Polyvagal Theory in Group Practice

Antonella Montano is a CBT psychotherapist and Founder and Director of the A.T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Rome and Caserta. She is a Certified Trainer/Consultant/Supervisor of A-CBT (Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies) and Member of the Beck Institute International Advisory Committee. She teaches CBT and mindfulness-based protocols, and she is a public speaker and author of numerous publications, including more than 20 books, book chapters, and scientific articles.Valentina Iadeluca is a psychologist, somatic psychotherapist, and certified Hakomi teacher, with advanced training in mindfulness-based therapeutic modalities and CBT. She is the author of several psychology books and Executive Co-Director of the Hakomi Institute of Mallorca, the English-language European headquarters of Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy. She is engaged at the forefront of teaching Hakomi throughout Europe. She complements her formal education with nearly 20 years of continuous personal growth through meditation and yoga practices. In her previous career, Valentina was a professional singer and music educator.

‘If there is another book that does a better job of demonstrating how the polyvagal theory is applied to group treatment interventions with teenagers and adults, I am unaware of its existence. This essential and thought-provoking work provides the reader with all of the strategies needed to apply the polyvagal approach to life. It is chock full of experiential exercises that are empirically based and executed with clinical perspicacity. The co-authors Montano and Iadeluca are to be commended for producing a novel work, which will be an asset to anyone who embraces it. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in utilizing this approach.’Frank M Dattilio, PhD ABPP, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perlman School of Medicine and teaching associate (part time) Harvard Medical School‘In "Polyvagal Theory in Practice," Antonella Montano and Valentina Iadeluca skillfully translate Stephen Porges' and Deb Dana's insights into a transformative journey for groups. This heartfelt and reader-friendly book empowers mental health professionals, educators, and community leaders to apply the "Wired to Connect" program, fostering impactful change across various contexts. Emphasizing experiential learning, readers will not only grasp the theory but also integrate its principles into their daily practice and real-world experiences. The book is enriched with beautifully created images that enhance understanding, motivation, and engagement. It is a "must-read” source for anyone interested in promoting resilience and connection within diverse groups without leaving anyone or any groups behind. Thank you both for this precious book you have written!’Mehmet Sungur, Professor of Psychiatry, Istanbul Kent University, Istanbul President of the Turkish Association for Cognitive Behaviour Therapies (TACBT), Former President of the European Association of Behaviour and Cognitive, Psychotherapy (EABCT) Past President of the International Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapy (IACBP) Diplomate, Founding Fellow Academy of Cognitive Therapy (ACT), ACT Certified Supervisor, Trainer, and Consultant Beck Institute International Advisory Committee Member World Confederation of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies Executive Board Member Past President of the European Federation of Sexology (EFS) Advisory Committee Member of the World Association of Sexual Health (WAS)

• Part 1: Wired to Connect: What Is It and How Does It Work? 1. Before We Begin 2. The Polyvagal Instructor: Everything You Need to Know to Run the Program Well 3. Program Organization Part 2: Program Description Session 1. Our Autonomic Nervous System: A Story that Began Long Ago Session 2. The Key Principles of Polyvagal Theory Session 3. Lights, Shadows, and Bridges Session 4. Personal Resources Session 5. The Vagal Brake Session 6. Breathwork Session 7. Sound Session 8. Movement Session 9. A Polyvagal Approach to Life Session 10. Safety and Connection Day A Final Word