Michele has 30 year's experience as a clinician, leader and academic in the mental health and addiction fields. She is a registered nurse, dapaanz practitioner and dapaanz supervisor. In her current role at AUT, she leads one of the most highly regarded national addiction-training programmes. Michele is also involved in research and academic supervision, has a private practice, and is a sought after presenter nationally on therapeutic-related topics.

Overview:  Polyvagal Theory (PVT) is a conceptual model to understand the processes and impacts of stress and trauma. Drawing on several existing bodies of knowledge related to the neuroscience of stress and trauma, and attachment theory, PVT offers a nuanced perspective of biological processes, which therapeutically, can help guide trauma-informed practice. Through a PVT lens, addiction might be seen as a valiant strategy in managing the impacts of trauma, and in this way, addiction can be viewed as a protective survival strategy. In this workshop, PVT will be explained, and its three organising principles outlined. Therapeutic strategies to apply polyvagal-informed and other neuropsychological frameworks will be
introduced which focus on reframing addiction and on healing through holistic practises.

The links and any other relevant documents will be forwarded to you the week prior to the training.

Due to limited spaces, payment is required prior to the workshop. If you fail to inform us that you cannot attend prior to the workshop, then you are still liable for full workshop payment.