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COURSE
The Polyvagal Theory & Stress Response
With Elizabeth Shuler
Delve into the intricate workings of the autonomic nervous system alongside renowned experts as you unravel the profound impact of Polyvagal Theory (developed by Dr. Stephen Porges) on stress regulation. Through engaging discussions, practical exercises, and real-life case studies, learn to navigate the complexities of stress response, from the fight-or-flight reactions of the sympathetic nervous system to the shutdown responses of the dorsal vagal system. Gain valuable insights and tools to cultivate a Polyvagal-informed lifestyle, fostering connection, resilience, and well-being in every aspect of your life. All information on the Polyvagal Theory and exercises comes from: Dana D. (2020). Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client-Centered Practices. New York: WW Norton. Porges SW (2021). Polyvagal Safety: Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation. New York: WW Norton. Porges SW & Dana D (2018). Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory: The Emergence of Polyvagal-Informed Therapies. New York: WW Norton.
Meet your Teacher
read more
6 Days
1.7k students
4.7 stars
8 min / day
Healing
English
4.7 (93)
Recent Reviews
Ramon
January 8, 2026
Good and brief summary of the the core components of the theory but not much practice.
Rich
October 3, 2025
Very informative and in condensed format.
Sharon
September 4, 2025
Great first steps in understanding the basics of polyvegal theory ... leaves me ready to make small steps and definitely to explore more about the nervous system. Thank you 🙏
Tom
September 4, 2025
What I really appreciated most about this course is its sense of manageability in not feeling too daunting or overwhelming. Admittedly, I have dozens upon dozens upon dozens of courses that I've saved on InsightTimer, and I have the best intentions of getting around to them, but I feel overwhelmed by the volume as well as the fact that the majority of the courses are usually 10 days, 2 with each day might be around 20 minutes or so. As a result of that, I end up not starting any of the courses because they feel like a rather large undertaking. Whereas with your course, when I saw that it was only a few days and each day was only a few minutes, I thought to myself, "well this seems completely manageable in a non-overwhelming capacity." And because of that, I've now completed the course, and I feel really good about that! I now feel like I have a much better understanding, and I'm eager to do a deeper dive in finding some things that might work for me. On that note, I know you had mentioned on the last day something similar about exploring Stephen Porges and the Polyvagal Theory and other forms of actionable steps and things like that online. That being said, I wonder if you might have some specific suggestions, because I tend to freeze in a state of overwhelm where I'll do a Google search for Polyvagal Theory and exercises, and next thing I know, I've got 30 tabs open, and it feels very daunting, and then I end up telling myself I'll come back to it later, and then I don't. So if you have some suggestions of particular websites where I can find some different exercises and kind of building on your course, something that is maybe level two of a deeper dive without feeling too overwhelming, I'd really appreciate it. Once again, thank you for this course. It's going to hopefully now give me confidence to take on some of those other many courses that I have saved on Insight Timer. Much appreciated.
Marguerite
August 25, 2025
Very interesting! I feel like I have a better understanding of the vagus nerve and more motivation to practise strengthening the ventral branch. Thank you so much!
Steven
July 7, 2025
Good primer
Jenna
March 22, 2025
Very clear and easy to understand information on Polyvagal theory! Thank you for this course!
Corey
March 4, 2025
Amazing stuff!
Anne
June 10, 2024
Very informative course with helpful advice and exercises to help you ground
Laura
May 27, 2024
It's a good overview of the states and how to move in and out of them.
Marla
April 15, 2024
👏🏻🙏🏻❤️🤗🧠💪🏻❤️🌎thank you!
Dina
April 2, 2024
Thank you for providing such valuable information
Jesse
March 31, 2024
Excellent clear and concise tutorials. One can implement these exercises into their quiver for daily use, it will add levels of calmness. This also will create confidence with responding to varying situations which may arise. Thank 🙏you 🌸Jesse
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