Somatic Practices For Nervous System Support - by David Hayden

COURSE

Somatic Practices For Nervous System Support

With David Hayden

In our fast-paced world, the intensity of stress, anxiety, and challenging situations or relationships can often push us to move at a pace that feels misaligned with our nervous system's needs. Over time, this can create patterns that hinder our ability to respond in ways we desire or access the depth of our internal resources. This class series explores the nervous system through the lens of Polyvagal Theory and introduces somatic practices designed to foster greater stability, care, and self-connection. Each session builds on the last, offering practical tools to support your nervous system in real time.


Meet your Teacher

David Hayden is a licensed therapist, educator, and somatic practitioner with a Master’s degree in Counseling and over seven years of professional experience. He specializes in nervous system regulation, trauma healing, and attachment-focused therapy. David has received advanced training in Somatic Experiencing®, a body-centered approach to resolving trauma, and integrates these techniques with insights from Polyvagal Theory to help clients achieve deeper stability and connection. His approach is grounded in both evidence-based practices and a compassionate understanding of the complexities of the human experience. Before starting his private practice, David worked at UC Berkeley, where he honed his skills in creating accessible, inclusive, and transformative learning environments. His ability to distill complex concepts into practical tools makes him an engaging and effective teacher for both individuals and groups. David’s teaching reflects his commitment to empowering people to tune into their bodies, harness the wisdom of their nervous systems, and cultivate resilience. His unique blend of professional expertise and real-world experience ensures that participants walk away with not only a deeper understanding of somatic practices but also actionable skills they can integrate into their daily lives.

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4 Days

339 students

4.7 stars

13 min / day

Healing

English


Lesson 1

What Is The Polyvagal System, And Why Does It Matter?

In this foundational session, we will delve into the basics of Polyvagal Theory, exploring how the nervous system shapes our experiences of safety, connection, and threat. You'll gain a clear understanding of why this framework is so valuable and how it can transform your relationship with yourself and others.

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Lesson 2

Building On Our Tracking Skills – Looking For Clues

This class deepens our ability to track sensations and signals from the body. We will explore the use of touch, focusing on the heart center and its significance in nervous system regulation. This session also invites you to notice what arises as you practice. If you've spent much of your life in the cognitive channel, shifting to somatic awareness might feel challenging—and that’s okay. This is a practice of gentle exploration and letting go. We also spend a bit more time talking about nervous system states and unpacking the purpose of these states.

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Lesson 3

Working With Safe And Social

In this session, we will focus on the "safe and social" state of the nervous system, the foundation for connection and regulation. Through practices like the “Voo” sound and gentle eye-orienting exercises, we’ll learn how to tune into our bodies, slow down, and create a sense of ease. These practices can be grounding and are particularly helpful for anchoring yourself during moments of stress.

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Lesson 4

Final Practice – Digesting What We’ve Learned

In this session, we’ll turn our attention to digestion, a deeply sensitive and revealing area of the body. Through intentional touch and mindful awareness, we’ll explore how to support this area in a way that feels safe and restorative. For some, direct contact with the skin may feel overwhelming; if so, we’ll practice slowing down and honoring what your body needs at the moment. This session emphasizes self-compassion and attunement as we integrate all we’ve learned.

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4.7 (18)

Recent Reviews

maria

maria

May 21, 2025

Looking forward to this practice in the weeks ahead. Thanks.

Arimi

Arimi

May 12, 2025

I enjoyed this concise and well guided course on being mindful of our somatic sensations and using this mindfulness to calm down our nervous system. Thank you.

Rosi

Rosi

April 29, 2025

Thank you so much for this practical course! 🙏💫

Anne

Anne

March 5, 2025

Interesting informative and helpful course

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