An Introduction to POLYVAGAL THEORY – with Emma Chapman, on ZOOM, February 11, 2023.

This workshop will be on zoom from 9.30am to 2pm. £40 to members, £50 to non members. To pay by bank transfer, HACP sort code is 090151 and account number is 43775502

Emma, an experienced teacher, mental health trainer and counsellor, will explore the Polyvagal Theory which she states is based on Stephen Porges’ research into the Vagus Nerve. She will explain  the effect on mental health of the Autonomic Nervous System. Emma will strive to keep us safe as we begin to become trauma-informed. She will help us understand how we, as mammals, have developed 3 states of being; Safe and Social, Fight/Flight and Shut Down, and how and why we can become stuck in any of these states and, therefore, its implications for clients’ and our mental health and well-being’.

Emma intends to offer us a toolbox of techniques and ideas which will aid us in helping to support ourselves and others in moving safely up and down the Polyvagal ladder of states. She has said ‘you will gain knowledge of how to empower others to understand how to engage their own safe and social state. You will become trauma-informed in order to create ‘safe’ environments for those that you work with or support.’

 Emma’s aim for this workshop is for us: ‘To become trauma-informed through developing a basic understanding of the Polyvagal Theory and how it can be used to support self and others.’

 Her learning objectives for us are to:

1. Understand the basic principles of Polyvagal Theory including the basic biology and evolution of the Vagus Nerve and the Autonomic Nervous System.
2. Understanding what ‘Neuroception’ is and how this can activate different survival states.
3. Recognise some of the signs and symptoms of different survival states.
4. Understand the link between unhealthy Neuroception and various mental health conditions.
5. Explore strategies and techniques to create safe and trauma-informed environments and relationships.
6. Explore strategies and techniques to empower self-others to access their own safe and social state.