AASW Webinar Recording | The Nervous System in Trauma Work - Using Polyvagal Theory to Understand and Address Clients’ Behaviours

This webinar explores how Polyvagal Theory can be integrated with Focussed Psychological Strategies to help clients regulate their nervous systems, manage emotional responses, and build safety in the therapeutic process.

Capability Levels: Emerging; Evolving

Working with people who have experienced trauma can be challenging at times, especially when they struggle with emotional regulation and lack of support. Polyvagal Theory provides a powerful framework to understand how the nervous system responds to trauma—and how we can support clients in finding safety and arousal regulation.

In this webinar, you will learn how to combine Polyvagal Theory with other Focused Psychological Strategies to create practical ways to identify dysregulated states, help people to apply self- and co-regulation techniques, and create environments that foster recovery.

Who should register?

This webinar is designed for frontline social workers who:

• Have some knowledge about trauma or have attended some trauma trainings but want to deepen their understanding.
• Support clients experiencing emotional dysregulation.
• Want to learn practical strategies to foster safety.

Whether you provide counselling, case management, or brief interventions, this session will deepen your understanding of the nervous system through Polyvagal Theory, providing a strong foundation to help clients identify and implement effective regulation strategies tailored to their needs.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the nervous system through Polyvagal Theory and its role in trauma responses.
• Identify a client’s specific needs and guide them toward self- and co-regulation strategies.
• Apply this knowledge in professional settings to enhance client safety and engagement.

AASW Credential: Mental Health (Focussed Psychological Strategies); Clinical

Testimonials

• "A great overview provided by a clearly highly experienced therapist. Helpful for intervention not just providing knowledge."
• "Very engaging and simple to understand."