Polyvagal Theory – Refresh and Reshape

Polyvagal Theory – Refresh and Reshape
Sponsored by Frame of Mind, LLC

Course Description:
This 6-hour course is meant for clinicians who have already had an introduction to Polyvagal theory course in some format. Those who desire a deepening of their learning will be re-introduced to the Polyvagal theory. Clinicians will refresh their current understanding of Polyvagal theory, and receive a deeper understanding of the theory, as well as practical applications to build a polyvagal informed practice, create polyvagal informed treatment plans, and discover methods to assist clients in befriending and reshaping their nervous systems.

Program Objectives:
Participants will revisit the three organizing principles of Polyvagal Theory: Co-regulation, Neuroception, and Hierarchy.  They will be able to describe and recognize the three pathways of response: Ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal.  Participants will be able to explain the social engagement system and how it plays a role in neuroception and co-regulation. Participants will learn the autonomic impact of trauma and will re-engage with methods for working with clients who have experienced trauma. Course attendees will be able to identify and understand autonomic triggers and will learn about autonomic glimmers.  Participants will practice vagal brake exercises and be able to lead their clients in a vagal brake exercise. Participants will learn the qualities of a polyvagal informed clinician, a polyvagal informed practice, and understand how to develop treatment plans and make clinical decisions based on their understanding of the polyvagal theory. Lastly, clinicians will practice skills for befriending and reshaping their client’s nervous systems.

Date and Time::
To Be Determined

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

Targeted Audience:
LCSWs
LCPCs
LMFTs

Course Instructors:
Name: Kelly A. Perry, LCSW
Degree: MSW, 2006
License: LCSW, State of Maine, LC11703
Founder & Therapist: Frame of Mind, LLC
Contact Information: (207)249-6405
Mailing Address: PO Box 259, Springvale, ME 04083
Email address: [email protected]

Trainer Qualifications:
Kelly is a senior trainer for Deb Dana, LCSW’s Rhythm of Regulation intensive foundations course, and trains clinicians from all over the world in Polyvagal Theory. She 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 2019/2020, and assisted in Deb’s Polyvagal Master Class in 2023 & 2024.  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 NARM (Neuro Affective Relational Model) level 2 trained.

Name: Allyson Fish, LCSW 
Degree: MSW, 2004
License: LCSW, State of Maine, LC11903
Therapist in private practice.
Contact Information: (207) 502-5886
Mailing Address: 21 Bradeen St., Suite 204, Springvale, ME 04083
Email Address: [email protected]

Trainer Qualifications:
Allyson Fish, LCSW, Is a senior trainer for Deb Dana, LCSW’s Rhythm of Regulation foundations intensive course. She trains clinicians from all over the world in Polyvagal Theory. Allyson graduated from Boston University with her MSW in 2004. She works in private practice with 18 years of clinical experience working primarily with trauma. Allyson Completed the Rhythm of Regulation intensives course with Deb Dana, LCSW in 2018, She has had 8 years of clinical consultation with Deb Dana, LCSW, from 2017-2023.  Allyson Assisted Deb as a program consultant in a 2021 Rhythm of Regulation Foundations course held exclusively for VA clinicians and later offered a yearlong consultation group to those clinicians.  Allyson functioned as an assistant to Deb Dana in her Polyvagal Master class in both 2023 and 2024, Held at Camp Medomak in Washington, Maine.  Allyson is also certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol, (SSP) Certified since 2020. EMDR, IFS level one (Completed in 2018.) CPT certified since 2015. DBT and PE trained. Allyson is a licensed LCSW, State of Maine license # LC11903