Polyvagal Theory in Group Practice

This book describes Wired to Connect, a 10-week program for groups based on Polyvagal Theory that is structured, easy to teach, and suitable for everyone. The course is designed to help people develop an awareness of how their autonomic nervous system affects them as they navigate the joys and challenges of life, and how to embrace and modulate its reactions to lead a more serene and fulfilling existence.

It begins with an introduction to the theory and functioning of the autonomic nervous system, whose biological response to threats – real or perceived – can determine whether a person lives in a state of open connectedness or mobilized/immobilized protectiveness. It continues by reviewing the knowledge and skills required to lead the program, along with an overview of its structure and the various teaching modules that, like building blocks, form each class.

The second part of the book serves as a manual for leading the course. Going session by session, activity by activity, it offers specific, hands-on scripts to help convey the theory to course participants in a simple and engaging way, along with experiential exercises on breath, movement, and sounds, as well as homework assignments and guided immersions into mindfulness. Valuable teaching aids – such as color plates, audio tracks, and slides – are available for download to assist the instructor in guiding their students through the Wired to Connect journey.

Not only can psychologists and psychotherapists lead the program, but also other compassionate professionals, such as teachers, doctors, nurses, and community workers. Polyvagal Theory in Group Practice is a clear, concise, and comprehensive handbook for anyone interested in learning how to benefit from a polyvagal lifestyle and to share this knowledge with others.