Available now
Polyvagal Theory in PTSD and Trauma Treatment
4-hour self-study CE course
Clear questions, no tricks. Scout points out the key concepts so you can pass and get back to your clients.
CE hours
4
Format
Self-study (reading)
Post-test
15 questions, 70% to pass
Price
$9
About this course
This course presents polyvagal theory as a debated model and does not endorse or reject it. It does not train or qualify anyone to deliver PE, CPT, EMDR therapy, or any polyvagal-informed method.
This course is for California BBS licensees and registrants: LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, LEP, AMFT, ASW, and APCC. It presents polyvagal theory as a debated model. It covers the theory as Stephen Porges describes it, the scientific critiques (including the 2026 international expert evaluation), and Porges’s responses. Supporters and critics are judged by the same standards. It also reviews PTSD basics, the 2023 VA/DoD and 2025 APA PTSD guidelines, prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy, and dropout and engagement. Eleven sections, including “Critical appraisal: both sides.” Color and Print Friendly PDFs. Included in the $69 bundle, or $9 on its own.
CE credit is awarded after you complete the reading, pass the post-test at 70% or higher, and complete the evaluation.
Learning objectives
A sample of what you will be able to do after completing this course:
- Describe the four PTSD symptom clusters, distinguish trauma exposure from PTSD, and use screening tools appropriately.
- Summarize polyvagal theory as its author describes it, including the three-state hierarchy, neuroception, and the social engagement system.
- Describe polyvagal-informed practices and explain why they are used alongside, not in place of, guideline-recommended PTSD treatment.
- Identify the main scientific criticisms of polyvagal theory, including the 2026 international expert evaluation.
- Summarize the author's responses and compare both sides of the debate using the same quality criteria.
- Name the treatments recommended by the VA/DoD (2023) and APA (2025) PTSD guidelines and explain how they differ on EMDR therapy.
- Describe the strengths and limits of the PTSD treatment evidence, including dropout and long-term follow-up.
Who this course is for
Target audience: California BBS licensees and registrants: LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, LEP, AMFT, ASW, and APCC.
Course schedule
Self-study. Self-paced reading with a post-test. No fixed calendar dates. Allow about 4 hours of CE time.
Provider approval period for John Oliver Ycaro, CAMFT CEPA Provider #10072759: June 15, 2026 through June 1, 2027 (renew as required to keep offering CE).
Instructor
John Oliver Ycaro, LPCC (also the course developer and CE provider). About 10 years of clinical experience in community mental health and private practice. Expertise relevant to this course: outpatient clinical work with individuals, couples, and families in community mental health and private practice.
Under CAMFT CEPA rules, the named instructor meets instructor qualifications by current related licensure and a related master’s degree (and related practice experience). A current CV is kept in the provider’s CE records.
How it works
- Enroll through the secure Payhip checkout. You get the course right away.
- Read the self-study text at your own pace.
- Take the online post-test (70% to pass; retakes free) and confirm you did the work yourself.
- Complete a short course evaluation (required for CE credit).
- Receive your certificate by email within 1 business day after you pass and complete the evaluation.
Completion records are kept for at least 4 years.
Price
$9
Pay securely on Payhip. CE credit is awarded after you complete the reading, pass the post-test at 70% or higher, and complete the evaluation.
CE information
Course meets the qualifications for 4 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
John Oliver Ycaro is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. John Oliver Ycaro maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.
- CAMFT Provider #: 10072759
- Instructor: John Oliver Ycaro, LPCC
- Format: Self-study (reading), with an online post-test
- CE hours: 4
- Passing score: 70%
- Certificate: Emailed within 1 business day after you pass the post-test and complete the evaluation, as a PDF you can print or save
- Cost: $9
Licensed outside California? Check with your own board to confirm they accept this course.
Provider mailing address: 200 San Mateo Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Policies
Refunds / cancellation
You can get a full refund within 3 days of purchase as long as you haven't started the post-test. After you start the post-test, or after 3 days, we’re not able to offer a refund.
Accommodations
If you need a disability accommodation (for example a screen-reader-friendly file, larger print, or extra time on the post-test), email oliverycaro@losgatosmentalhealthclinic.com. We respond within 5 business days. There is no charge for accommodations.
Grievances
If you have a concern about the course, email oliverycaro@losgatosmentalhealthclinic.com. You will get a written response within 14 days. If it is not resolved, you can contact CAMFT at cepa@camft.org.
Activities not for CE credit
CE credit is awarded after you complete the reading, pass the post-test at 70% or higher, and complete the evaluation.
About the instructor and provider
John Oliver Ycaro, LPCC, is in private practice in California and has about 10 years of experience in community mental health and private practice.
Disclosure: John Oliver Ycaro is the instructor, course developer, and CE provider and earns income from course sales.