- Classify the core concepts of Polyvagal Theory, such as the autonomic hierarchy, neuroception, and co-regulation.
- Define organizing principles of Polyvagal Theory in client friendly language.
- Analyze how the autonomic nervous system constantly monitors for safety and danger, influencing trauma responses.
- Utilize Deb Dana’s mapping series to chart and comprehend the states and reactions of the autonomic nervous system.
- Evaluate client experiences of mobilization, disconnection, and engagement through the lens of Polyvagal Theory.
- Integrate autonomic tracking and co-regulating skills in sessions to actively manage and adjust to clients' physiological states.
- Use polyvagal-informed processes to help clients move from states of dysregulation to regulation.
- Choose tools to regulate your own autonomic state to create an environment of safety for clients.
- Determine skills to regulate patterns of autonomic response.
- Identify and modulate both your own and your clients' autonomic responses.
- Examine how unconscious detection of safety and danger (neuroception) activates autonomic state shifts.
- Determine how humans naturally regulate each other’s autonomic states through social interaction, focusing on the biological phenomenon of co-regulation.
- Use nervous system responses to track ruptures in the therapeutic relationship.
- Categorize the common body responses for each autonomic state.
- Develop a therapeutic session based on tracking a client’s autonomic responses.
- Utilize Polyvagal-informed techniques to create healthier patterns.
- Determine individual and interactive resources that support autonomic regulation.
- Utilize the Social Engagement System to assist clients in becoming more adept in skills of co-regulation.
- Choose experiential activities, including mapping sequences, SIFTing, savoring, and using the vagal brake to enhance self-regulation skills.
- Differentiate a Polyvagal-guided clinical practice based on appropriate assessment and treatment planning.
- Determine how the cycle, or reciprocity-rupture-repair, achieves the biological need for connection.
- Evaluate ethical considerations and responsibilities of polyvagal informed clinical work, including research limitations and potential risks.
Join us atop the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains at Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, NC
where you’ll spend 5 days filled with skills-building and personal transformation with
esteemed Polyvagal Theory (PVT) expert Deb Dana!
PLUS, earn up to 21.5 CE Hours!
where you’ll spend 5 days filled with skills-building and personal transformation with
esteemed Polyvagal Theory (PVT) expert Deb Dana!
PLUS, earn up to 21.5 CE Hours!
Transitioning clients from chronic dysregulation and trauma-driven responses to enhanced emotional regulation, resilience, and overall well-being.
The trauma client is often stuck in a dysregulated state.
Like us, they want to navigate the normal “shifting” we do in our daily lives. Transitioning from one state to another…hyper to calm, irritated to relaxed, overwhelmed to feeling in control.
And because the things we feel and do begin not in our brains, but in our bodies, in the nervous system…
We need the tools and strategies to help clients transition from dysregulated states to a state of emotional balance and control. This includes understanding and leveraging the body's autonomic nervous system to facilitate this process effectively.
Amidst the peaceful Appalachian Mountains, Deb Dana, LCSW, foremost PVT authority and best-selling author, will unlock the transformative power of understanding how our nervous system influences our responses to stress and social interactions!
Working from the premise that the autonomic nervous system inherently longs to be in regulation and knows the way there, Deb will take you into the core of her work in a practical way.
Compassionately, and within a safe and relaxing environment, Deb will teach you how to partner with the autonomic nervous system, reset clients' nervous systems, and restore safety.
This immersive and interactive learning experience is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your own nervous system and learn the fundamentals of polyvagal informed therapy.
“…Deb Dana brilliantly transforms a neurobiologically-based theory into clinical practice and Polyvagal Theory comes alive.”
–Stephen W. Porges, PhD, Originator of Polyvagal Theory
PESI retreats fill up fast, so secure your spot today!
Deb Dana’s Polyvagal Theory Experiential Retreat
An Immersive Autonomic Journey Toward Healing Client Trauma and More
LIVE in Boone, NC
Sunday, April 13th – Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Single Occupancy: $3,199.00
Interested in a payment plan? Get started for just half down today!
Click here for Payment Plan Information
Payment Plan available through 2/13/25
Click here for Payment Plan Information
Payment Plan available through 2/13/25
Plus, earn up to 21.5 CE Hours — included in your tuition. Click here for Credit details
Credit hours may vary by board and profession. Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us.
Click here for cancellation policy details
Credit hours may vary by board and profession. Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us.
Click here for cancellation policy details
As a clinician, your primary role is to be a safe and regulated presence for your clients.
By understanding the autonomic nervous system, you can become a reliable resource for both your well-being and your clients'. Learn how to create the maps of Deb’s signature mapping series to:
- Understand your autonomic responses, patterns, and triggers
- Use your nervous system responses to track ruptures in the therapeutic relationship
- Implement quick and reliable ways to return to and anchor in regulation
- Use autonomic transparency to repair a rupture
Join a group of your colleagues as Deb guides you through immersive and experiential group activities, live demonstrations, hands-on skills training to help clients:
- Achieve stable autonomic regulation and better emotional control
- Build resilience, recover quickly from stress, and reduce trauma symptoms
- Form and maintain healthier relationships with improved social engagement
- Understand their nervous system and use self-soothing techniques independently
- Experience greater safety and stability, engaging more fully with daily life
- And so much more!
You don’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from Deb Dana and unlock the full potential of Polyvagal Theory to revolutionize your clinical practice.
PLUS! The Art of Living Retreat Center offers an exquisite landscape full of hiking trails and relaxing spaces to rejuvenate your body and mind.
The Art of Living Retreat Center located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, NC offers a stunning mountain landscape and peaceful grounds for rejuvenation and self-improvement.
Stimulate your body with a daily yoga class or wander the nature trails. Free your mind during a daily group meditation, at the labyrinth, or around an evening bonfire with colleagues and new friends. You can even simultaneously treat both your body and mind with an Ayurvedic treatment at the on-site spa.
This is your opportunity to make this time your own. Improve your overall well-being by reducing stress, increasing your focus, and nourishing your body with nutritious meals and engaging activities. And, with all-inclusive pricing, your lodging, meals, and training are all covered in one simple price.
Join us to become a beacon of safety, resilience, and healing for your clients like never before!
Are you ready! Register today and we’ll see you in the mountains!
Deb Dana’s Polyvagal Theory Experiential Retreat
An Immersive Autonomic Journey Toward Healing Client Trauma and More
LIVE in Boone, NC
Sunday, April 13th – Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Single Occupancy: $3,199.00
Interested in a payment plan? Get started for just half down today!
Click here for Payment Plan Information
Payment Plan available through 2/13/25
Click here for Payment Plan Information
Payment Plan available through 2/13/25
Plus, earn up to 21.5 CE Hours — included in your tuition. Click here for Credit details
Credit hours may vary by board and profession. Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us.
Click here for cancellation policy details
Credit hours may vary by board and profession. Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us.
Click here for cancellation policy details
Retreat Schedule
All Times Listed in Local Time
Sunday, April 13, 2025
4:00–6:00 pm
Check-in
6:00–7:00 pm
Dinner
7:00–7:30 pm
Orientation & Property Overview (required)
7:45–9:00 pm
Introduction and Overview Content*
Monday, April 14 – Wednesday, April 16, 2025
7:30–8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30 am–12:45 pm
Training*
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch
1:30–6:00 pm
Restoration and Relaxation
6:00–7:00 pm
Dinner
7:00–9:00 pm
Training*
Thursday, April 17, 2025
7:30–8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30–10:00 am
Training*
10:00–11:00 am
Check Out and Depart Retreat Center
(Lunch available at 12pm, if desired)
Included at No Cost! Yoga Classes, Meditation Classes & Bonfires!
*CE is awarded during these specified times. Licensing boards require full attendance to the entire retreat, including departure day, to receive any credit for the entire retreat. Please plan travel accordingly.
Who Should Attend?
The target audience includes:
- Counselors
- Social Workers
- Case Managers
- Addiction Counselors
- Physicians
- Therapists
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Other Mental Health Professionals
See What Others Have Said...
“Deb was wonderful. I learned so much and this really opened my eyes to quite a shift in thinking about beings and especially in therapy.”
—Dianne, W., Counselor
“Deb is a knowledgeable and engaging presenter. It will help me think about my clients and their reactions in a different way.”
—Shari, B., Social Worker
“Absolutely wonderful...I have been in practice for 25 years; I feel like this is a foundational piece that has been missing and will revolutionize my practice. Thank you, Deb!”
—Anya G., MFT
“Life changing. Thank you, Deb!”
—Denise, D., Counselor
“Thank you...I needed this! Deb was smooth, professional, supportive, and safe.”
—Jaci B., Counselor
Deb Dana’s Polyvagal Theory Experiential Retreat
An Immersive Autonomic Journey Toward Healing Client Trauma and More
LIVE in Boone, NC
Sunday, April 13th – Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Single Occupancy: $3,199.00
Interested in a payment plan? Get started for just half down today!
Click here for Payment Plan Information
Payment Plan available through 2/13/25
Click here for Payment Plan Information
Payment Plan available through 2/13/25
Plus, earn up to 21.5 CE Hours — included in your tuition. Click here for Credit details
Credit hours may vary by board and profession. Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us.
Click here for cancellation policy details
Credit hours may vary by board and profession. Don't see your state profession listed? Contact us.
Click here for cancellation policy details
