Exploring the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model for Trauma and Addiction

Our current brain disease model of trauma/addiction desperately needs a fresh approach, one that honours the wisdom of the body. The Felt Sense Polyvagal Model™ (FSPM) shifts the current pathologizing paradigm to a strength-based approach. Through the lens of Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal theory, trauma/addiction is seen as an adaptive stress response in our autonomic nervous system. Addictive behaviors are the bodies attempt to emotionally regulate by acting as propellers that facilitate neurophysiological shifts in our nervous system. The model integrates Porges Polyvagal theory and Gendlin’s Felt Sense enabling us to appreciate trauma/addictive behaviors as adaptive responses in maladaptive environments.

The workshop provides an overview of my book Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model, Routledge, 2021. I will discuss the development of the model over forty years of clinical practice. Included is a description of the FSPM theoretical framework, an introduction to The Embodied Assessment and Treatment Tool™ and Carnes Four Circle Harm Reduction Practice. Participants will learn and about Gendlin’s Focusing/Felt Sense somatic practice.

The FSPM provides a foundational framework that offers a clear and powerful way to integrate embodiment into practice. Clinicians can integrate therapeutic modalities including, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, Sensory Motor Psychotherapy, CBT, Interpersonal Neurobiology and more. A mixture of didactic information, experiential practices, , and case examples will guide the clinician in applying the model. Downloads including the client and clinician FSPM graphic models, Body Cards, Four Circles, and more are available for the workshop on my website. http://janwinhall.com Students need a journal and crayons. This course will be informative for those new to the field of trauma/addiction as well as seasoned practitioners.

Jan Winhall, M.S.W. P.I.F.O.T. is an author, teacher and seasoned trauma and addiction psychotherapist. She is an Educational Partner with the Polyvagal Institute where she offers a training program based on her book Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model, Routledge 2021. Her new book 20 Embodied Practices for Healing Trauma and Addiction: Using the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model, (Norton) is due out March 18, 2025. She is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto and a Certifying Co-Ordinator with the International Focusing Institute. Jan is Co-Director of the Borden Street Clinic where she supervises graduate students. She enjoys teaching all over the world. You can reach her at janwinhall.com.

This workshop will be recorded for those who can't attend live and a CPD certificate for 2 hours will be available afterwards.

Host or Publisher Jo Watson