Polyvagal Theory, Addiction & Trauma - Jan Winhall M.S.W. F.O.T.

Jan is an author, teacher, and psychotherapist with more than 40 years of experience working with addiction and trauma. She is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto and the director of Focusing on Borden, a psychotherapy and training centre. Jan presents internationally on trauma and addiction, and her most recent book: “Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model” has attracted praise from the likes of Gabor Maté, Stephen Porges, and Marc Lewis.
In this conversation, we discuss:
- Why it’s vital that we bring the body more and more into psychotherapy, particularly when working with trauma and addiction.
- How polyvagal theory can help us understand the “mechanism” underlying addictive behaviour
- The importance of looking at addictions as adaptive in their historical context
- How addictions can be thought of as “state regulation strategies” for the autonomic nervous system.
And more.
You can learn more about the great work Jan is doing by going to: www.janwinhall.com, and you can find her course with the Polyvagal Institute by going to bit.ly/jw-course.
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This session was recorded as part of the Holistic Psychotherapy Summit on January 2023. To access the full conference package, as well as supporting materials, quizzes, and certification, please visit: holisticpsychotherapysummit.com
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Jan Winhall, MSW, FOT is an author, teacher, and psychotherapist in Toronto, Canada. She is author of “Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model”, by Jan Winhall, Routledge, 2021. Jan is an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Social Work, University of Toronto and Co-Director of Borden Street Clinic, a psychotherapy and teaching centre. Jan is a Coordinator with The International Focusing Institute and Director of Focusing on Borden, a psychotherapy and training centre. Jan presents internationally on trauma and addiction.
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00:00 - Intro
00:10 - The Body and Addiction
05:11 - Addiction and Social Connection
14:10 - Embodied Wisdom for Healing
25:11 - Trauma and Transformative Theories
30:22 - Autonomic Journey in Daily Life
36:49 - Neural Insights into Addiction and Trauma
44:12 - Six F's of Nervous System States
53:17 - Valuing Safety for Trauma Recovery
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Interview Links:
- Jan’s book: amzn.to/3Du6eko
- Jan’s website: janwinhall.com
- Jan’s course with the Polyvagal Institute: bit.ly/jw-course
- Polyvagal Theory: A Very Simple Introduction: niallmckeever.com/polyvagal-t...
- Polyvagal Theory & Trauma - Deb Dana: • Polyvagal Theory and T...
- Revolutionising Addiction Treatment with The Felt Sense Polyvagal Model - Jan Winhall & Stephen W. Porges: bit.ly/jw-paper
3 Books Jan Recommends Every Therapist Should Read:
- Focusing - Eugene Gendlin: amzn.to/3WiAmYF
- Trauma and Recovery - Judith Herman: amzn.to/3FzWmsc
- The Pocket Guide to Polyvagal Theory - Dr Stephen Porges: amzn.to/3t6F52t

[@ellenhendricks4606]

The joy in her voice when she said "I figured it out!" 🥰

[@whatever12358]

This video is SO insightful. It needs way more views! As a novice therapist, I thank you so much for this information.

[@SkyLevels-Smile]

But this is such a good conversation. The part that Truly Caught my attention is when she says being present hurts.

[@thepresentmoment369]

I want to thank the both of you for sharing this extremely valuable information. It has shown me the path forward. Thank You 🙏

[@DianeZeisler]

To GROUND, touch an outdoor tree or bush, or barefeet on the ground. It really works! Once you touch one of these it doesn't take long. Do as little or much as you can, It is that direct physical touch that matters. Try 1-minute and notice the difference between the before and after feelings.

[@irenataskova9222]

Hopefully to be received as constructive criticism. The prevalent self image presentation efforts of the interviewee was felt as a lot of noise on my side. In other words, excessive stagecraft. Insightful nevertheless 🙏🥰