The Foundations of Polyvagal Informed Practice training series is for therapists, clinicians and helping professionals of all backgrounds and fields who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of Polyvagal Theory and how to apply it to their work with clients.

This program is appropriate for all licensed clinicians including social workers, psychologists and clinical counselors. As an entry level training, no prior experience with Polyvagal Theory is required.

The training focuses on both participants’ understanding of their own autonomic responses and application with clients. The exercises are geared towards working in a clinical setting.

Participants from all the helping professions are welcome. Those who are not from a traditional clinical licensure program are encouraged to speak our administrative team before registering.

The Foundations of Polyvagal Informed Practice is a fundementals training program. This comprehensive training series was developed by Deb and designed specifically for therapists, clinicians and helping professionals to bring her successful methodology and clinical insights to their own practice, clients and communities. No matter what approach or modality you already use in your work, Deb's framework will integrate beautifully and add to your skills as a therapist or practitioner.

​There is no other training program in the clinical application of Polyvagal Theory that practically and so thoroughly teaches these concepts, tools, methods and practices - that have been tried and tested in professional application - and which are a current topic in the world of trauma treatment across the globe.

​Deb's Foundations training is also unique in that it is an immersive hybrid training model. The series combines comprehensive self-study material - 15 hours of recorded webinars that participants have lifetime access to - as well as an array of live training and practice opportunities and two live Q&A periods with Deb where participants can ask questions specific to their learning journey and work.

​And because of its online format, participants can join from anywhere in the world, as long as the time zones are compatible to attend the live sessions.

By registering for this immersive training, participants are making a commitment to watch all the prerecorded training videos and attend all live training, experiential and consultation sessions. However, if you're unable to attend a live session or need to view it after the live date, you'll have access to the recording for 30 days after the live session is uploaded to the learning platform.

*Please note that for privacy purposes the live experiential and small group consultation sessions are not recorded and therefore replays will not be available to those who miss these sessions.

Yes. You'll get lifetime access to Deb's comprehensive training materials, including her recorded sessions, slides, handouts, and official exercises to add to your clinical toolbox and use with your clients. With this lifetime access you can return to the self-study materials at any time after the training ends to refresh your learning and continue building your skillset.

Following the completion of Foundations of Polyvagal Informed Practice, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and may refer to themselves as Polyvagal-informed in their work with clients. Participants are encouraged to use this term and reference the completion of the Foundations training on their websites, CVs, and other relevant professional materials to convey their level of knowledge and skill with regards to the clinical application of Polyvagal Theory.

​Please note: There is no formal certification process in existence for becoming Polyvagal Informed or program available through any organization to become a certified polyvagal clinician.

​As a founding member of The Polyvagal Institute, Deb adheres to the principle, supported by the Institute, that helping people deepen their learning and use of Polyvagal Theory in clinical work is an essential element in the healing process. However, there is no path to certification.

To receive the Certificate of Completion for the Foundations training series, participants need to watch all the prerecorded videos and attend all the live sessions. We understand that life happens and unplanned scheduling conflicts occur. In these cases, watching the replay of the live session (where available) is an acceptable alternative. If you need to miss a live session, please reach out to your assigned Consultant or a member of the Senior Training Team to let them know and create a plan to get caught up on anything you might have missed.