Do you want to have a deeper understanding of the nervous system for your own personal growth or for your professional practice?

This online course includes video replays from cohort #8 of the study group, notes and graphics for each lesson, a suggested reading list, and access to our private Facebook group for discussion. 

In the first two lessons, we start with basics of nervous system function. Then we 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. 

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

What is the course like?

There are 3 primary ways information is shared:

  • Zoom Sessions

    The 8 zoom calls in this course were recorded in Spring 2024. Each video call lasts about two hours with a short break halfway through. These study group sessions begin with a vagus stimulating exercise, feature a well-researched lesson, and end with 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. Janae is not promising to answer questions there like during the live rounds, but discussion with other students is highly encouraged.

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.

Pricing options

The cost of the full series is $75, and the sliding scale rate is $50. If the reduced cost is inaccessible, please scroll down to the end of the page to find the scholarship application. Each paid spot in the course makes one free scholarship spot available for someone else.

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 2024. The replays are downloadable if you wish to store them on your own device before the end of the year.

  • Is there a way to ask Janae questions in this version of study group?

    We have a private Facebook group for questions, but it is primarily for students to interact with each other. Janae might sometimes answer questions but please do not expect that.

  • 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.

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 himself better as an AuDHD PDAer with complex trauma. Since 2018, she has been teaching about trauma, the nervous system, and neurodiversity through local peer support circles and through the advocacy and education project, Trauma Geek. For legal reasons, please note, Janae is not a counselor or therapist.