Navigating the Nervous System - Practical Tools for Self-Regulation (August2026) (FPS-CPD)

Capability Levels: Emerging, Evolving, Established

It is estimated that over 60% of those that experience Anxiety also have breathing pattern disorders. This means that they are breathing too fast, too shallowly, too much and often in their chest which keeps their sympathetic nervous system switched on all the time.

As social workers, we frequently navigate intense and emotionally charged situations that can strain our own nervous systems. Understanding and mapping our own nervous systems—particularly the role of the ventral vagal nerve in maintaining regulation—is essential for sustaining resilience and effectiveness in our work. This workshop will delve into how activating the ventral vagal nerve can help us remain grounded, calm, and connected, even during the most challenging circumstances. By gaining a deeper understanding of our own nervous systems, we can better support both ourselves and our clients.

This 2-hour workshop helps social workers understand burnout and empathy fatigue from a nervous system perspective. Participants will learn to recognise early signs of fatigue, explore their own unique nervous system patterns, and practice body-based strategies—including breath, movement, and yoga—to stay regulated, prevent burnout, and maintain sustainable, compassionate practice with clients.

Who should attend?

This workshop is ideal for Social Workers and Mental Health Professionals who are new to the field, those seeking a refresher on nervous system regulation. Or anyone looking to integrate their current knowledge with practical, actionable strategies. Whether you’re just beginning your career or looking to deepen your expertise, this workshop will provide valuable insights and tools to enhance your practice.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Define burnout and empathy fatigue and recognise how they show up in the body and nervous system.
• Identify their own unique nervous system patterns and early signs of dysregulation.
• Apply practical breath, movement, and body-based strategies to regulate their nervous system.
• Demonstrate skills to stay regulated and maintain presence when working with dysregulated clients.
• Develop strategies to prevent burnout and support sustainable, compassionate practice.

Event Structure:

Introduction

Learning Session 1: What is Empathy Fatigue and Burnout? (35 minutes)

Learning Activity 1: Video and Group activity

Learning Session 2: Compassion, Neurobiology & Coregulation (35 mins)

Learning Activity 2: Group activity

Learning Session 3: Breath, Movement & Practical Strategies  (20 mins)

Learning Activity 3: Integration

Q&A and Conclusion

This Workshop is not recorded, however, you will have access to materials and resources on AASW Online Learning for 4 weeks after the completion of the workshop.

AASW Credentials: Mental Health (FPS); Clinical

FPS skills training will be incorporated in this workshop and falls under a. Psycho-education of Medicare schedule (https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=MN.7.4&qt=noteID&criteria=MN%2E7%2E4)

In the event of an audit, it is the member’s responsibility to clearly demonstrate how this FPS training is relevant to the delivery of FPS in their specific work context.