This course is suitable for any body work and touch therapist of any modality, whether freshly qualified, deep into your practice and everything in between. If you are a body work therapist working primarily with movement without touch, please call the office to see if the course would also meet your needs around this subject.
Touch is our cornerstone. To be present with ‘self’ and ‘other’ is at the heart of the power and potential of touch therapy. Polyvagal Theory explores the way the body speaks of the experience of what it is to be human and feel safe and connected or not. As bodywork therapists, this science based theory exploring the intricate pathways and functions of the vagus nerve is a gift to our practice.
This two day course will present the work of Stephen W. Porges and Deb Dana. There will be theory interwoven with lots of practical exploration including applying the learning via touch and movement exchange practice.
We will also explore the work of Nick Pole, Author of ’Words that Touch, How to ask Questions your Body can Answer’, Aline Lapierre, Founder of the Neuro Affective Touch modality, co - author of ’Healing Developmental Trauma’ and Betty Martin; The Art of Receiving and Giving, The Wheel of Consent’, as their work as body workers and teachers amongst others offer us wonderful tools that empower the practical application of Polyvagal Theory for Touch and Movement Therapists.
Stephen W. Porges (a psychophysiological researcher and scientist) developed the Polyvagal Theory, first presenting his findings in 1994, he continues to work on and develop the theory to date. His work has been interpreted, primarily for talking therapists, by Deb Dana. However as bodyworkers and touch therapists we need to go a step further.
This 2 day course will present the core of the Polyvagal Theory using as much play and practice as possible in order to embody the theory for ourselves as both humans and as touch therapists, whilst also presenting the concepts and ideas for our minds to digest and consider.
The intention is to:
Deepen our appreciation of the profound impact and potential of body work therapy.
Create the bedrock to develop a 'trauma informed' practice, working towards greater safety and connection for our clients and ourselves as practitioners.*
Begin to befriend our own autonomic nervous systems in order to explore ways of working with clients which embrace and embed the implications of Polyvagal Theory in our practice.
This is a big topic and attendance of the 2 Day CPD will give access to a monthly 'hands on' study group, and Module 2.