Understanding the Nervous System:
THE POLYVAGAL THEORY
6 HOURS
DURATION: NOVEMBER 15 & DECEMBER 12, 2026 1- 4PM (Two 4-Hour Sessions)
INVESTMENT: $150
Every person who walks into your classroom brings a unique nervous system with them, including you.
This immersive training introduces yoga teachers to the fundamentals of the autonomic nervous system and Polyvagal Theory, offering a practical framework for understanding how stress, connection, and a sense of safety shape the human experience. Rather than teaching you to analyze or diagnose students, this course emphasizes curiosity, compassion, and ethical teaching practices that help create environments where students can explore their practice with greater autonomy and ease.
Together, we'll explore how the nervous system responds to challenge, why people experience stress differently, and how intentional choices in language, sequencing, pacing, and classroom culture can help foster a greater sense of safety and connection. You'll also gain a deeper understanding of your own nervous system patterns and how your presence as a teacher influences the space you create.
Throughout this module, we'll examine the science behind Polyvagal Theory, discuss both its strengths and limitations, and explore how to thoughtfully integrate nervous system-informed principles into your teaching while honoring the uniqueness of every student.
Whether you're teaching group classes, private sessions, or simply looking to deepen your understanding of the relationship between the nervous system, movement, breath, and human connection, this training will leave you with practical tools to create more supportive, accessible, and compassionate yoga experiences.
You'll Explore:
The foundations of the autonomic nervous system and Polyvagal Theory
How stress, connection, and perceived safety influence our experiences
Nervous system-informed teaching strategies that promote choice and autonomy
Trauma-sensitive language and creating supportive learning environments
The importance of professional boundaries and scope of practice
Practical applications you can immediately integrate into your teaching
Perfect for yoga teachers, wellness professionals, and curious students who want to expand their understanding of the nervous system while cultivating more thoughtful, inclusive, and student-centered practices.
Meet Your Educator
Virginia "Ginny" Sullivan, OTD, OTR/L, is a yoga teacher and leader in neurological rehabilitation and a member of the neurological services team at Cleveland Clinic. She earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions and specializes in helping individuals recover from brain injuries, cognitive impairments, and complex nervous system disorders. Drawing on extensive experience across neurological and acute care settings, Ginny brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, evidence-based practice, and compassionate care to this training. She is also deeply committed to education, mentoring, and research, making her passionate about helping yoga teachers better understand the nervous system and apply that knowledge with confidence, humility, and respect for the scope of their role.