Understanding Trauma as a Wound through the Lens of the Polyvagal Theory: Part 1

Credits: 1.5 Continuing Education Hours (.15 CEUs) Clock Hours available upon request

Audience: SLPs, PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, nurses, and medical staff

This webinar will be presented live and recorded, allowing participants to access it later as an On-demand option if they are unable to attend on May 18. The recording will be available approximately one week after the live presentation.

The speaker will provide an overview of foundational concepts that support a deeper understanding of trauma and its effects on individuals. The session will explore how trauma can function as a wound that impacts both the brain’s physical processes and the mind’s emotional and cognitive functioning. Trauma will be categorized into two types—Big T trauma and Little T trauma—to illustrate the range of experiences that can influence a person’s well-being.

The presentation will also introduce the core principles of Polyvagal Theory, highlighting how the brain and nervous system continuously monitor the environment for cues of safety or danger. This process plays a significant role in shaping behaviors, especially for individuals with a history of trauma.

Additionally, the speaker will discuss how various nervous system states present through observable physical and behavioral signs, and how these patterns may appear in workplace, school, or clinical settings.

Objectives
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:

• Explain trauma as a “wound” that affects both the brain and the mind.
• Describe trauma using Big T (major, overwhelming events) and Little T (ongoing or smaller stressful experiences).
• Explain the basics of Polyvagal Theory, including how the nervous system has three main states: feeling safe and connected, feeling stressed and ready to act, and feeling shut down.
• Explain how the brain automatically scans for safety or danger and how this affects behavior in people who have experienced trauma.
• Identify common physical signs of different nervous system states and how they show up in workplaces, schools, or clinical settings.

 Registration information
After you register you will receive a link to access the recordings. You may access the recording anytime, ending 180 days from first viewing. If you require more time to watch the recording, please email Normajean Friend - [email protected]