About the program
Understanding the influence of the autonomic nervous system on emotions, behavior, and physical responses.
Both the neuroscience of trauma, as described by psychiatrist Ruth Lanius, and polyvagal theory, developed by neuroscientist Stephen Porges, describe the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and the unconscious role of response patterns to (un)safety. It is only when we experience a sense of safety that we can connect with others, develop resilience, experience joy, and grow and function at our best both mentally and physically.
Together with the central nervous system, this unconscious part of our nervous system enables us to defend ourselves or withdraw when faced with danger, and to connect with others when we feel safe. You may recognize that clients (or you yourself) can become caught in response patterns such as excessive anger, fear, or withdrawal, or experience unexplained abdominal pain or difficulty swallowing. Overstimulation is also very common.
In this training, we explore how these complaints may be expressions of a dysregulated autonomic nervous system and its impact on psychological and physical functioning. Understanding how the autonomic nervous system works and recognizing the characteristics of dysregulation provides you with practical tools to work with these responses. These tools are broadly applicable in healthcare and support settings, in professional collaboration, and also in your own personal functioning.
We offer a 3-hour online introductory course. During this course, we provide a brief introduction to neuroscience and polyvagal theory and immediately begin working with your own autonomic responses.
Date webinar: 7/11/2026
- Starting: 10:00 AM
- Ending: 1:00 PM
About the teachers:
Heleen Grooten
As a speech and language therapist and voice and breathing therapist, I worked for 45 years in my own private practice, focusing on patients with unexplained symptoms. I also taught in this field at a speech and language therapy training program and provided extensive continuing education and professional development courses.
In addition to professional and academic training, I completed training in systemic and body-oriented trauma therapy, including Somatic Experiencing.
Together with Tineke, I founded the Dutch Polyvagal Institute https://polyvagaalinstituut.nl/. In this capacity, I was also actively involved for five years in collaboration with the American and European Polyvagal Institutes.
At the request of Dr. Stephen Porges, founder of Polyvagal Theory, I conducted research into the effectiveness of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) for people with unexplained voice and throat complaints. The study was published in 2024.
I am a co-translator of books by Deb Dana and give lectures and training courses on Polyvagal Theory and therapy both in the Netherlands and internationally.
Together with Tineke Smit, I provide training on Polyvagal Theory in clinical practice.
Tineke Smit
I graduated as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in 2008. I worked for many years in a mainstream mental healthcare institution, treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions.
Since 2020, I have had my own private practice, where, in addition to psychotherapy for young people, I also provide psychotherapy for adults.
Since 2018, I have deepened my knowledge of body-oriented approaches, including a critical study of Polyvagal Theory alongside broader developments in neuroscience. In 2023, I wrote an opinion article on this subject for GZ-Psychologie.
Together with Heleen, I am a co-founder of the Polyvagal Institute Netherlands. I have been active internationally and also teach at RINO Amsterdam.
I am a provider of SSP/RRP and a certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist.
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