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Free Course
Basics of Polyvagal Theory
How well do you understand the nervous system’s role in trauma responses? The Basics of Polyvagal Theory course, led by Rebecca Kase, LCSW, dives deep into the science of safety and the intricate workings of the autonomic nervous system. This course is designed to empower therapists with a clear understanding of how trauma affects the body and mind, explaining why some clients struggle to move past traumatic events. By learning the principles of Polyvagal Theory, you’ll gain insights into how the vagus nerve influences trauma responses and how you can help your clients regain control over their nervous systems.
In this course, you’ll discover practical strategies for improving vagal tone, a key factor in emotional regulation and recovery from trauma. You’ll learn how to apply neural exercises to support healing and explore the critical role of social engagement in trauma therapy. This course equips you with the tools to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe and supported, enabling them to move out of survival mode and into a place of healing and resilience. Whether you’re new to Polyvagal Theory or looking to deepen your understanding, this course is essential for enhancing your practice and helping your clients thrive.
Practical Skills
Practical Interventions You'll Learn
In this free polyvagal theory course, you'll learn how to:
- Recognize the three autonomic pathways (ventral, sympathetic, and dorsal) in your clients' presentations, so you can name what is actually happening in their nervous system
- Understand the 4 F's of trauma response (fight, flight, freeze, and faint) as hardwired survival mechanisms rather than client behaviors to manage or correct
- Apply the concept of vagal tone to case conceptualization, including why a more flexible vagus nerve supports emotional regulation, mood, and recovery from trauma
- Introduce neural exercises that help clients improve vagal tone and build nervous system resilience over time
- Leverage the social engagement system in your clinical work, using therapeutic presence and relational safety as active tools for healing
- Explain the neurobiology of safety and trauma to clients in accessible, non-clinical language they can actually use
- Recognize when a client's nervous system is driving their response and adjust your approach to meet them where they are
- Build a foundational polyvagal framework you can deepen through more advanced clinical training
What You Get
What's Waiting for You Inside This Training
The science of safety
Understand how the autonomic nervous system mediates trauma responses through the vagus nerve.
The three autonomic pathways
Identify ventral, sympathetic, and dorsal states across client presentations.
The 4 F's of trauma response
Recognize fight, flight, freeze, and faint as neurophysiological survival mechanisms, not character.
Vagal tone fundamentals
Understand why vagal tone matters for emotional regulation, mood, and recovery from trauma.
Neural exercises for healing
Apply techniques designed to improve vagal tone and support nervous system recovery.
The social engagement system
Apply the neurobiology of safety and connection to create therapeutic conditions for healing.
Lifetime on-demand access
Go at your own pace and return to the material whenever you need a polyvagal refresher.
Free community membership
Join TTI's shame-free community of practitioners for ongoing conversations, support, and resources. No cost, no catch.
Meet Your Trainer
About Your Trainer
Rebecca Kase
MSW, LCSW
Trauma Therapist Institute Founder Rebecca Kase is recognized as one of the foremost EMDR trainers and trauma experts in the U.S. She is an LCSW, professional EMDR consultant and trainer, registered yoga teacher, and author of Polyvagal Informed EMDR: A Neuro-Informed Approach to Healing (2023).
Rebecca has been practicing in the field of trauma counseling since 2006. She’s an expert in working with complex trauma and dissociation and has practiced in both nonprofit and private practice settings. In her own therapy practice, Rebecca incorporates yoga therapy, ego states, somatic approaches, Polyvagal Theory and EMDR into her work with clients, which includes veterans and adults with Complex PTSD. Rebecca is known as a skillful, clear and enthusiastic teacher. She’ll keep you engaged and make you giggle, even in an online trauma training course!
Take The Next Step
Ready to Begin?
Start With the Foundation
Polyvagal Theory has become one of the most referenced frameworks in trauma therapy. This free course gives you the foundational grounding to actually use it: the three autonomic pathways, the 4 F's, vagal tone, and the social engagement system, taught by the author of Polyvagal Informed EMDR.
Free. Lifetime access. ASWB and NBCC CEs.