Polyvagal Theory Explained with Chelsea Smith

Designed for therapists, social workers, yoga instructors, bodyworkers, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the human nervous system, this workshop combines lecture, discussion, and experiential practice to make complex concepts accessible and applicable to both professional and everyday settings.

The lecture begins with an introduction to Polyvagal Theory and how it differs from the traditional understanding of the autonomic nervous system. Participants will then explore the evolutionary foundations of the theory, including the proposal that mammals evolved specialized nervous system pathways supporting social connection, communication, and co-regulation. To encourage critical thinking and scientific literacy, the presentation also examines current research that both supports and challenges Polyvagal Theory, offering participants a balanced perspective on its strengths, limitations, and place within contemporary neuroscience.

The second half of the workshop focuses on practical application. Together, we’ll explore how Polyvagal Theory can inform clinical practice, movement education, trauma-informed care, and everyday nervous system regulation. The workshop concludes with a guided experiential practice that allows participants to directly experience principles of regulation, body awareness, and social engagement.

Chelsea Smith is an E-RYT 500 yoga educator with more than 4,000 hours of teaching experience, two master’s degrees, and doctoral coursework in archaeology and human evolution. As a neurodiversity advocate, she is passionate about translating complex scientific concepts into practical tools that help people better understand themselves, their relationships, and the remarkable adaptability of the human nervous system.