Course Description
Regulation is the dance that keeps a system in balance. As humans, when we are regulated we feel more grounded, centered, and able to make decisions in line with our values. We are able to respond to the world rather than just react. When we are dysregulated we feel the opposite - more chaotic, impulsive, and disconnected.
Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and dissociation are all expressions of dysregulation happening at the level of the autonomic nervous system - the system responsible for moving us away from danger and towards safety and connection. To reduce symptoms and restore balance in our lives we have to learn to connect with the body. As our neuroception is able to detect and tolerate more cues of support and safety, we strengthen the neural pathways of resilience and regulation.
This webinar is for therapists who are curious about the field of somatic psychology and interested in learning strategies to help their clients cultivate greater emotional and self-regulation from the body up. Theoretical principles and perspectives of somatic psychology will be discussed. In addition to theory, the session will offer practical resourcing techniques that therapists will be able to take directly into their work. This webinar and the information offered is accessible to all bodies and abilities.
Educational Objectives
Explain the basic neurobiological framework that supports Somatic Psychology.
Describe the four Resourcing categories and how they may support nervous system regulation.
Create a working list of at least six Somatic strategies to support more balance to an emotionally dysregulated nervous system and describe how those would be integrated into standard treatment .
Describe one limitation and one benefit of offering somatic psychology interventions within the larger context of systemic and institutionalized patterns of trauma and structural violence that are at the root of social justice issues such as poverty, racism, ableism, trans and homophobia, among many others.
Schedule
First Half:
Building the Container, Introduction to Somatic Psychology, The Autonomic Nervous System through the Polyvagal Lens, Embodied Practice
15 min Break
Second Half:
Somatic Resourcing Pillars, Exploring and Implementing Somatic Practices, Discussion of barriers and limitations as well as potential benefits to offering somatic practices to both individuals and communities