Overview

This webinar explores how principles of somatic psychology can deepen therapeutic work through greater awareness of the body–mind connection. Drawing on polyvagal theory and contemporary research on interoception and emotional regulation, the session will translate key somatic concepts into practical applications for psychological practice.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will learn how body-based awareness can:

• Support emotion regulation through nervous system-informed interventions
• Enhance therapeutic presence and co-regulation within the therapeutic relationship
• Promote integration across cognitive, emotional, and physiological domains
• Complement evidence-based modalities such as ACT, CBT, schema therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches

The presentation will include psychoeducation, experiential examples, and reflection prompts that enable clinicians to safely and ethically incorporate somatic awareness within their existing frameworks.

Presenter(s)

Dr. Kaitlin Harkess

About the presenter(s)

Kaitlin N. Harkess, PhD, is the author of The Somatic Workbook for Nervous System Regulation and Anxiety Management (PESI Publishing), host of the Wisdom for Wellbeing podcast, and founder of a holistic therapy practice of the same name. She is a Clinical Psychologist, a Psychology Board Approved Supervisor, a Registered Senior Yoga Instructor, and a Registered Meditation Instructor. Kaitlin offers individual and group therapy sessions to support individuals experiencing overwhelm and burnout, guiding them to develop psychological and somatic skills that foster healing and resilience. Kaitlin is passionate about integrative, evidenceinformed healing approaches. She has taught body-based practices for nearly two decades in yoga studios, community centres, and mental health settings. Her research was the first to examine the epigenetic and psychoneuroimmunological effects of yoga for chronic stress and psychological distress. Committed to advancing the field, she remains a Titleholder at the University of Adelaide's School of Psychology, convenes the Australian Psychological Society’s Yoga and Psychology Interest Group, and regularly trains clinicians in the application of somatic psychology to therapeutic practice. Kaitlin lives on Kaurna Land in Adelaide, Australia, with her young family, where they enjoy coastal walks, short winters, and the rhythm of local life. A mountain girl at heart, she grew up in the Canadian Rockies, and hiking remains as essential to her wellbeing as her yoga practice.

Notes

Target Audience

This activity is aimed at psychologists and health professionals.

Duration of Access

This event will be recorded. The recording will be emailed to all registered within 2 weeks post event and available for viewing up to 90 days.

CPD

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.

If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.