This one-day workshop explores the intersection of science and spirit through the facilitators Polyvagal-informed Somatic & Dance/Movement Therapy framework. Movement is medicine and a pathway to restoration, empowerment and belonging for survivors suffering the impact of forced displacement. This workshop includes a theoretical overview of the presenters Polyvagal-informed Somatic and Dance/Movement Therapy approach to working with trauma. 

 Participants will integrate embodied theory with practices they can immediately apply to promote their own resilience and to support empowerment and liberation in their work with survivors of war, torture and displacement. Some of the topics and themes to be covered include:

• The distinction between Polyvagal Theory and Polyvagal-informed practice

• The privilege of safety in human rights psychotherapy

• The theoretical underpinnings of Polyvagal-informed Somatic & Dance/Movement Therapy

• Pathways to neurophysiological state shifting to promote emotional and psychological state shifting for clients’ healing

• The therapeutic alliance as a reciprocal alliance

• Ways to promote relative safety for survivors of trauma and embodied resilience for therapists

• Body-based regulation practices for clients and therapists incorporating rhythm, breath, sound and movement.

These concepts will be explored through theory, clinical evolution, case sharing and simple, easily adaptable breath, somatic, movement and rhythm-based practices and processes that any clinician can adapt for their work.