Polyvagal Practices for Imago Couples- Part II
In this experiential and theory-informed training, therapists will deepen their understanding of Polyvagal Theory as it applies to couples therapy, with a special focus on real-world integration through the lens of Imago Relationship Therapy. This is Part Two of our Polyvagal series, designed to translate nervous system science into accessible, relational tools for couples and the therapists who support them.
Participants will learn how to assess and address autonomic states within the couple dynamic, using practical tools and co-regulation exercises to support partners in building safety, co...Read morennection, and authentic dialogue. Through the integration of Polyvagal principles and Imago Dialogue, therapists will gain skills to help couples move from reactivity to curiosity, from defense to repair, and from disconnection to intimacy.
This training includes a brief review of key Polyvagal Theory concepts and introduces concrete strategies for using these ideas in-session—no prior experience with Polyvagal Theory or Imago is required. Therapists will leave with specific interventions, language, and embodied practices to support couples in real time as they navigate relational tension and deepen emotional intimacy. Less...
Learning Objectives
- Identify the three primary states of the autonomic nervous system as described in polyvagal theory.
- Describe the physiological signs of ventral, sympathetic and dorsal vagal states in couples during session.
- Articulate the roles of neuroception, co-regulation, and the vagal brake in fostering attuned, reciprocal communication between partners, and teach these concepts to clients during session.
- Describe the steps and purpose of the Imago Dialogue process.
- Introduce Body-Up coregulation skills that support clients in ascending the autonomic ladder—from dorsal or sympathetic states toward ventral vagal regulation—prior to initiating emotionally charged Imago Dialogue.
- Demonstrate at least two polyvagal-informed co-regulation techniques to integrate nervous system regulation once engaged in the structure of an Imago dialogue.
- Integrate polyvagal-informed case conceptualization into Imago Relationship Therapy treatment planning.
Target Audience
Learning Levels
- Intermediate. This workshop is designed for clinicians with foundational knowledge of Imago therapy or couples therapy. No prior knowledge of polyvagal theory is required, but familiarity is recommended.
Friday, September 19, 2025
1100 Victors Way, Suite 10, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108-5220
01:00 PM EDT - 04:00 PM EDT
About the speakers
Tatianah Thunberg
Irene Soléa Antonellis, MA, LPC, LMHC, CIRT
Agenda
- ● 1:00–1:10 — Welcome & Overview
- ● 1:10–1:30 — Review of Polyvagal Theory from Part 1
- ● 1:30–2:00 — Recognizing and mapping nervous system cues in couples (experiential)
- ● 2:00–2:30 — Body Up Co-Regulation practices (experiential)
- ● 2:30–2:45 — Review of Imago dialogue
- ● 2:45–3:10 — Imago dialogue using a Polyvagal lens (experiential)
- ● 3:10–3:30 — Clinical case applications and discussion
- ● 3:30–4:00 — Q&A, integration, and closing circle
CE Information - Earn 3 CE Credit Hours
CE Approvals
Joint Accreditation
American Psychological Association
New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work
New York Education Department for Licensed Mental Health Counselors
New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology
New York State Education Department's State Board for Marriage and Family Therapy
CE Process Info
CEU's will cover behavioral health professionals, including Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, and MFT's.
Each professional is responsible for the individual requirements as stipulated by his/her licensing agency. Please contact your individual licensing board/regulatory agency to review continuing education requirements for licensure renewal. Please note: You must attend "live" (in real-time) for the duration of the training to earn CE credits.
After the event, you will receive access to your evaluation and continuing education certificate via a personalized "attendee dashboard" link, hosted on the CE-Go website. This link will be sent to the email account you used to register for the event.
Upon accessing the CE-Go "attendee dashboard", you will be able to:
- Complete evaluation forms for the event
- Download your continuing education certificate in a PDF format
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the CE-Go platform, please contact CE-Go at 888-498-5578 or by email at support@ce-go.com Please Note: Emails for this event will come from "support@ce-go.com".
If you have any continuing education related questions, please contact your event organizer.
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Acceptable Michigan Continuing Education (CE) as outlined by DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS (LARA) DIRECTOR'S OFFICE SOCIAL WORK - GENERAL RULES:
1. Attendance at a continuing education program related to the practice of social work approved or offered by any of the following: The ASWB, The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) & A state chapter of the NASW.
2. Attendance at a continuing education program that has been granted approval by another state board of social work.
Disclosure
DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPSCE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity ― including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).
The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity’s planners, faculty, and the reviewer:
PLANNERS AND REVIEWER
The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.
FACULTY
The faculty of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.