If you'd like to receive updates about the course and future offerings, click the button to the right.
When you sign up, you will be emailed a free, downloadable
Nervous System Map!
Healing Through the Vagus Nerve:
Life Force and Nervous System Energetics
Practitioner Course
About the Course
This is an advanced course for energy healers and energy-aware alternative healthcare practitioners who want to expand their knowledge and learn new techniques for supporting their clients based on the new science of Polyvagal Theory.
Stress and survival physiology
- How the vagus nerve works and affects all aspects of our life experience
- Concepts of Polyvagal Theory
- The three primary nervous system states, how they interrelate and function to keep us safe
- How nervous system state affects every aspect of our lives
Trauma and life force energy
- What is trauma?
- Discover the three types of trauma and how they influence how our survival states function
- Delve into the science of the ACE Study and its implications for understanding how early trauma affects lifetime health outcomes
Tools for working with the vagus nerve
- How understanding state can inform your work with clients
- The one thing that is crucial in working with clients who have a trauma history
- Working with emotional energy
- Techniques to help regulate the nervous system
- And much more...
Meet the Instructors
Bonnie Thompson and Kristi Joy talk about what inspired them to create the
Healing Through the Vagus Nerve Practitioner course and what to expect when you sign up.
What Course Participants are Saying...
"This class was terrific! Great videos plus five live Q&A sessions and two practice sessions, printed materials, resources and references, demonstrations of energy techniques, application to our energy (and for me, coaching) work…you couldn’t ask for more. Kristi and Bonnie took a complex topic and made it understandable using a step by step progression and then applied it to both self and clients. Excellent class. Thank you so much!”
- Stephanie Christenson, Lexington, MO
September 2023 course participant
"I not only recommend, but urge you to take this course!
This is NOT a simple salad course, but one with all the meat and trimmings!
So much information that ties in science with the energy healing fields. You'll be thankful you took this course because it'll give you and your client clear and concise understanding of the vagus nerve and the importance it plays in the states of our nervous system and how it can be regulated to improve the healing process.
Great, great, GREAT!!"
- July 2021 course participant
"I really appreciated the organization of materials used in the course. It was easy to follow along and add notes. I was impressed with the Technique Chart and the Resources and References List. (I've made a mental note to create such a thing whenever I offer a retreat or course. So helpful!) Finally, I really appreciate you both: Bonnie and Kristi, for all of the love and care you've put into this course. You were very supportive and available to answer any questions that came up from day one until the end. Thank you!"
- Theresa Nardi , Castle Hayne, NC
March 2023 course participant
"This is a "must-take" course for every energy healing practitioner and anyone who provides care for another. What a well thought out and organized course! What has been mostly used in therapy circles is presented here, covering how our nervous systems work in various states of being (polyvagal theory), in easy to digest bites. It offers many useable tools to start incorporating immediately for oneself, for family/friends, and in one's practice. Bonnie and Kristi both approach this work with genuine authenticity, creating an unpressured, and inviting space for everyone. Both of them appropriately share their own vulnerabilities when giving examples. Their openness and therapeutic presence are beautiful demonstrations of how to care for others and create a healing environment. I wholeheartedly endorse this lovely course.”
- Pamela Johnson, LCPC, CHT, HTCP
September 2023 course participant
"This is a phenomenal course for healers.
It provides an amazing synthesis of complex material along with specific practices to implement right away for yourself and with clients. Bonnie and Kristi are skilled, thoughtful, and welcoming instructors.
"
- Peg Conway, Cincinnati, OH
July 2021 course participant
"Thank you for your well designed, well organized training that will help us help so many people. During these troubled and tough times I have found this information was so helpful and simple to use and apply for my clients. Bonnie and Kristi have done a fabulous job of sharing their knowledge and experiences in working with these techniques. They are a blessing to all that walk this path with them."
- Emma Newman O.M LMT, Lewes, DE
July 2021 course participant
If you'd like to be reminded when registration opens and receive updates about the course and future offerings, click the button to the right.
Five Week Online Course Includes:
- Weekly pre-recorded video lectures, activities, practices and techniques that you work through at your own pace on the course platform
- Downloadable workbooks, charts and Nervous System Map handout
- Access to our private HTVN Community, where you can ask questions, share your experiences, and receive support from Kristi and Bonnie
- Ongoing membership in a private Facebook group for HTVN alumni and current students
- Weekly live online Q&A sessions with Kristi and Bonnie
- Two live online practice sessions
- Ongoing access to the course content
- Option to repeat the course at no charge each time it is run
- **
Optional continuing education contact hours
credit (additional $15 fee)
"I have never invested in a class that had such an impact on both my personal and professional lives at the same time. The knowledge in this polyvagal course has opened doors for me to support myself, my family and my clients on a whole other level. I began utilizing and sharing these tools as soon as the course started because it has been such a missing link for so many of us. The way that Bonnie and Kristi communicate the information and created this platform gave me the flexibility I needed to fit it into my every day life, with deep support and safety in a time of immense grief. The inspiration this knowledge fills me with reminds me of when I first began my formal training in energy therapy over a decade ago. I would recommend this class to anyone who is open to adding that extra layer to not only their practice, but their own healing journey. So Much Gratitude."
- Lori H., NJ
January 2022 course participant
"My interest had already been peaked in regards to Polyvagal Theory, and your stuff came up and I thought, okay I've got to do this one... I've got to tell you that out of all the classes I'm taking right now, if I had to choose just one class, I would choose this class. For me or anybody else, I would recommend this class... It's that good, it's that important."
- Emilia Yonge
March 2021 course participant
"I have learned so much in this course! Just have to say that this is the best course I have taken in terms of organization, professionalism, important information, and format. Thank you Bonnie and Kristi for your time and devotion to this topic! Every energy practitioner should take this course. ...This work is so important! Bless you both."
- Denise Goodwin, BC Practitioner, Lehighton, PA
January 2022 course participant
"I have been searching for digestible and practical information on Polyvagal Theory since I first heard about it many years ago. This course hits the nail on the head in explaining the theory and teaching how to apply it practically and from an energy medicine perspective. My deeper understanding benefits myself, my family & friends and my clients. I highly recommend it."
PMH, Adrian, MI
October 2021 course participant
"I love it--I'm absolutely fascinated and I'm hooked. I've already used it with myself and it's been really helpful. Bonnie and Kristi taught this class with skill and thoughtfulness. They demonstrated what a calm nervous system looks like in who they are as people. I highly recommend this course not only for its content, but also for the experience of it. Very well done!"
- Shelley Germundson
March 2021 course participant
What's Covered in the Course?
Week 1
Physiology of the Vagus Nerve and Survival Systems
Covers the foundational aspects of Polyvagal Theory. We look at the anatomy and physiology of the vagus and other important cranial nerves, as well as muscles of the neck, face and middle ear that play a critical role in our survival physiology. Other body systems that help us manage perceived threat are also covered including the brain and limbic system, kidneys/adrenals, and HPA axis and the gut-brain axis. We get a start into Polyvagal Theory with the three survival systems: Ventral (Social Engagement), Sympathetic (Fight/Flight), and Dorsal (Shutdown/Freeze).
Week 2
Polyvagal Theory - Recognizing Nervous System States
Dives deep into Polyvagal Theory with discussion on: how these three survival systems function and interrelate, the concepts of neuroception and hierarchy, the vagal brake, mixed states and survival strategies such as play and appeasement, defensive orienting, Porges’ intervening variable, and learning to recognize the signs (energetic, visual, behavioral, etc) that indicate which state is dominant.
Week 3
What Influences State?
Is all about the many influences on state: external and internal, relational, energetic, ancestral and more. One very important state influencer is boundaries: physical, relational, and energetic, and poor boundaries can be perceived by our nervous system as a threat. We look further into co-regulation, how it works, and the influence of our caregivers during infancy. We’ll also talk about biohacks, techniques used to shift state by working with what we know about the body’s physiology, and when to use them.
Week 4
Understanding Trauma and It's Effect on State
Focuses on trauma, its effect on state, and the ways in which it creates dysregulation and unexpected responses. We cover the three types of trauma and how each type can affect the nervous system as well as how to address each type of trauma. We delve into the ACE Study, toxic stress and developmental trauma and how it affects our default nervous system state. Resilience and protective factors that mitigate these effects are also discussed. Finally, we cover the ways in which trauma affects the body’s energy systems.
Week 5
Integrating Polyvagal Theory into Your Practice
Integrates all of these concepts into your practice with clients. We will talk about the three essential elements of safety and how to work with your client to create the healing environment that their nervous system needs in order to feel safe. We demonstrate how to apply Polyvagal Theory to every aspect of your practice, from assessments and intakes to session work to client homework. Also, how to work to build capacity versus decreasing challenges to the system.
Techniques List
Extend the Exhale
Basic Exercise
Empathetic Witness
Kidney Technique
Listening Meditation
Occupy Your Space
Embodied Scanning
Shake It Out
Trapezius Exercise
Tree Meditation
Triple Warmer Technique
Vagus Balance
Course begins Tuesday, March 18, 2025
IMPORTANT: Please opt in to receiving emails when you register to ensure that you receive instructional emails during the course. You can always unsubscribe after the course ends.
How the Course Works
When you register
When you register, you'll have immediate access to the Start Here section, which includes two videos and an activity to do in preparation for the course.
Join the private HTVN Community
You'll be given a link to join our private Community for HTVN course members. This is our gathering place during the course for asking questions and sharing together. The Community will be open from January 21st through April 3rd.
First module opens Tuesday, March 18
We start on Tuesday, March 18th at 11:00am MT/1:00pm ET with the Opening Meditation meeting.
The first module of the course opens that evening. Each week's module will open on Monday evening for you to go through at your own pace.
Live online Q&As and practice sessions
Every Tuesday at 11:00am MT / 1:00pm ET, from March 18 - April 22, Kristi and Bonnie will do a 60-minute live Q&A on Zoom. The Q&As will be recorded so you can watch them later if needed.
In addition, two optional practice sessions will be held during the five weeks: Wednesday, April 2 at 11:00am MT / 1:00pm ET and Monday, April 21 at 11:00am MT / 1:00pm ET.
All meetings are one hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Instructors
Kristi Joy Rimbach
HTCP/I
Kristi Joy Rimbach is a Healing Touch Practitioner and Instructor with 30 years of experience in the healing arts and meditation.
Bonnie Thompson has been a Healing Touch and Energy Medicine practitioner and educator since 2006.
Kristi and Bonnie have been teaching classes together on Polyvagal Theory as it applies to Energy Medicine since 2018.
Bonnie Thompson
HTCP, CECP/CBCP
** Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP-3285, for 21.25 contact hours credit.
Accepted in all mandatory Nursing CE states for continuing education credit.
Also accepted for many national certifications. Call for details about certifications: 1-800-743-4006
