Trauma and Addiction with Jan Winhall

During this important training, we hear about The Felt Sense Polyvagal Model™ (FSPM) and how it shifts the current pathologizing paradigm to a strength-based approach. Through the lens of Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal theory, addiction is seen as an adaptive stress response in our autonomic nervous system. Addictive behaviors are the body's attempt to emotionally regulate by acting as propellers that facilitate neurophysiological shifts in our nervous system. The model integrates Porges Polyvagal theory and Gendlin’s Felt Sense Focusing Oriented Psychotherapy enabling us to appreciate trauma/addictive behaviors as adaptive responses in maladaptive environments. The FSPM provides a generic framework that can support any therapeutic modality. The webinar presents an introduction to Jan's book Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model, Routledge, 2021. Included is a description of the FSPM theoretical framework including a description of basic concepts in polyvagal theory. There is a brief introduction to The Embodied Assessment and Treatment Tool™ and using Carnes Three Circle Practice, a tool for working with addiction. Participants learn about Gendlin’s Focusing/Felt Sense practice. A mixture of didactic information, experiential practices, and case examples guide the clinician in applying the model. This course is informative for those new to the field of trauma/addiction as well as seasoned practitioners. Participants will learn: -A basic overview of polyvagal theory with description of the six states in the autonomic nervous system  -An introduction to The six steps of Focusing and how to apply it with clients.   -How to explain addiction through a polyvagal lens -How to apply the FSPM™ with children and families, engaging children with exercises that include Body Cards and a colourful basic model of the nervous system.