Taking Care of Each Other:  A Polyvagal, Trauma Informed Approach to Community Building

These are strange and difficult times, full of division and stress.  We feel this stress in our bodies, driven by our nervous system reactions to threats and everyday challenges.  This presentation will provide an overview of the nervous system through the Polyvagal lens and discuss how psychological safety can be cultivated at the community level. Increased understanding of the disruptive impacts of stress and threat allows for enhanced self-awareness and nervous system regulation, which expands our capacity to offer co-regulating care to others and deepen our sense of connectedness.

Presenter: Ryan Van Wyk, PsD, LP is a mental health leader and recognized expert in trauma treatment and trauma-informed care. With over 20 years of military service and more than 15 years of experience in non-profit health care and substance use treatment settings, Ryan brings a deep understanding of how healing from trauma—and restoring connection and well-being—can transform individuals, organizations, and communities. Their work is grounded in a strong commitment to fostering self-awareness and nervous system regulation in leaders, as well as promoting psychological safety and mutual care within organizational cultures. Ryan’s professional scope includes providing individual therapy, consulting with therapy providers and treatment organizations, delivering trainings on trauma-informed care and leadership, and supporting organizational development initiatives. https://www.mntraumaproject.org/meet-the-team