Integrating Internal Family Systems Therapy and Polyvagal Theory

CPD

Handouts

Speaker

Alexia Rothman, PhD Related seminars and products

Additional Info

This product is not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with the IFS Institute and does not qualify for IFS Institute credits or certification.

Objectives

1. Identify the basic principles of Polyvagal Theory and how PVT can inform and enhance application of any psychotherapeutic modality. 
2. Discuss how understanding Polyvagal Theory can help therapists implement IFS more safely and effectively, especially in the systems of clients with complex trauma. 
3. Utilize IFS strategies to shift clients’ nervous systems towards regulation and help them access their own capacity for healing. 
4. Develop skills to help clients foster attuned, trusting relationships with their hyperaroused and hypoaroused parts, as well as parts that strategically utilize adaptive survival responses, such as fight, flight, freezing, and numbing, for protection. 
5. Describe the impact of the therapist’s internal state on clinical work and how clinicians can use this awareness to facilitate client regulation and healing. 
6. Analyze, through observation and discussion of real video examples, how to seamlessly integrate IFS and PVT in treatment.

Outline

Fundamentals of Polyvagal Theory 

• Structure and function of the Autonomic Nervous System 
  • The regulated nervous system  
  • Adaptive survival states of the nervous system (fight/flight, freeze, shutdown/numb/collapse) 
  • Impact of trauma on the nervous system 
• Three operating principles of the Autonomic Nervous System 
  • Neuroception 
  • Hierarchy 
  • Co-Regulation 
• Fundamental goals of psychotherapy through the lenses of PVT and IFS 

Integration of IFS Theory and Polyvagal Theory 

• Translation of Polyvagal concepts to IFS terminology and vice versa 
• The relationship between parts and the nervous system 
• Self and the nervous system 

Polyvagal-Informed IFS Therapy Practice 

• How can an understanding of Polyvagal Theory underlie and support safer and more effective IFS practice? 
• The essential contribution of the Self-led, ventrally regulated presence of the therapist 
• Co-regulation and “internal co-regulation” in IFS therapy 
• Anchoring the client’s system in Self/ventral to enhance the safety and effectiveness of trauma work 
• IFS strategies for working with parts associated with sympathetic and dorsal survival states in the nervous system 
• Analysis of video examples of PVT-informed IFS work

Limitations of the Research and Potential Risks

Target Audience

• Psychologists
• Counselors
• Social Workers
• Marriage & Family Therapists
• Psychotherapists
• Other Mental Health Professionals 

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