Embodied Equity: A Polyvagal-Informed Approach for Educators & Helping Professionals - EDC-X741V

Course Description

Credit Validation for Polyvagal Institute Participants Only 

Taught by Dr. Niki Elliott, this 25-hour certificate course explores the damaging impact of implicit bias and identity-threat on student well-being and academic performance. Through a Polyvagal-informed approach utilizing mindfulness, breathwork and somatic awareness practices, participants will learn what it truly means to embody social justice and create healing learning environments for students of all ages. Learn more at Embodied Equity: A Polyvagal-Informed Approach for Educators & Helping Professionals

Learner Outcomes

• Understand how experiences of implicit bias, microaggressions, overt racism, and social marginalization impact the brain and nervous system and can be registered in the body as a form of trauma for people of all ages
• Explore the zones of regulation and how the brain’s capacity to learn, heal, and self-regulate is connected to the ventral vagal state of safety and social engagement. Discuss the implications for academic success and behavior regulation for students who are exposed to identity-threat consistently 
• Complete reflective exercises to explore where unconscious bias lives in one’s own body and how it shows up as nervous system triggers (fight, flight, freeze, appease)
• Practice mind-body regulation strategies that help educators and helping professionals establish and maintain a ventral vagal state of social engagement, felt-safety, and co-regulation with students, especially when triggered by them
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to proactively create healing environments that cultivate a sense of felt- safety and belonging for optimized social engagement, behavior regulation, healing and/or academic achievement for all

Course Details

Number of Units: 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for educators, therapists, counselors, coaches, healthcare providers, and other helping professionals.