Christopher Garcia, Florida: Using the Polyvagal theory as a family therapy approach to help families cope with trauma

Lecture room: Árnagarður – 311. Click for a map.

Working institution

Graduated Nova Southeastern University

Abstract

Traumatic events often trigger a wide variety of maladaptive responses among family members, leaving clinicians unfamiliar with trauma at a loss as to how to help. The Polyvagal Theory provides an evolutionary understanding of our autonomic nervous system that can be used to guide systemic family therapy. This information can allow a therapist to better regulate his or her own emotional states when working with trauma, as well as help family members better regulate themselves as a result of their familial interactions and behaviors. This power-point presentation and discussion will highlight Polyvagal theory concepts and provide a user-friendly exploration into the impact of trauma on the mammalian nervous system and its impact on the family’s emotional functioning.

Agenda:

The presenter will provide a psycho-educational power-point presentation and discussion exploring in a user friendly guide the Polyvagal theory and subsequent clinical implications for family therapists working with client’s to regulate their emotions. Presenter will leave time for questions.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will, at the end of the poster presentation, be able to do the following.

1. Describe the basics of the Polyvagal Theory on individual and familial emotional states by understanding the evolutionary organizing principles of the nervous system and the inner working that create the complex social engagement systems of humans.
2. Describe the neurophysiological foundations of the human nervous system and how this system expresses itself through the client’s, families and couples we work with.