Polyvagal-Informed Approaches to Understanding & Regulating the Nervous System in Clinical Practice
June 24, 2026
12:00 – 2:00 pm via Zoom
2.0 Category I CEUs
Presenter:
Stacey Meadows, MSW, LCSW-C
Senior Manager of Clinical Services at Jewish Community Services
Workshop Description
This training provides a basic introduction to Polyvagal Theory and its application in clinical practice. Participants will explore foundational concepts related to the organization of the nervous system, including the role of neuroception in shaping perceptions of safety and threat. The course examines how nervous system dysregulation contributes to trauma, anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health concerns across diverse populations.
Attendees will also learn practical, polyvagal-informed regulation strategies—such as grounding techniques, co-regulation, and sensory-based interventions—that can be integrated into sessions with clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, or chronic stress.
Learning Objectives
As a result of this training, participants will be able to:
Identify basic principles and frameworks of Polyvagal Theory in relation to organization of the nervous system.
Explain the concept of neuroception and its impact on perceived safety, threat, and clinical presentation.
Understand how dysregulation impacts trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavioral health outcomes across diverse client populations.
Utilize regulation strategies (e.g., grounding, co-regulation techniques, sensory-based interventions) appropriate for use with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, or chronic stress.
Stacey Meadows, LCSW-C serves as the Senior Manager of Clinical Services at Jewish Community Services, where she has been on staff since 2012. Stacey is responsible for the clinical, operational, and fiscal activities within the Mental Health Department, has the joy of supervising the Child & Family Therapy team, and overseeing the agency training program for clinical Master’s-level students. Stacey’s clinical work uses a variety of holistic and creative approaches to help individuals of all ages to process complex trauma and navigate life’s challenges from a place of connection, compassion and curiosity. She received her Master’s degree from New York University, and an Advanced Certificate in Child & Adolescent Trauma from University of Maryland. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher, a meditation teacher, and EMDR trained.
Workshop Fees
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General Professional Community: $50.00
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Jewish Day School Educators, JCS Retirees, NJHSA Members: $40.00
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Current JCS Staff, Board, Advisory Council & Staff of Agencies Funded by The Associated*: Free with Code.
*To request your code and see a list of eligible agencies funded by The Associated, click here.
Jewish Community Services is approved by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners to provide
Continuing Education Units.
The Rosa J. Kolker Professional Development series is made possible with funding from Kolker-Saxon-Hallock Family Foundation, Inc.,
a supporting foundation of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore.