This three day course is suitable for any bodywork and touch therapists of any modality both freshly qualified, deep into your practice and everything in between. If you are a bodywork therapist working primarily with movement without touch, contact the college, I can speak with you directly, 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 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
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Nick Pole author of ’Words that Touch
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'How to ask Questions your Body can Answer’ by Aline Lapierre - Founder of the Neuro Affective Touch modality and co author of ’Healing Developmental Trauma’
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Betty Martin author of 'The Art of Receiving and Giving' and 'The Wheel of Consent’
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.
I 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:
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Deepen our appreciation of the profound impact and potential of body work therapy.
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Create the bedrock to develop a ’trauma informed’ practice, working towards greater safety and connection for our clients and ourselves as practitioners. Please note this is different from a training which supports you to actively invite and work with people who are experiencing 'trauma'.
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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 three day CPD will give access to a monthly 'Heart of Trauma Study Group' a themed supervision group supporting the integration of this learning into practice - Sarah will provide more details about this during the course.
This course is currently running twice a year please check the booking calendar for further dates.