The effectiveness of Polyvagal therapy as a treatment modality for trauma

The effectiveness of Polyvagal therapy as a treatment modality for trauma

Presented by SickKids CCMH Learning Institute

Dates: June 23 and 24, 2026

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET

Facilitator: Ian Robertson, MSW, RSW.

CE hours: 12

Description: Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges (1995, 2001), provides a neurobiological framework for understanding how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) mediates our sense of safety, connection, and threat. This theory has become foundational in the development of trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and somatically integrated therapies. While Polyvagal Theory itself is a theoretical model, its integration with empirically supported practices in psychology, psychiatry, and social work has been increasingly recognized in peer-reviewed literature and clinical applications.

This webinar will provide you with the principles of the Polyvagal Theory, the features of the social engagement system and how to apply this within your practice. You will learn effective and proven strategies and interventions that build client safety and connectedness, and how to mediate the disarming symptoms of trauma, PTSD, depression, autism, ADD, addictions and other mental health disorders.

This workshop includes knowledge exchange and interactive learning to support clinical integration into practice of this treatment approach.

Learning objectives:

• The role of polyvagal theory in the treatment of trauma, mental health and addictions.
• Mapping the nervous system.
• Learning how to up regulate the nervous system back to safety and connection.
• Developing ventral regulation.
• The connection between self-regulation and co-regulation. 
• Learning to establish safety inside oneself, outside one self and with other people.

Register to explore Polyvagal-informed mechanisms, clinical application, and implications for trauma-focused practice.

Registration fee: General - $600  |  Student and group rates are available

For full program overview and registration details please visit: https://cvent.me/Q5AX11 

Facilitator Bio: Ian Robertson, MSW, RSW
Ian serves as an organizational consultant and educator for several healthcare and social service agencies. In this role, he provides education, consultation and clinical supervision to several community-based organizations and hospital systems. Ian’s focus is to help establish and deliver high-quality, trauma-informed, and integrated standards of practice and care. He also provides staff development in the clinical areas of substance abuse, trauma, concurrent disorders, and mental health, with a focus on evidence-based treatment approaches. Ian also provides clinical supervision for various independent and organizational regulated practitioners.

Ian is an adjunct instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University's School of Social Work, teaching in the Trauma and Clinical Supervision certificate programs.

Previously, Ian served as the Regional Clinical Supervisor for Addictions and Mental Health at the Niagara Health System for many years. He has presented at international, national, and provincial conferences on the topics such as integrative organizational trauma-informed care practices, and other substance abuse treatment and mental health practices.  

Ian holds a master’s degree in social work from McMaster University and the designation of an Advanced Clinical Supervisor from Smith College's School of Social Work in Massachusetts, USA. He owns and operates a therapy group practice in Niagara Falls, ON. 

Continuing Education (CE) information: 12 CE hours

SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health Learning Institute is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) to offer continuing education (CE) hours. The number of eligible CE hours are outlined within each program. SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health Learning Institute maintains responsibility for the programs.

Other licensing boards and professional organizations will grant continuing education credits for attendance at their own discretion; participants will need to submit the course outline and Certificate of Participation for their consideration.

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