Polyvagal Theory in Action Across EMDR’s 8 Phases with Barbara Sheehan-Zeidler – 4-Hour Workshop

In this four-hour experiential training, with pending approval of 4 EMDRIA Credits, we explore how to integrate EMDR therapy with Polyvagal Theory across all 8 phases of treatment. Participants will learn to track autonomic nervous system states in real time and apply Polyvagal-informed strategies to support regulation, enhance processing, and prevent overwhelm or shutdown.

Drawing on case examples, structured practice, and applied frameworks, this session emphasizes how therapeutic presence—expressed through voice, pacing, and attunement—functions as a mechanism of co-regulation within EMDR. We’ll unpack the nervous system lens, helping clinicians strengthen decision-making, increase flexibility, and improve outcomes when working with complex trauma and attachment-based presentations.

BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS WORKSHOP:

✅ Apply Polyvagal Theory across all 8 phases of EMDR therapy.

✅ Strengthen therapeutic presence as a Polyvagal-informed co-regulation tool.

✅ Improve real-time clinical decision-making using autonomic state tracking.

✅ Reduce client overwhelm, shutdown, and looping during processing.

✅ Increase effectiveness with complex and attachment-based trauma.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

☑️ Identify at least three observable indicators of ventral, sympathetic, and dorsal states, and track autonomic state patterns during Phase 1 history-taking.

☑️ Determine readiness for reprocessing using Polyvagal-informed indicators and develop a treatment plan informed by autonomic regulation capacity.

☑️ Apply at least three Polyvagal-informed interventions within Phases 2–4, and modify EMDR procedures based on real-time nervous system shifts.

☑️ Demonstrate therapeutic presence behaviors that support Polyvagal co-regulation.

☑️ Apply Polyvagal Theory within Phases 5–8, making clinical decisions (continue, pause, resource) based on autonomic state.

Learn how to apply Polyvagal Theory across all eight phases of EMDR therapy to make precise, real-time clinical decisions with greater confidence. You will leave with concrete skills to track the nervous system, adjust your approach moment-to-moment, and use your presence to support regulation and effective processing.