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Polyvagal Theory and Embodied Practice: Building Interoceptive Awareness and Emotion Regulation through Polyvagal-Guided & Somatic Practices 
Presented by Courtney Rolfe, LCPC

Details: April 24, 2025 (9:00am - 4:00pm, including a one-hour lunch break)
*lunch is not provided
**Up to 6 CE credits will be issued to those attending this LIVE, IN-PERSON event. See below for details.

Workshop Description: In this experiential workshop, participants will learn the basic principles of autonomic nervous system functioning, as presented by the Polyvagal Theory. Participants will learn the three organizing principles of the Polyvagal Theory. These include neuroception, the body’s automatic process of detecting and responding to cues of safety and danger, the evolutionary hierarchy of survival responses and nervous system states, and coregulation, the inherent drive to seek and be in connection with others. Participants will be invited to explore their own autonomic nervous system process, and reflect on the impact that autonomic nervous system regulation has on the therapeutic relationship, creating a physical and relational environment that promotes trauma healing, and contributes to positive clinical outcomes for even the most complex clients.  

Utilizing autonomic nervous system functioning as the framework, participants will be introduced to foundational concepts related to interoception, the ability to sense and be aware of internal bodily sensations. Exercises and discussion designed to build participants’ skills in somatic tracking, utilizing movement, incorporating mindfulness, and bringing the body into therapy practice will invite participants to enhance their practice with interventions based in compelling recent research. The role of autonomic nervous system regulation in trauma treatment will also be explored.  

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to...

• Understand the fundamental principles of Polyvagal Theory, including Neuroception, Hierarchy, and Coregulation
• Interpret the research about the autonomic nervous system and interception-based clinical interventions 
• Create a plan to implement Polyvagal-guided and somatic interventions in clinical work 

Presenter Information: Courtney Rolfe, LCPC, is a licensed psychotherapist, speaker, and author passionate about bringing Polyvagal Theory to clinicians and wellness professionals across the globe. A leading expert in the Polyvagal Theory, Courtney’s passion lies in supporting and teaching clinicians, helping individuals and communities heal, and in living the model of navigating the world with a regulated nervous system. Courtney maintains a private practice based in Chicago, Illinois, in addition to being a speaker and trainer independently, as well as being a senior trainer with Deb Dana’s Rhythm of Regulation programs. Courtney recently published the book “Polyvagal Prompts”, co-authored with Deb Dana, and published by W. W. Norton Company. Learn more here.    

In-person Event Attendance: Registrants experiencing any cold, flu, or COVID-like symptoms should not attend the event. Refunds will be made available to those who cancel at least 1 week prior OR for reasons of illness (with notification provided to WAFCA). Registrants are encouraged to be fully vaccinated for their own safety. 

About our Offerings: WAFCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6778. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WAFCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Visit the WAFCA-CE registration page for more information on fees and policies.