Full Course Description

Putting Polyvagal Theory into Practice: Nervous-system based Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and more

At the heart of our client’s symptoms – from anxiety and depression to traumatic stress and more – is a dysregulated nervous system.

Polyvagal theory finally presents a clear roadmap of our nervous system that can guide both therapists and clients to the source of their most troubling symptoms.

And Polyvagal-informed treatments provide interventions that not only empower clients to understand how their nervous system shapes their experiences, but also gives them powerful methods to re-shape those experiences in therapy.

Watch Deb Dana, the world’s foremost translator of Polyvagal theory into clinical practice, in this all-new training based on her best-selling book Polyvagal Exercises for Safety & Connection as she shows you, step-by-step to:

Track a client’s experience through their autonomic nervous system and uncover the specific places that keep them stuck
Interrupt and re-shape habitual autonomic patterns that cause their emotional suffering, maladaptive thoughts, and un-helpful or impulsive behaviors
Learn how to introduce Polyvagal practices in session
See and experience real demonstrations

With Deb Dana’s practical guidance, it’s now possible to get beneath symptoms and show clients how to safely listen to the “story” of their autonomic nervous system and to re-shape their experience toward safety and connection.

Understanding the human nervous system through a Polyvagal lens has been a game-changer for therapists across modalities. There is no better way to learn it than through experiencing it yourself in this highly practical, intervention-rich training.

Purchase today!

Program Information

Objectives

Propose language to successfully introduce nervous system-based interventions with clients.
Evaluate the five phases of the BASIC approach to polyvagal-informed treatments.
Apply one exercise from each phase of the BASIC approach.
Assess timing of moving between phases with clients.
Construct practices between sessions to successfully shape new autonomic patterns.
Utilize personal progress trackers to assess client progress.

Outline

How Polyvagal Theory Provides a Foundation for Lasting Therapeutic Change

The BASIC approach to Polyvagalinformed treatment
Trauma healing from a Polyvagal theory perspective
Learning to stretch, but not stress, a client’s nervous system
Co-regulation: An imperative in psychotherapy

Introducing Nervous System-Based Interventions to Clients

The three-part hierarchy of the autonomic response
Neuroception: our internal surveillance system
How early experiences and trauma shape our nervous system

Befriending Practices: Building Awareness & A Map of the Nervous System

Exploring Hierarchies
Identifying landmark moments in our nervous system
Recognizing ventral vagal “anchors”
Utilizing the social engagement scale
Creating a neuroception notebook

Attending Practices: Creating Stability in the Nervous System

Building attention through naming autonomic states
Daily tracking practices
Attending over time
Savoring practices

Shaping Practices: Creating New Patterns & Pathways in the Nervous System

Moving out of dorsal vagal collapse and sympathetic activation
Neural exercises for creating resilience and psychological flexibility
The power of utilizing autonomic imagery

Integration Practices: Writing a New Story in the Nervous System

Establishing new autonomic patterns and behaviors in life
Moving from intention to action
Learning to engage the vagal brake

Connection Practices: Finding Safety in Connection Through the Nervous System

Exercising and strengthening the social engagement system
Learning to feel safety in connection
The reciprocity equation
Creating a personal connection plan

Using Personal Progress Trackers That Can Improve Outcomes

Tracking the flow of a Polyvagalguided session
Polyvagal-guided assessment and treatment planning

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychologists
Case Managers
Addiction Counselors
Physicians
Therapists
Marriage & Family Therapists
Nurses
Other Mental Health Professionals

Copyright : 09/29/2022

Somatic Trauma Therapy Crash Course: Core Skills and Interventions to Treat Trauma through the Body

Whether you’re new to Somatic Therapy or an experienced practitioner looking for a refresher, this training is for you.

Join in-demand trainer Stacy Ruse, LPC as she guides you through the core principles and techniques of Somatic Therapy.

In this course, Stacy will explain the why behind somatic healing in clear, accessible terms and better still, offer practical tools you can immediately implement with your clients.

When you enroll, you’ll learn:

Key strategies for effectively assessing and understanding your clients’ body awareness
Techniques to help clients release stored tension and trauma through body-focused interventions
How to work with emotional blocks and somatic defenses
Practical approaches for creating safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship
How to integrate somatic practices into your sessions for lasting transformation

Designed to be beginner-friendly, yet rich in actionable techniques and insights, this course will empower you to integrate somatic therapy into your practice with confidence.

Sign up today and start using somatic tools to transform you work with clients!

Program Information

Objectives

Define how trauma disrupts natural adaptive processing.
Utilize Polyvagal Theory concepts to create a sense of safety and connection in therapy.
Examine foundational somatic techniques, including interoceptive awareness, titration, sequencing, and somatic repatterning.
Choose somatic interventions clients can use when they are in acute distress.
Develop emotional regulation in clients using body-based tools and mindfulness practices.
Arrange a safe therapeutic environment to prevent re-traumatization of clients.
Identify risks and potential limitations of somatic techniques in the treatment of trauma.

Outline

Foundations of Somatic Therapy and Trauma

Introduction to Somatic Therapy:
- Overview, goals, and importance in trauma treatment
Understanding Trauma Disruption:
- Pathology of maladaptive trauma storage
- Emotional, sensory, and belief manifestations
- Fragmentation and dissociation
- Neural network reinforcement in unprocessed trauma
Natural vs. Incomplete Stress Responses:
- Key concepts of adaptive resolution vs. frozen trauma states

The Neuroscience of Trauma

Polyvagal Theory Basics:
- Ventral vagal complex and its role in safety and connection
- Hyperarousal vs. hypoarousal in trauma
Head, heart, and gut “brains”
Psycho-neuro-endocrine-immune system interrelation
Neuroception: Recognize safety and danger
- Create safety in therapy
- Reduce hyperarousal and build trust
- Prevent re-traumatization
Emotional Regulation and Resilience:
- Techniques to buffer stress and traumatic memories
- Empower clients to take an active role in their healing journey
Interoceptive Awareness: Develop self-awareness through bodily sensations

The Somatic Practices and Techniques Toolbox

Heart Coherence Understanding and Practice
Core Somatic Practices:
- Two hand techniques
- Mind body awareness
- Breathing exercises, body scans, and paired muscle relaxation
- Gentle touch and heart-focused compassion practices
The Science of Embodiment Practices:
- Interoception, exteroception, and proprioception
- Body awareness and empowerment through movement
- William Reich’s body armor and belts of tension
Somatic Trauma Processing:
- Pendulation, titration, sequencing, and repatterning: Techniques for releasing stored trauma
- Somatic Questions
- Slow conscious movement and breathwork for release
- Lack of body awareness and other issues

Integration and Research

Tailor techniques to individual client needs
Integration in clinical practice and with other methodologies
Potential risks and limitations
Q&A and wrap-up: Recap and final questions

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychologists
Addiction Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Other Mental Health Professionals

Copyright : 08/12/2025

24 Must-Have Mindfulness Techniques for Clinicians: Skills and Tools from DBT, ACT and More for Enhanced Treatment of Trauma, Anxiety, and Grief

Unlock the transformative potential of mindfulness with this training designed to elevate your skills and allow you to quickly harness the proven benefits of mindfulness across a wide range of therapeutic applications.

In just one day you’ll get a carefully curated collection of 24 indispensable mindfulness techniques used in top treatments like DBT and ACT. And since these techniques have been meticulously selected by mindfulness expert and acclaimed trainer Katelyn Baxter-Musser, you can rest assured you’re getting the very best mindfulness has to offer the clinician.

Whether you work with clients struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, or interpersonal conflicts, Katelyn will make mastering these techniques feel simple and have you fully prepared to use them the very next day.

When you watch Katelyn you’ll discover the keys to clinical mindfulness so you can:

Use proven tools to help clients manage their trauma triggers and interrupt anxiety
Skillfully utilize exercises that cultivate present moment awareness and reduce avoidance
Heighten clients’ consciousness of thoughts, emotions and physical sensations
Master techniques to regulate intense urges and impulses
Seamlessly integrate mindfulness into your therapeutic practice with Katelyn’s pro tips
Reinforce what you learn through real-life case examples and specific therapeutic scenarios

Bringing the very best mindfulness-based interventions into your practice has never been easier.

Take the guess work out of “what mindfulness intervention should I use in this situation” with Katelyn’s expert guidance and make your treatment more effective than ever before.

Purchase now!

Program Information

Objectives

Utilize DBT mindfulness skills to promote emotional regulation, enhance distress tolerance, and foster interpersonal effectiveness.
Apply mindfulness strategies from ACT to help clients enhance their ability to stay present in the moment and cultivate non-judgmental awareness.
Analyze the impact of traumatic experiences on the development and maintenance of symptoms and avoidance and describe the role of mindfulness in mitigating these symptoms.
Evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness exercises as interventions for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Identify potential benefits and drawbacks of mindfulness-based interventions for individuals experiencing grief and connect to the implications for clinical practice in supporting individuals coping with loss.
Gain insight into the various ways in which therapists incorporate mindfulness techniques into treatment, the challenges they encounter, and the strategies they employ to address these challenges.

Outline

DBT Mindfulness Skills for Almost Any Client: Reduce Clients’ Stress, Increase Their Self-Awareness, and Help Them Regulate Emotions

Mindful Breathing techniques to reduce stress and anxiety in your clients
Present Moment exercises for awareness of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations
Urge Surfing techniques to help clients regulate intense urges and reduce impulsivity
Non-judgmental Stance exercises to improve self-esteem and reduce interpersonal conflict

The Clinician’s Guide to ACT Mindfulness Interventions: 4 Top Tools for Clients to Manage Negative Thoughts and Build Resilience

Mindful Acceptance for non-judgmental attitude towards thoughts and emotions
Defusion techniques to help clients distance themselves from negative thoughts
Values Identification and Commitment for motivation and greater sense of purpose
Self-compassion practices for improved selfesteem and resilience

Revitalize Trauma and Anxiety Treatment with Mindfulness: Complementary Techniques for Managing Triggers, Interrupting Anxiety and Reducing Avoidance

Grounding exercises to manage triggers following traumatic experiences
Body Scanning techniques for greater awareness of bodily sensations
Mindful Breathing techniques to reduce physical tension and promote relaxation
Power of the Pause exercise to slow automatic anxiety responses and increase sense of control
Thought-Stopping techniques to interrupt and redirect anxiety-provoking thoughts
Mindful Exposure and Response Prevention techniques to help clients reduce avoidance behaviors

Mindfulness for Grief and Loss: Help Clients Reflect, Accept and Cultivate Gratitude for Healthier Grieving

Mindful Reflection exercises for greater insight and acceptance following loss
Techniques to develop non-judgmental attitudes towards grief-related thoughts
Cultivating Gratitude to increase resilience and improve mood
Compassionate Presence for improved emotional regulation and reduced distress

Strategies for Integrating Mindfulness Techniques into Clinical Practice

Practical tips and strategies for integrating mindfulness techniques into your clinical work
Case examples of mindfulness used in specific therapeutic scenarios
Avoiding misapplication
Addressing the needs of diverse populations and cultures
Research, risks and limitations of mindfulness-based interventions

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Addiction Counselors
Case Managers
School Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Therapists
Art Therapists
Physicians
Nurses
Other Mental Health Professionals

Trauma-Sensitive Movement: Somatic Techniques to Support the Nervous System

Help clients access what is held in their bodies so they can move with and beyond their trauma stories.

Movement is a fundamental, innate expression of the body that can serve as a powerful tool for processing trauma, releasing deeply held emotions, and re-establishing a client's sense of embodiment.

Introducing movement into trauma work can feel challenging – but it doesn’t have to!.

In this 3-hour recording, bestselling author and experienced somatic psychotherapist Manuela Mischke-Reeds, MA, MFT, will show you effective and safe ways to incorporate movement techniques with trauma clients to facilitate healing and integration.

Using a refreshing combination of didactic and experiential teaching, Manuela will provide you with the clinical insight and tools you need to:

Recognize when it is appropriate to use movement as an active intervention for trauma processing.

Observe and track the moving body to gain diagnostic insight into trauma patterns

Use movement techniques to support clients’ emotional regulation and resilience

And more!

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the impact of trauma-informed movement techniques on the autonomic nervous system.
Determine client readiness to safely and effectively engage in trauma-sensitive movement.
Choose techniques to support trauma integration, regulate emotions, and support resilience.
Utilize observation and tracking of clients’ movement to gain diagnostic insight into the impact of trauma on the body.

Outline

Beyond Somatic Awareness: Bringing Movement into Trauma Treatment

Why the integration of movement with trauma therapy?
How the body responds to traumatic stress
Clinical considerations: safety, sensitivity, and support
What to avoid: Risks and limitations of the research
Group Experiential: Guided movement exercise to attune to the body in a trauma-informed way

Movement, Emotions, and Sensations: Building Resilience and Resources

Using the body as a diagnostic tool
Five key movement impulses (fight, flight, freeze, submit, and flow)
How to read and track the body’s responses to trauma
Techniques that support trauma integration, help regulate emotions, and support resilience
Group Experiential: Guided movement exercise to strengthen emotional resources and resilience in the body

Target Audience

Social Workers
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Counselors
Case Managers
Marriage and Family Therapists
Therapists