Overview

Post-traumatic growth is more than just recovery-it's about thriving after trauma. By integrating Polyvagal Theory into therapeutic practice, clinicians can empower clients to not only heal but to transform, cultivating resilience and unlocking their true potential. In this groundbreaking guide, trauma expert Ruby Jo Walker introduces cutting-edge, somatic interventions designed to reshape the neurobiology of trauma survivors. With a deep understanding of the nervous system, clinicians will learn to guide clients through practical techniques that go beyond symptom management to spark profound, lasting change. Walker explores three essential maps of the nervous system-general functioning, co-regulation capacity, and limiting core beliefs-giving clinicians the tools to target the root causes of their clients' struggles. By utilizing deactivation pathways to downregulate the nervous system, trauma symptoms are alleviated, and greater regulation is achieved. This book equips readers with the knowledge and strategies to help clients shift into a new mode of being-one that fosters authentic expansion into post-traumatic growth.

Full Product Details

9781324082989

Table of Contents

Reviews

Ruby Jo Walker's book is a remarkable contribution to the field of trauma recovery. Her years of investment as a clinician, supervisor, presenter, educator, and researcher make this book relatable, practical, and supportive. She masterfully presents theory and application that has deepened my skills and effectiveness in nurturing growth and resilience in my clients. The beautiful embodiment exercises for the clinician have truly helped me to be more regulated and present in my sessions.--Michelle Trosclair, LPC, LMHC, Certified Hakomi Therapist Ruby Jo Walker's seminal work transcends trauma clinicians and serves as a blueprint for enhancing all therapeutic relationships. This should be essential reading for all therapists who are geared towards helping clients find more resilience. Walker, with profound clinical acumen, employs PVT to demonstrate the paramount significance of self-regulation and co-regulation in achieving optimal well-being, as she elucidates the synergistic interplay and connection between PVT and attachment theory. This book holds value for all sentient beings.--Bruce Gottlieb, MSW, therapist, presenter, and mental coach to professional and Olympic athletes, specializing in self-regulation with a polyvagal emphasis Taking a wide, wise view of life challenges, Ruby Jo Walker offers invaluable practical tools to help clinicians guide clients beyond the pain and trauma trapped in their dysregulated nervous systems to fulfill their potential as human beings. Walker teaches how to help clients move beyond healing their wounds and locate inner support in their unconditioned human nature where access to loving kindness and other resources can lead to a life of fulfillment and joy.--Julia Dengel, LCSW, psychotherapist and Diamond Approach teacher This work marks a genuine evolution in the clinical applications of Polyvagal Theory in therapy, bringing its principles to life in ways that are both accessible and truly transformative. Ruby Jo Walker's Applied Polyvagal Theory for Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth stands out as a masterwork--integrating the art and science of attuning to the nervous system through specific maps, advancing our understanding of deactivation pathways, strengthening essential clinical skills, and elevating parallel processes of tracking and working with the nervous system to a new level. With decades of expertise as a trainer shaping her approach, her voice shines as a therapist-whisperer, revealing the healing potential of embodied presence and guiding readers toward clarity, confidence, and lasting change. This remarkable book is a gift to clinicians. I learned so much from this invaluable resource--thank you.--Stephanie D'Angelo, MA, director of organizational training and facilitation at the Polyvagal Institute and developer of Polyvagal-Informed Embodied Mindfulness(TM) (PIEM)

Author Information

Ruby Jo Walker, LCSW, CHT, SEP, of Southwest Trauma Training, is an expert in trauma and an early pioneer of applied Polyvagal Theory in therapy. With over 30 years in the field, she provides polyvagal-informed trainings nationally as well as consultation for practitioners. She resides in Durango, CO. Stephen W. Porges, PhD, originator of Polyvagal Theory, is a Distinguished University Scientist and founding director of the Kinsey Institute Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at Indiana University, and a professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina. He lives in Atlantic Beach, Florida.

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