Overview

Series: 'Polyvagal theory expanded'.

This is the second webinar in the series. It will cover Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback as an innovative way to embody the Polyvagal Theory (PVT) in psychological practice.

One of the essential elements of PVT is the heart-brain relationship. Dr Porges was a pioneer in the early development of quantifying vagal influences on cardiac function. Heart Rate Variability (HRV), is considered the “gold standard” for indirectly measuring vagal tone or overall system homeostasis. HRV biofeedback has extensive research as a tool to help clients learn to regulate their neural state and improve mental health. HRV Biofeedback has wide clinical applications across a range of diagnosis.

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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Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details

• On-demand webinar recording

Learning Outcomes

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

• understand Heart Rate Variability (HRV) within a Polyvagal framework including research and relevance to practice in mental health, trauma, attention, and learning challenged,

• understand key terminology: vagal tone; Vagal Break; Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA): HRV; high vagal tone; Resonance and Coherent Breathing; HRV biofeedback etc,

• understand vagal influences on homeostasis and neural flexibility related to anxiety, depression, and trauma, and

• identify tools to measure HRV and implement in practice.

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. Joanne 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.