PAWNY Spring Conference - "Applying Nervous System Concepts to Diagnosis & Treatment: A Polyvagal Approach"

Time: 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Location: Reikart Ballroom at Jazzboline - 5010 Main St, Amherst, NY

Speaker: Presented by Ruby Jo Walker, LCSW

Ruby Jo Walker, LCSW, is a Polyvagal Theory Expert, Trauma and Neurobiology Specialist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and Certified Hakomi Therapist. For many years, she has been training psychotherapists, medical professionals, and human service workers nationwide on the neurobiology of trauma and resilience. She obtained her MSW from the University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work. She has been in private practice for over 30 years, specializing in trauma and developmental wounding, as well as providing supervision in Durango, CO, and throughout the state. She is a Consultant Presenter for the Polyvagal Institute. Additionally, she has written a chapter in Somatic Therapies, published by Norton Press, which will be released in February 2025. She is currently writing a book for Norton Press on Applied Polyvagal Theory in Post-traumatic Growth and Resilience, to be published in late 2025 or early 2026.

Conference Summary:

This 6-hour training will focus on clinical diagnosis and treatment using the lens of Polyvagal Theory, which is the science of safety. Relevant for treatment across the lifespan, it applies to all populations. The training will include an overview of Polyvagal Theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. In this widely accepted theory, the nervous system is described as having three primary states (social engagement, fight/flight, freeze/shutdown/collapse) that are connected to the human threat response, and these states affect regulation. Clinicians will learn the indicators of each of the states and how they connect to diagnosis. The training will include somatic skills that will support shifting clients’ states resulting in more regulation.

The training will be both didactic and experiential to support both clinicians and clients with more regulation and ease. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of their clients' physiological states and diagnoses, as well as skills for more effective treatment.

Instructional Level: Introductory

Target Audience:

Psychologists, Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Creative Art Therapists, and Other Mental Health Professionals.

Statement of Sponsorship:

NYSED Social Work Contact Hours: Offered in collaboration with the UB School of Social Work Office of Continuing Education; recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0001. 6 live in-person contact hours are approved.

NYSED Mental Health Counselor Contact Hours: Offered in collaboration with the UB School of Social Work Office of Continuing Education; recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0008. 6 live in-person contact hours are approved.

NYSED Marriage and Family Therapist Contact Hours: Offered in collaboration with the UB School of Social Work Office of Continuing Education; recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0007. 6 live in-person contact hours are approved.

NYSED Creative Arts Therapist Contact Hours: Offered in collaboration with the UB School of Social Work Office of Continuing Education; recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists #CAT-0003. 6 live in-person contact hours are approved.

NYSED Psychology Contact Hours: Offered in collaboration with the UB School of Social Work Office of Continuing Education; recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0062. 6 live in-person contact hours are approved.

CE Credits: 6 CE

Conference Objectives:

At the conclusion of the conference, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the emotions and behaviors associated with the three primary physiological states of threat/safety.
2. Describe the general pathways of trauma deactivation in the nervous system.
3. Describe two somatic skills to apply to supporting deactivation in the nervous system.
4. Identify how to support their own nervous systems when working with others.

Conference Schedule:

• 8:15 - 9:00 - Sign-In Registration & Breakfast (included)
• 9:00 - 10:30 - Morning A: Intro to PV Theory and deactivation of the ANS
• 10:30 - 10:45 - Break
• 10:45 - 12:15 - Morning B: Diagnosis and Regulation
• 12:15 - 1:30 - Lunch Break (Included)
• 1:30 - 3:00 - Afternoon A: Trauma Vortex and somatic skills
• 3:00 - 3:15pm - Break
• 3:15 - 4:30 - Afternoon B: Demonstration and Integration

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If you are a psychologist or psychology doctoral student but not currently a PAWNY Member, you can register for membership on the PAWNY website prior to event registration.