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Polyvagal Theory: Navigating our Nervous Systems in Clinical Practice with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani , LCSW

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

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Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGkpMepIls/lcfw8nwQyWQwrd6m20q2nA/edit?utm_content=DAGkpMepIls&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber welcomes Gabrielle Giuliano-Valli, LCSW, for a deep and accessible dive into Polyvagal Theory and its real-world applications for clinicians. Gabrielle breaks down the core principles of the theory, explains how it maps onto trauma-informed care, and shares practical ways to support client regulation and engagement using body-based interventions.

Learn how to decode your clients' physiological responses, co-regulate in the therapy room, and integrate tools that widen the window of tolerance. This episode is perfect for clinicians who want to enhance their clinical toolkit with neuroscience-informed, compassion-forward techniques.

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Topics Covered:

  • Understanding ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal states
  • The role of neuroception and co-regulation in therapy
  • Using nervous system mapping to deepen client insight and empowerment
  • Differentiating fight/flight and freeze responses in trauma
  • Somatic and bottom-up strategies to support client engagement
  • Music, movement, and breath as nervous system anchors
  • Addressing systemic and cultural considerations in safety and resilience
  • How Polyvagal Theory supports clinician well-being and burnout recovery

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About Our Guest:

Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a business mindset coach, consultant, and former group practice owner who helps therapists scale, sell, and thrive without burning out. After building and successfully selling her own 7-figure group practice in 2021, she made it her mission to help other entrepreneurs create sustainable, profitable businesses without sacrificing their mental health.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Small Business Administration coach, Gabrielle brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and business strategy to her work. She specializes in supporting practice owners as they navigate complex systems like Medicare and Medicaid billing. Her approach combines practical business strategies with mind-body techniques, drawing from her experience as an EMDR and Polyvagal-informed therapist.

Based in Sarasota, FL, Gabrielle is an international speaker and retreat leader who has been featured on NBC News, Spruce Health, and dozens of top industry podcasts. When she's not helping practice owners transform their businesses, you'll find her teaching Zumba, traveling the world, or reading psychological thrillers on the beach.

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Resources:

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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