Menu
Menu
Being a trauma and addiction psychotherapist is very challenging work. We form deep, often life changing connections with people who are looking to us for help. We search for new ways to alleviate their suffering, while often developing our own vicarious trauma. How can we be most effective? What is the best way to understand trauma and its companions; dissociation, self-harm, and addiction? Are they a disease that needs curing? Or is there another way of understanding these embodied responses? Fortunately, recent neuroscience research is revealing something that many therapists recognized forty years ago. The answer to these questions lies in the wisdom of the body.
My Felt Sense Polyvagal Model (FSPM) shifts the current pathologising paradigm to an embodied strength-based approach. Over decades of experience I have created a treatment model that harnesses two innate healing processes in the body, neuroception (polyvagal theory) and interoception (felt sense). The FSPM incorporates the latest research in Stephen Porges Polyvagal theory with the powerful work of Eugene Gendlin’s Felt Sense/Focusing psychotherapy. This enables us to appreciate trauma/addictive behaviors as adaptive responses in maladaptive environments. The model offers a powerful somatic treatment modality by teaching clinicians ways to track and shape these two embodied processes. Clients gradually reclaim connection with their bodies in a gentle and safe journey of integration.
Jan Winhall, MSW, PIFOT is an author, educator, mindfulness teacher, and trauma and addiction psychotherapist. She trained with Eugene Gendlin in the Focusing Felt Sense tradition for over 30 years, and her work is grounded in mindfulness, embodied awareness, and the healing power of the Felt Sense—a gentle, body-based way of listening inward that supports nervous system regulation, emotional healing, and inner safety.
Jan is the developer of the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model™ (FSPM), an integrative approach that combines Polyvagal Theory, Focusing, mindfulness, and somatic psychotherapy. She is an Educational Partner with the Polyvagal Institute and teaches internationally through the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model Institute. She is the author of Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model and 20 Embodied Practices for Healing Trauma and Addiction, hosts the Embodied Dialogue Podcast, and serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Jan Winhall maintains a private practice and has employment relationships with the University of Toronto, Athabasca University, Smith College, Yorkville University, and the Polyvagal Institute. She is the creator and co-director of Borden Street Clinic. Jan Winhall receives royalties as a published author. Jan Winhall receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Jan Winhall has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Introduction to the development and application of the 3 versions of the FSPM over 40 years
In depth examination of the second version of the FSPM: Attachment/Trauma/ Interpersonal Neurobiology
In depth examination of the third version of the FSPM/Polyvagal Theory
Presentation of the Embodied Assessment and Treatment Tool (EATT)
Each day will include didactic presentation, case examples, somatic practices, and demos.
Please wait ...
