About this course

Learning Objectives

• Describe the key principles of polyvagal theory and their relevance to mental health treatment.
• Demonstrate at least three expressive arts techniques that can be used to support nervous system regulation according to polyvagal theory.
• Explain how different expressive arts modalities can be matched to clients' physiological states as understood through the lens of polyvagal theory.

Learning Levels

• All

Course Instructor(s)

• 

  Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, LCSW

  Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a business mindset coach, consultant, and former group practice owner who helps therapists scale, sell, and thrive without burning out. After building and successfully selling her own 7-figure group practice in 2021, she made it her mission to help other entrepreneurs create sustainable, profitable businesses without sacrificing their mental health. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Small Business Administration coach, Gabrielle brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and business strategy to her work. She specializes in supporting practice owners as they navigate complex systems like Medicare and Medicaid billing. Her approach combines practical business strategies with mind-body techniques, drawing from her experience as an EMDR and Polyvagal-informed therapist. Based in Sarasota, FL, Gabrielle is an international speaker and retreat leader who has been featured on NBC News, Spruce Health, and dozens of top industry podcasts. When she's not helping practice owners transform their businesses, you'll find her teaching Zumba, traveling the world, or reading psychological thrillers on the beach.

References

• Haeyen, S. (2024). A theoretical exploration of polyvagal theory in creative arts and psychomotor therapies for emotion regulation in stress and trauma. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1382007.
• Malhotra, B., Jones, L. C., Spooner, H., Levy, C., Kaimal, G., & Williamson, J. B. (2024). A conceptual framework for a neurophysiological basis of art therapy for PTSD. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 18, 1351757.
• Mansoor, I. (2024). Feeling Safe: A Comprehensive Systematic Literature Review of Psychiatric Disorders through the Lens of Polyvagal Theory. Life and Science, 5(3), 10-10.
• Orgera, A. (2024). Embodied Integration: How Expressive Arts Therapy Supports Self-Regulation in Adults with Complex PTSD (A Literature Review).
• Ajwani, N. (2024). How Clinicians Integrate Theoretical Constructs of Polyvagal Theory (PVT) in Their Clinical Work (Doctoral dissertation, Smith College School for Social Work).
• Lacroix, C. (2024). Befriending Your Anxiety Through the Polyvagal Lens by Utilizing Embodied Imagery.
• Sheehan-Klein, M. (2024). A polyvagal theory and mindfulness based art therapy approach to self-regulation and self compassion in the face of trauma.
• Olinova, A. (2023). From Dread to Aliveness—Bottom-Up Creative Arts Therapies for Resilience in the Face of Existential Stress: A Literature Review.
• Heiderscheit, A. (2022). Trauma and expressive arts therapy: Brain, body & imagination in the healing process.
• Hamel, J. (2021). Somatic Art Therapy: Alleviating Pain and Trauma Through Art. Routledge.
• Patrick, D. J. (2021). Somatic Experiencing and Expressive Arts Therapy to Support Autonomic Regulation in Trauma Treatment with Adults: A Literature Review.