Overview

​Series: 'Polyvagal theory expanded'.

This is the first webinar in the series. Our underlying neural defence systems become sensitized with repeated or ongoing stress impacting vagal homeostatic functions. 

This webinar, pertinent for practitioners with IFS, CBT, SE, EMDR, or other backgrounds, will provide an overview of the Polyvagal Theory with a focus on the Defence Cascade our defence bias and the relationship to comorbid diagnosis such as chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, autoimmune, or IBS challenges that are often present in trauma.

Level of Learning

Intermediate. This activity is targeted to those who have some previous learning on the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality.

Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process

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Activity details

• On-demand webinar recording

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• develop an understanding the neurobiology of our defence systems related to a perceived threat,

• learn about Neuroception and our ability to detect cues of safety and how this biological system is impacted by stress and trauma, and

• learn about The Defence Cascade and comorbid mental health and wellness challenges that often accompany trauma.

Presenter(s)

Joanne McIntyre

About the presenter(s)

Joanne moved to the United States after graduating from LaTrobe University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. She later completed a Master of Science majoring in Psychology at California Southern University.
While residing in the U.S.A for 23 years, Joanne founded a therapy practice including Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists. Joanne pursued specialty training in various clinical interventions and treatment programs that identify and address the underlying neurological causes of state regulation, learning and behaviour versus symptomology. Her training included Board Certification in Neurofeedback and Heart Rate Variability bio-feedback training. Travelling throughout Canada and the United States, Joanne worked as an instructor for Integrated Listening Systems.
Joanne returned to Australia 2015 and is Clinical Director of Integrated Listening Australia providing practitioner training and clinical support to clinicians and families. She is currently a PhD Candidate at La Trobe University within the School of Psychology and Public Health investigating the Neurobehavioral underpinnings of the Safe & Sound Protocol Intervention developed by Dr Stephen Porges, supported by the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC). This study will expand our biobehavioural understanding of the intervention.
Joanne previously presented in collaboration with the Australian Childhood Foundation two full-day workshops about Polyvagal Theory and research about the Safe and Sound Protocol applied to working with traumatized children. Joanne designed and presented “Power of Neuroplasticity” workshop and “The Neurobiology of Safety in Autism” sponsored by the Australian Occupational Therapy Association.