The Story Follows the State: Using Polyvagal Theory to Understand and Shift Client Experiences

Earn 1.5 CEUS!*

Dr. Senyurekli is in private practice with Parkdale Therapy Group, where she sees a blend of individuals and couples. She has worked previously with The Emily Program and with Rekindle Counseling. Her background includes presenting to community groups, teaching MFT graduate students at St. Mary’s University, and teaching Family Social Science undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota.

Description

This training will use research, clinical case examples, and personal reflection to demonstrate how Polyvagal Theory (PVT) can be used to better understand and shift client experiences. It will review the foundations of PVT and its core concepts, explore how past experiences and current stressors impact nervous system movement, and describe how nervous systems can impact one another. It will demonstrate how to map a client’s nervous system, and explore how movement within the nervous system can be influenced through the use of ventral breaks, anchors, value congruence, and structural changes when possible. It will conclude with examples of how clinicians can begin applying a PVT lens in conjunction with their existing (or favorite) therapy models.

Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe the core concepts associated with PVT, including neuroception and the three nervous system states of ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal.

2. Participants will be able to map out a client's nervous system and build out their anchors and dorsal brakes.

3. Participants will understand how to integrate skills from various family therapy models and frameworks to help clients create change.

*This CE activity offered by Minnesota Association of Marriage and Family is approved by the Minnesota Board of Social Work as an approved CE Provider (approval valid through July 25, 2026).

This CE activity is pending CE approval with Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.