o Somatic Psychology Associates 614 Grand Avenue
Suite 200
Oakland, Ca 94610