Mia Tootill, LCSW, CMT-P, CIMHP

When I first attended a workshop on polyvagal theory with Deb Dana, I experienced that wonderful feeling of something “clicking.” Finally, someone had an explanation for how my mind-body worked and also an approach to clinical work that described how I naturally wanted to show up as a therapist! Since then, I completed the Foundations of Polyvagal Informed Practice course—the final one Dana taught herself—and have engaged in further study through consultation and other polyvagal courses. I have been honored to assist Dana and other trainers with a variety of courses, including the Foundations course, and am very excited to be co-teaching Foundations this Fall through PESI.

I offer polyvagal theory-informed clinical consultations to psychotherapists, coaches, and other practitioners who are interested in deepening their knowledge and understanding of the clinical applications of PVT. Many of my past Foundations students have reported that they have found it very helpful to explore further individually or in small groups following the end of the formal training. Consultations can cover topics including (but not limited to!):

• Deepening your embodied understanding of PVT and application in your day-to-day life (Deb always says we need to learn on our own bodies first in order to effectively support our clients!)
• Gaining a clearer understanding of your own autonomic nervous system and needs, so you can make changes in your professional life to prevent and/or recover from burnout
• Exploration of clinical cases using the lens of polyvagal theory, to understand both your own nervous system reactions and what is happening for your clients
• Practicing neural exercises to expand your capacity for regulation and connection, and identifying which neural exercises to use with which clients and how to introduce them most effectively