Course Timing
This live-online course begins April 2, 2025. Over a period of 17 weeks, this course will alternate between Live 2 Hour Lectures, Live 1 Hour Q&As, and Live 1.5 Hour Pod Meet-ups.
For your Live Lectures and Q&As, we will meet on Wednesdays at 11:00 am ET via Zoom.
For your Pod Meet-ups, you will be assigned a specific group and time with one of our PV-EMDR-certified facilitators based on your availability.
Please refer to "Course Framework" for modules and additional schedule information.
Recordings of previous live sessions will be available on our learning platform.
Course Description
Polyvagal Theory and EMDR are two well-respected theoretical and practical models with immense implications for therapeutic practice. Polyvagal-Informed EMDR offers a comprehensive approach for integrating Polyvagal Theory into EMDR Therapy. Individually, each model offers powerful pathways to healing. Combined, these models supercharge therapy and the recovery process.
The PV-EMDR Certification Program at Polyvagal Institute is designed to teach clinicians the core concepts of this integrated model within a supportive and collaborative learning community. Through live lectures, bonus Q&A sessions, and interactive learning pods, clinicians will experience a sense of community, connection, and clinical inspiration as they help their clients heal and transform using the power of Polyvagal Theory and EMDR.
Participants will join learning cohorts led by a dedicated PV-EMDR-certified facilitator. Together, they will engage in live sessions focused on reviewing assigned readings, discussing key concepts and clinical interventions, analyzing case vignettes, and practicing new skills and strategies. Please note: this certification program is exclusively for trained therapists and clinicians who have been trained (or are currently enrolled in Basic Training) with an accredited EMDR trainer: EMDRIA, EMDR UK, EMDR Europe, EMDR Asia, EMDR Australia.
Join us for a live info session about this course on March 5, 2025, at 11:30am ET. Register to attend the info session here.
We invite you to watch the course info session recording here: link coming soon
Payment Information
This course costs $1980. Learners may opt to pay the full fee at registration, or to pay in three monthly installments. Learners will have access to the course for 300 days from the registration date.
Course Requirements
Clinicians interested in this program must be trained with an accredited EMDR trainer: EMDRIA, EMDR UK, EMDR Europe, EMDR Asia, EMDR Australia.
You will receive a Polyvagal-Informed EMDR Certificate from Polyvagal Institute upon successfully completing this course.
We have two options for students interested in obtaining continuing education credits (CEs) to support the maintenance of a professional license.
CEs will be available through EMDRIA, and CEs will also be available for purchase for an $85 fee through the Spiritual Competency Academy, for psychologists, LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs, and nurses.
20 CEs are available for this certification program.
*If you are interested in obtaining optional continuing education credits (CEs) to support the maintenance of a professional license (mostly relevant to learners based in the U.S.), please note that 100% live attendance is required in all live sessions and live practice pods, in their entirety; however attendance in the live discussions is optional for CE purposes.
Course Format
Course Framework
This course offers one 1 Hour Live Welcome Session, four Live 2 Hour Lectures, four Bonus Live 1 Hour Q&As (including a conversation with Dr. Porges), and eight Live 1.5 Hour Pod Meet-ups. The Live sessions are complemented with required reading to enhance students’ learning and practice.
The schedule for this certification program is as follows:
April 2 - Welcome Live Session
April 9 - 1st Q&A with Arielle Schwartz, PhD
Week of April 14 - 1st Pod
April 23 - 1st Lecture
Week of April 28 - 2nd Pod
May 7 - 2nd Q&A with Tamera J. Brown, LPC
Week of May 12 - 3rd Pod
May 21 - 2nd Lecture
Week of May 26 - 4th Pod
June 4 - 3rd Q&A with Instructor Rebecca Kase, MSW, LCSW
Week of June 9 - 5th Pod
June 18 - 3rd Lecture
Week of June 23 - 6th Pod
July 2 - 4th Q&A with Stephen Porges, PhD
Week of July 7 - 7th Pod
July 16 - 4th Lecture
Week of July 21 - 8th Pod
Required texts & readings:
Polyvagal informed EMDR: A Neuro-Informed Approach to Healing by Rebecca Kase
The Applied Polyvagal Flipchart by Rebecca Kase
Additional assigned readings:
Gellar, S. M., & Porges, S. W. (2014). Therapeutic Presence: Neurophysiological Mechanisms Mediating Feeling Safe in Therapeutic Relationships. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 24(3).
Porges, S. W. (2022). The Science of Safety. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience.
Recommended Audience
Course Outcomes
This program will be organized to cover the following objectives:
1. Core Concepts and Foundations
Explore polyvagal theory and its application to trauma therapy.
Review criticisms of polyvagal theory.
Examine the clinical benefits of integrating polyvagal theory within the evidence-based EMDR model.
2. Nervous System Education (AIP & PVT)
Learn the autonomic nervous system and the three branches of the ANS.
Learn how the vagus nerve mediates responses through neuroception and activation of protective defenses.
Review of the AIP model.
Explore the relationship between memory storage and autonomic state.
Identify signs of different autonomic states in clients.
Analyze the preparation hierarchy and explore its application as a clinical tool for preparation and readiness.
3. Therapeutic Presence and PV-EMDR
Analyze the role of the social engagement system throughout the 8 phases of PV-EMDR.
Explore the key components of therapeutic presence.
Assess key components of the social engagement system as described in polyvagal theory.
Learn the role of embodiment as a Polyvagal informed EMDR therapist.
4. Clinical Application of Skills
Review the concept of neural exercises as it relates to preparation and readiness. Gain a variety of clinical tools to support the establishment of autonomic resiliency to aid in target reprocessing.
Learn the 8 phases of PV-EMDR.
Analyze the guidelines for conducting polyvagal-informed EMDR sessions.
Apply skills and concepts to case studies highlighting different scenarios, symptoms, and therapeutic strategies.
5. Tools and Techniques:
Learn and practice specific PV-EMDR skills for successful target reprocessing.
Incorporate applied polyvagal theory interventions into client sessions.
Review creative strategies for enhancing regulation, like breathwork and visualization.
INSTRUCTOR(S)
Rebecca Kase, MSW, LCSW, RYT
Rebecca Kase is a licensed clinical social worker, EMDR trainer & expert, and owner of the Trauma Therapist Institute, with nearly two decades of experience in trauma healing and therapy.
A Polyvagal Theory expert, she is the author of Polyvagal-Informed EMDR: A Neuro-Informed Approach to Healing and The Applied Polyvagal Theory Flipchart, essential resources for integrating neuroscience into clinical practice. Rebecca’s approach blends Polyvagal Theory, somatic practices, and mindfulness techniques to foster safety, regulation, and transformation for clients. Through the Trauma Therapist Institute, she provides EMDR Basic Training, advanced courses, and consultation, equipping therapists with the tools to navigate the complexities of trauma work with confidence and compassion. Rooted in authenticity and her shame free approach to learning ™, Rebecca inspires clinicians to embrace the challenges of trauma healing, knowing that even in the messiest moments, profound growth and beauty can emerge.
Rebecca Kase, MSW, LCSW, RYT
