The 13th cohort of study group is open for enrollment!

You're invited to learn with me once a week for 8 weeks! Each week I will address a different topic (list below). There will be some optional reading homework. This class is modeled after graduate level discussion courses. Each session starts with a short lesson or infodump and ends with discussion and Q and A.

We will start with basics for those who are new to these concepts. And then we will dive into more complex topics to build a holistic understanding of nervous system mechanics. In this context, holistic means looking at the big picture, how each individual nervous system is part of a network of nervous systems.

Although this is primarily an educational group, and not a processing group, many students have reported transformational experiences including more self-love, more gentleness with themselves, more understanding of their own bodies, and more acceptance of their neurodivergence. 

Recordings are available in case the live session isn't at a good time for you! 11:30am in the Eastern US is 4:30pm in London and 3:30am in New Zealand. Check time zone conversions here.

Lesson Topics

  • Polyvagal 101

    the 3 nervous system states, the ladder model, the window of tolerance, the spiral model, the stress cycle

  • Polyvagal 401

    mixed states, the triangle model, bringing micro and macro movements out of chronic shutdown

  • Energetics of Polyvagal

    biorhythms, electromagnetic fields, co-regulation, myelination, mirroring, coherence

  • The BioPsychoSocial System

    neuroception, belonging, the bio-mechanism of shame, chronic illness as a symptom of societal collapse

  • Neurodivergent Trauma

    the neurodiversity paradigm model, the spectrum of divergence, ND genetics, ancestral trauma, sensory trauma, sensitivity as an evolutionary advantage

  • Attachment Trauma

    attachment as defense, the nervous system impact of dysfunctional family dynamics, addiction, spiritual trauma, cults, and supremacist culture

  • Systemic Trauma

    collective trauma, institutional trauma, a society of disconnection and dissociation, masking/code-switching, community solutions

  • Pathways to Healing

    stabilization, waking up a nervous system, trauma release, trauma integration, nervous system attunement as a path to secure attachment with self

Pricing options

The cost of the full series is $300. If that amount is financially difficult, you may choose a payment plan or you may pay half price, no questions asked. If the reduced cost is inaccessible, please scroll down to find the scholarship application. Each paid spot in the course makes one free scholarship spot available for someone else.

What is the course like?

There are 3 primary ways information is shared:

  • Zoom Sessions

    The 8 zoom calls in this course can be viewed live or asynchronously. Each video call lasts about 90 minutes with a 2-3 minute break halfway through. These study group sessions start with a well-researched lesson and then we shift to discussion and Q and A.

  • Recommended Reading and Notes

    A recommended reading list is supplemental to all of the lessons and discussions. Reading is not required to understand the sessions, but it's recommended for anyone interested in sources and/or further study. During each session, charts, diagrams, or graphics are shared to help explain things. These are posted for review along with notes from each lesson.

  • Private Discussion Group

    Included with course access is access to our private Facebook group where many previous members of study group are continuing to enjoy discussion. Discussion and resource sharing with other students is highly encouraged. Janae will pop in to answer questions from time to time.

Who is this for?

This series is ideal for coaches, counselors, therapists, social workers, somatic practitioners, massage therapists, yoga teachers, other types of helping professionals, and for neurodivergent humans who want to understand their own body better.

The information in this course is useful for nervous system beginners as well as for people who have a lot of nervous system education already and are looking to expand and/or contextualize that information. 

Themes in this course can be both hopeful and heavy. You are encouraged to pause anytime to take care of your body before learning more. Some students find they need extra support such as a friend or therapist to process with.

Tentative Schedule

Janae may change the schedule due illness or unexpected loss of capacity from trauma or burnout. If the schedule changes, we will inform participants via email. Make up sessions (if necessary) will happen at the same day and same time on a different week, extending the course into October.

Facilitator / Teacher

Janae Elisabeth

Trauma Geek

Janae (they/she/he) is an information synthesizer who has been studying polyvagal theory and related nervous system models for 6+ years. Their specialty is tying together threads of information from many different fields to create a holistic understanding of the nervous system and neurodivergence. Janae has deeply studied these topics in an effort to understand herself better as an AuDHD PDAer with complex trauma. Since 2018, they have been teaching about trauma, the nervous system, and neurodiversity through local peer support circles and through the advocacy and education project, Trauma Geek. Past students in Janae's courses have reported transformational experiences including more self-love, more gentleness with themselves, more understanding of their own bodies, more acceptance of themselves, and more connection to community. For legal reasons, please note, Janae is not a counselor or therapist.

FAQ

  • How long do we have access to the videos?

    If you need to, you can save your spoons. This course will be here on Thinkific at least through the end of 2025. The replays are downloadable if you wish to store them on your own device before the end of the year.

  • Would this course work for a high school student?

    Teens may take the course if they have an adult in their near-community take the course at the same time. It's especially important for young adults to have someone with whom they can process the heavier themes in the course.

  • Are there CEUs?

    Check with your supervisor! My in-person groups count for CEUs but online groups have varying requirements. If you need documentation, you can create a certificate for Janae to sign off on.

  • Can I buy the course as a gift for someone else?

    Yes! Gifting educational opportunities is a great way to support someone in your life. When you go to the checkout page, you can click the box next to "This is a Gift" and then add the recipients email address.

Refund Policy

Refunds are not available after the course begins. If you are not able to complete the course with us live, the recordings will be available to you permanently. The exception to this policy is sudden financial hardship such as loss of income. 

Feedback Policy

Feedback about the course is welcome via email [email protected]
Adjustments for accessibility and understanding will be made whenever possible!