Description
The secure base system provides a structured model for understanding and assessing complex
attachment problems in children, adults, and family systems. At the most basic level, secure
attachment is rooted in the physical sense of feeling safe. Polyvagal theory is considered one of
the most important discoveries in brain science in the last 50 years because it profoundly
deepens our understanding of the brain structures involved in connection and felt security on
the one hand, and overwhelming fear, disconnection, and dissociation on the other. In this
workshop, you will learn about the power of the parasympathetic nervous system and the two
pathways of the vagus nerve (thus, polyvagal). You will see how the ventral vagus nerve orients
us toward finding felt-security in the social engagement system and mobilizes energy,
motivation, and confidence. See also how the dorsal vagus nerve, in situations involving
overwhelming fear, immobilizes energy and motivation and results in disconnection and
dissociation. Finally, see how to apply the concepts of polyvagal theory and the secure base
system to complex clinical cases involving trauma and early adversity. Learn how these
concepts are easily integrated into a Christian worldview and can be seamlessly woven into a
wide spectrum of therapeutic approaches.
Presented by: Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Understand and apply the core concepts of polyvagal theory and the secure base system to complex clinical cases involving early childhood trauma and adversity
- Learn how to translate these concepts into a language easily understood by clients and how to teach clients how to map out the body’s stress response system
- Integrate these concepts into a coherent Christian worldview and adapt them to a wide spectrum of therapeutic approaches
