We are proud to collaborate with the Polyvagal Institute and Quantum Way to bring one of the world’s most significant events in body–mind integration directly to our professional community.

This partnership reflects nscience’s ongoing mission to connect psychotherapists, psychologists, and mental health professionals with the world’s most pioneering voices in trauma and regulation.

This year’s Polyvagal International Gathering – The Vagus Nerve: A Path to Wellness unites Dr Stephen Porges, creator of Polyvagal Theory, with twelve international experts whose work is transforming how we understand the nervous system’s role in health, safety and human connection.

Across three parts, we’ll explore how the vagus nerve — the body’s primary channel of communication between brain and body — shapes our emotional regulation, physical resilience, and capacity for trust and relationship.

Schedule:

Part 1:

Session 1 Steve Cole: Molecular Biofeedback: Parasympathetic Regulation of Gene Expression

Session 2 BG Mancini: Microtraumas, Microbiome & The Vagus Nerve: Restoring Safety & Regulation from Within

Session 3 Robert Schwarz: Emotional Freedom Techniques and Polyvagal Theory in Treating Trauma

Session 4 Stephen Porges & Anthony Gorry: How Sonic Augmentation Technology is Shaping the Future of Well-Being

Session 5 Sue Carter: Is Oxytocin The Secret To Love and Longevity: A Hormetic Hypothesis

Part 2:

Session 6 Jan Winhall: Depathologizing Trauma and Addiction Treatment with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (with Panellists)

Session 7 Arielle Schwartz: Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery: Applying the Principles of Polyvagal Theory for Self-Discovery, Embodied Healing, and Meaningful Change (with Panellists)

Session 8 Michael Allison: Autonomic Agility™: Fostering safe, trusting, and adaptable individuals, families, and teams (with Panellists)

Session 9 Peter Staats: The Bioelectric Revolution

Session 10 Niki Elliott: Supporting Neurodivergent Students from a Polyvagal Perspective

Part 3:

Session 11 Elisa Song: Helping Kids Thrive in Our Modern World: Could Vagus Nerve-Microbiome Resilience Be the Missing Link?

Session 12 Donnalea Goelz: Research-Supported Somatic Vagus Exercises That Make a Difference

Session 13 Stephen Porges: Sentinel Trauma: A Single-Trial Imprint of Life-Threat Through a Polyvagal Lens

Your Access Includes

• Replay viewing for 12 months
• nscience CPD Certificate, issued after completion of viewing hours
• Event delivered in English

About the Gathering

“As we co-regulate, we feel safer in the space and time we find ourselves in. We become more generous toward others, more welcoming and more accessible.”
— Stephen Porges

The Polyvagal Institute convenes clinicians, educators, researchers, and wellness professionals from around the world to explore how the vagus nerve — the body’s core pathway of safety and connection — underpins both psychological and physical wellbeing.

This flagship course offers a rich and restorative experience that integrates cutting-edge neuroscience, clinical insight, and embodied practice. Through presentations, live discussions, and experiential learning, participants will deepen their understanding of how the vagus nerve regulates physiological states, supports resilience, and nurtures human connection.

Featured Speakers

• Stephen Porges, PhD – Creator of Polyvagal Theory & Co-Founder, Polyvagal Institute
• Sue Carter, PhD – Researcher, Distinguished University Scientist, Rudy Professor Emerita of Biology & Former Director, The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University
• Peter Staats, MD, MBA – President, Founder & Co-Chairman, Vagus Nerve Society
• Jan Winhall, MSW, FOT – Author; Developer of the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model; Educational Partner & Course Developer, Polyvagal Institute
• Arielle Schwartz, PhD – Clinical Psychologist & Somatic Expert
• Niki Elliott, PhD – Educator, Author, PVI Board Member & Director, Center for Embodied Equity & Neurodiversity, University of San Diego
• Steven Cole, PhD – Researcher & Professor of Psychiatry, Biobehavioral Sciences and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
• Donnalea Goelz, PhD – Researcher & Somatic Clinical Psychology Expert
• Elisa Song, MD – Author, Speaker, Founder & Polyvagal-Informed Paediatrician, Whole Family Wellness
• BG Mancini, MHSc – Neurodevelopmental Specialist, Acupuncture Physician & Primary Care Provider
• Robert Schwarz, PsyD – Psychologist, Coach, Speaker & Emotional Freedom Technique Pioneer
• Michael Allison – Polyvagal-Informed Performance Expert

Learning Objectives

This course will help participants:

• Deepen understanding of how the vagus nerve shapes health, resilience and human connection through the regulation of body and mind.
• Explore applications across trauma, addiction, education and wellbeing, linking new research in bioelectric medicine, microbiome science, and emotional regulation.

Official Learning Objectives (as provided by the Polyvagal Institute):

1. List two general types of genes that are regulated by the autonomic nervous system.
2. Identify clinical indicators that suggest when to refer clients for gut, microbiome, or nervous system support, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration.
3. Summarize research on the microbiome’s influence on mental, emotional, and physical health, including its implications for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
4. Explain the nature of hormesis and why the vasopressin-oxytocin system may be critical to hormesis.
5. Explain addiction through a polyvagal lens.
6. Demonstrate how to enhance health through natural vagus nerve stimulation.
7. Explain how the ability to fluidly shift between autonomic states—play, connection, fight/flight, conservation, and recovery—impacts resilience, performance, and well-being.
8. Evaluate the role of bioelectric medicine and vagus nerve stimulation in modulating the autonomic nervous system and improving clinical outcomes.
9. Explain the critical role of vagal tone in prosocial behavior and optimal learning, especially in the context of working with neurodivergent students.
10. Identify the most common factors that disrupt children’s gut microbiomes.
11. Explain how the vagus nerve impacts our autonomic nervous system states and relates to overall well-being.

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