Description
Webinar 1 | Stephen Porges
The development of Polyvagal Theory was not targeted towards explaining or treating addiction. Rather, the theory provides a more general explanation of how the mammalian autonomic nervous system adaptively adjusts in complex environments to support survival. This perspective emphasizes two important points relevant to addiction: 1) context functionally defines what is appropriately adaptive; and 2) behaviors are emergent properties of a neural platform mediated by autonomic state. Thus, the adaptive characteristics are dependent on the appropriateness of the behaviors within a specific context. Conceptualizing behavior (addiction) in these terms could change our understanding of behavioral pathologies.[expander_maker id=”1″ ]
As the principles of the theory as a science of feeling safe and sociality are presented, consider the quality of feelings and sociality of those who are addicted. Does their addiction disrupt feelings of safety and sociality? Note that within the theory, autonomic state functions as an intervening variable biasing reaction to context. Reflecting on this latter point, consider addictive behavior as a valiant, although unsuccessful, attempt to downregulate defense reactions through external sources (e.g., drugs, behaviors). Neurobiologically, downregulation of defense related states may only be effectively managed through the recruitment of the ventral vagal pathway that has been linked through human evolution with sociality. Addiction through the lens of the Polyvagal Theory focuses on the addicted individual’s quest for safety without having the neurophysiological resources to be sufficiently physiologically calm to co-regulate with others. As Polyvagal Theory informs the attendees of the efficiency and potency of sociality as a co-regulatory calming mechanism, consider the limitations of the self-regulatory and co-regulatory repertoire of those who are addicted and how calming the autonomic nervous system could provide a neural platform for therapeutic progress.
Learning objectives.
✔︎ Attendees will understand the principles and features of the Polyvagal Theory.
✔︎ Attendees will understand how the Polyvagal Theory can demystify aspects of addictive behavior.
✔︎ Attendees will understand how the Polyvagal Theory can explain the remission that clients have experienced during the pandemic.
✔︎ Attendees will understand that maladaptive behaviors, including addictive behaviors, may be an attempt to regulate physiological state in a quest to feel safe.
✔︎ Attendees will be informed about a face-heart connection that defines a social engagement system linking bodily feelings with facial expression, vocal intonation, and gesture.
✔︎ Attendees will understand how deficits in the regulation of the Social Engagement System are related to the core feature of many who suffer with addictions and may have been disrupted during the pandemic.
✔︎ Attendees will be informed about a neural process (neuroception) that evaluates risk in the environment and triggers adaptive neural circuits that promote either social interactions or the defense systems that might lead to addictive behaviors.
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Webinar 2 | Janina Fisher | Addictive Disorders and the Traumatized Brain
Childhood abuse and neglect leave a lasting imprint on the brains and nervous system. With a traumatized brain, the individual is left with little tolerance for emotion and very limited ability to access good judgment. The result is heightened vulnerability to compulsive behavior and substance abuse as a desperate survival strategy.
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Research tells us that 40-70% of individuals in addictions recovery programs have histories of trauma. If we work with clients who have addictive disorders, it is imperative that we understand the effects of a traumatized brain on their ability to stay sober. Only integrative treatment strategies that address both the addiction and the trauma-related nervous system responses can adequately address these challenges.
Learning objectives:
✔︎ Articulate the effects of trauma on the brain and autonomic nervous system
✔︎ Assess client symptoms indicative of autonomic dysregulation
✔︎ Evaluate the role of addictive behavior as a response to traumatic activation
✔︎ Utilize interventions that regulate brain and autonomic function in traumatized clients
✔︎ A way to understand trauma focused on its effects, not its events
✔︎ How to harness the brain to support the work of recovery
✔︎ The use of mindfulness-based interventions
✔︎ The risks and limitations of a brain-based approach
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Webinar 3 | Larry Heller | NARM, Developmental Trauma and Addiction
The overall focus of this 3-hour webinar will be to present the NARM approach to working with developmental trauma and how developmental trauma comes into play with addiction. Dr. Heller will give an overview of what he considers the most
significant elements in the healing process. There will be both theoretical materials as well as practical applications. In addition to the lecture, there will be a short video presenting the core understanding and the application of the NARM model.
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Learning Objectives:
✔︎ Review the history and development of the NARM® model of therapy.
✔︎ Discuss NARM’s basic assumptions about connection/disconnection.
✔︎ Review NARM’s orientation around working with the adaptations to trauma as more primary than the trauma itself.
✔︎ Application of the NARM understanding of developmental trauma and how that applies to treating addiction
✔︎ Understanding the 3 steps of the emotional completion process.
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Webinar 4 | Steve Hoskinson | A non-directive, positive reinforcement framework for addiction treatment
The many pathways into addiction defy description. Treatment must account for the unique histories, personalities and skill sets of patients. Reinforcing patients’ skill sets requires more than programs, it requires training in attunement to emergent, long-dormant, skillfulness. Emergent resources must be recognized in differentiated channels: Image, Sensation, Orientation, Meaning and Affect — the “ISOMA Framework”. Attendees will receive the Organic Intelligence® maps that guide effective intervention, and lead more safely and reliably from trauma and addiction to Post-Trauma Growth.
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Learning Objectives:
✔︎ Begin to use exercises uniquely suited to stabilizing mood and affect.
✔︎ Describe characteristics of evolving intervention as people in treatment progress.
✔︎ Describe when and why common treatment interventions, such as body sensing, might be contraindicated.
✔︎ Describe some key clinical assessments to be made to decrease chances of adverse effects in treatment.
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Webinar 5 | Jan Winhall M.S.W. | Reimagining Trauma and Addiction Treatment with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Modelâ„¢
Our current model of understanding addiction as a brain disease is failing. We need a fresh approach that addresses the intersection of trauma and addiction where they live, in the body. The Felt Sense Polyvagal Modelâ„¢ (FSPM) shifts the current pathologizing paradigm to a strength-based approach. Through the lens of Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal theory, addictive behaviors are seen as the body’s adaptive attempt to regulate by acting as propellers that facilitate neurophysiological shifts in our nervous system.
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Jan will give a description of the theoretical framework of the model as she developed it over four decades in working with trauma survivors. The FSPM teaches clinicians a new way of working with two embodied processes, interoception (felt sense) and neuroception (polyvagal). Participants will also learn about Gendlin’s Focusing/Felt Sense method of psychotherapy and how to guide clients into connecting with their bodies. The model provides a foundational framework that supports any therapeutic modality.
Learning Objectives:
✔︎ Describe the neurophysiological states in the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model for treating trauma and addiction.
✔︎ Describe the four avenues into the felt sense
✔︎ Explain the four circle harm reduction practice and how to apply it with clients
✔︎ Explain addiction through a polyvagal lens
✔︎ Describe the ‘intervening variable’ in polyvagal theory and how it impacts treatment.
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Course Content Level
Intermediate/Advanced
Target Audience
This course is suitable for counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, family therapists, students and anyone interested/working in attachment, trauma, addiction or neuroscience.
Speaker Biographies
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