Polyvagal Theory Prelude

Polyvagal Theory Prelude
Sponsored by Frame of Mind, LLC

Course Description:
This 5-hour course will introduce Polyvagal Theory with an orientation to the autonomic nervous system. Clinicians will gain the ability to see themselves and their clients through the lens of the nervous system. and learn activities to assist their clients in recognizing their own nervous system state. Using Polyvagal Theory as a basis in your clinical practice brings normalization and validation to behaviors that may have previously been seen as a struggle. Bringing clients’ awareness to their own autonomic nervous system allows for greater understanding and agency within themselves.

Date and Time::
March 29, 2025
10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Location:
Anderson Learning Center
21 Bradeen St.
Suite 204, Room 128
Springvale, ME 04083

Targeted Audience:
LCSW’s
LCPCs
LMFPs

At the end of the course, clinicians will

1.              Understand and identify the three pathways of the autonomic nervous system, the dorsal vagal, sympathetic, and ventral vagal states of being.
2.              Understand the concept of neuroception, the social engagement system and their roles in the autonomic nervous system, (ANS)
3.              Identify signs of safety and signs of danger.
4.              Learn about the importance of coregulation and reciprocity in the clinical setting.
5.              Understand the concept of glimmers.
6.              Develop a map of their own ANS, with an understanding of the autonomic hierarchy.
7.              Learn and practice activities to utilize with clients in session to assist them in utilizing polyvagal theory in their clinical practice.

Course Instructors:

Name: Kelly A. Perry, LCSW
Degree: MSW
Year: 2006
Founder & Therapist: Frame of Mind, LLC

Relevant Experience:
Kelly has 18 years of clinical counseling experience working with trauma. She has worked with Veterans, those struggling with mental illness, traumatic grief, the elderly, individuals recovering from substance abuse, traumatic brain injury, sexual abuse/assault and childhood developmental trauma. Kelly has worked in community mental health settings and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. She began her private practice in 2021, and founded Frame of Mind, LLC in 2024.  Kelly has received 8 years of clinical consultation with Deb Dana, LCSW. Kelly Completed Deb’s Rhythm of Regulation intensive in 2020, and Deb’s Polyvagal Master Class in 2023.  Kelly functioned as a polyvagal consultant in Deb’s 2021 Rhythm of Regulation training intensive via PESI that was offered exclusively to VA clinicians. Kelly later co-facilitated a yearlong consultation group for training participants. In addition to her polyvagal training and experience, Kelly is EMDR certified, IFS level one trained, DBT certified, CPT trained and Safe and Sound Protocol, (SSP) Certified, and is in process of becoming a NARM level two therapist.

Name: Allyson Fish, LCSW
Degree: MSW
Year: 2004
Clinician, US Department of Veteran’s Affairs.  Therapist in private practice.

Relevant Experience:
Allyson has worked with Combat Veterans and Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma at the Department of Veteran’s affairs for 17 years. She has a part time private practice as well. Allyson began her clinical counseling career 20 years ago working in community mental health assisting individuals with mental illness and substance abuse issues. Allyson has received clinical consultation with Deb Dana, LCSW, for 8 years. She completed The Rhythm of Regulation Foundations course with Deb Dana in 2018. In 2023, Allyson attended Deb’s Polyvagal Master class. Allyson served as a consultant alongside Deb Dana in 2021, providing a Polyvagal Foundations intensive training to VA clinicians and co-facilitating a yearlong consultation group for those attendees.  Allyson is also trained in EMDR, DBT, CPT, IFS level one, and is Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Certified.