Polyvagal Institute

Polyvagal Institute serves as the founding home of Polyvagal Theory.
Launched in 2020, PVI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with Dr. Stephen Porges and Deb Dana as two of the founding members. Come take a course with us, attend an in-person or online event, and learn how and why safety, connection, and community are essential to the human experience.

Polyvagal Theory emphasizes the role the autonomic nervous system --especially the vagus nerve-- plays in regulating our health and behavior. Created and developed by Stephen Porges, PhD, the theory describes the physiological/psychological states which underlie our daily behavior as well as challenges related to our wellness and mental health. By applying Polyvagal Theory to our personal lives as well as to disciplines such as medicine, education, and management, we can understand how safety, co-regulation, and connection are paramount to a healthy human experience.



Polyvagal Institute

Just Announced: A Webinar Series on IFS & Polyvagal Theory! ☺️

This event unites the expertise of Frank Anderson, MD, and Jan Winhall, MSW — two recognized leaders in trauma‑informed care — in a three‑part webinar series exploring how Polyvagal Theory and Internal Family Systems intersect and complement each other in clinical practice. ⭐

Join us on January 12, 13 and 16 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. EST for this special event!

Note: This event features a "pay what you can" model. Sign up to attend the event at no cost, or at a paid tier ($40 or $80) to support our mission in creating a safe and connected world. Those who choose to pay for this event will help support PVI in offering scholarships to those who are interested in taking a course but are facing financial barriers.

Sign up here: learning.polyvagal.org/courses/Integrating-IFS-and…

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 4

Polyvagal Institute

Our 2025 International Gathering, titled "The Vagus Nerve: A Path to Wellness," kicks off this week!

Together we will explore Polyvagal Theory and the vagus nerve in ways that deepen understanding, connection, and health. This event is designed to be both enriching and restorative—an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge discussions with top experts, explore practical applications, and integrate new insights— all in a setting that nourishes the mind, body, and nervous system.

Virtual & in-person tickets are still available! Join us from October 31 through November 2 in Amelia Island, FL: www.polyvagalinstitute.org/2025gathering

1 month ago | [YT] | 3

Polyvagal Institute

We're excited to welcome Dr. Frank Anderson to the Wired for Connection podcast! This episode, titled "Integrating IFS & Polyvagal Theory," will release at 8 a.m. ET on Wednesday, October 15. You can watch the full video here on YouTube, or listen to the audio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

What topics would you like to see us cover on future Wired for Connection episodes? Let us know in the comments below!

2 months ago | [YT] | 3

Polyvagal Institute

Tomorrow, Ruby Jo Walker, LCSW, hosts a Free Course Info Session to discuss her new course "Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory for Therapists: Part One."

Ruby Jo is an author, experienced trauma therapist, and trainer sought for her expertise in Polyvagal Theory. Her upcoming course at PVI is designed for therapists -- students will use the lens of Polyvagal Theory in applying therapeutic processes for physiological shifts, resulting in behavioral, emotional, and relational changes.

Join us for the free info session tomorrow, August 13, from 1:30 to 2 pm ET to learn more! Register here: events.zoom.us/e/view/JZb2MPP_RTSN7MIw-7aAaQ

4 months ago | [YT] | 3

Polyvagal Institute

Episode 4 of Wired for Connection: A Polyvagal Podcast is out now! This episode, titled "Stimulating the Vagus Nerve Naturally" features PVI Course Partner Arielle Schwartz, PhD. Watch on our channel now or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

What topics would you like to see PVI cover in a future podcast? Share below in the comments!

5 months ago | [YT] | 4