Applied Polyvagal Theory Therapists
Applied Polyvagal Theory explores the connection between your nervous system and emotional wellbeing. First Session can help you find a therapist who uses this approach.
Applied Polyvagal Theory is grounded in Dr. Stephen Porges' research on the autonomic nervous system and how it shapes our responses to safety and perceived threat. This approach may help people understand their body's natural reactions to stress, trauma, and connection. Therapists using this framework often focus on expanding the "window of tolerance"—the zone where you can process emotions and experiences without feeling overwhelmed or shut down.
On First Session, you can browse therapists who incorporate Applied Polyvagal Theory into their practice. Each therapist has an intro video so you can get a sense of their style before reaching out. Find a therapist in Canada who can support your journey toward greater nervous system regulation and emotional balance.
Melissa Servello
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Melissa Servello
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
Anxiety, Depression, Negative body image, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Children/Teens, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Coping Skills, Decision making, Depression coping skills, Dissociation, Effective communication, Fears and phobia, General Mental Health, Stress, Self-Regulation, Perfectionism, Negative thinking and ruminating, Health anxiety, Grief and Loss
Anxiety, Depression, Negative body image, Anger Management, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Children/Teens, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Coping Skills, Decision making, Depression coping skills, Dissociation, Effective communication, Fears and phobia, General Mental Health, Stress, Self-Regulation, Perfectionism, Negative thinking and ruminating, Health anxiety, Grief and Loss
Melissa Melnychuk
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in AB, BC, MB, NL, NB, ON, NU, NS, NT, SK, PE, and YT.
Waitlist
Melissa Melnychuk
Registered Psychotherapist
Neurodiversity, Trauma, Women's Health, ADHD, Anger, Attachment trauma, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Break-up recovery, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Childhood trauma, Family issues, Depression, Life transitions, Work-Life Balance, Burnout, Workplace stress, College or University Coaching, General Mental Health, People pleasing, Grief and Loss, Men's issues
Neurodiversity, Trauma, Women's Health, ADHD, Anger, Attachment trauma, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Break-up recovery, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Childhood trauma, Family issues, Depression, Life transitions, Work-Life Balance, Burnout, Workplace stress, College or University Coaching, General Mental Health, People pleasing, Grief and Loss, Men's issues
Andrew Fawcett
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Virtual Sessions in BC, MB, SK, YT, and NT.
Waitlist
Andrew Fawcett
Registered Clinical Counsellor
he/him
Befriending the Nervous System, Ecopsychotherapy, Attachment wounds, Brain injury, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Highly Sensitive Person, Intergenerational trauma, Mental Decolonization, Nature-Based Spirituality, Parenting, Rewilding & Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, Sex therapy, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dreams, Imposter syndrome, Men's issues, Neurodiversity, Cultural Challenges, Chronic Illness
Befriending the Nervous System, Ecopsychotherapy, Attachment wounds, Brain injury, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Couples Therapy, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Highly Sensitive Person, Intergenerational trauma, Mental Decolonization, Nature-Based Spirituality, Parenting, Rewilding & Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, Sex therapy, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dreams, Imposter syndrome, Men's issues, Neurodiversity, Cultural Challenges, Chronic Illness
Diane Brussell
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
Diane Brussell
Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her, We/Us
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Befriending the Nervous System, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Boundaries and boundary setting, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Confidence, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness Practices, Navigating challenging relationships, PTSD, Transformative dream work, Somatic Therapy, Personal Growth, Trauma processing
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anger, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Befriending the Nervous System, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Boundaries and boundary setting, Borderline Personality Disorder, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Confidence, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Familial and social relationships, Grief and Loss, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness Practices, Navigating challenging relationships, PTSD, Transformative dream work, Somatic Therapy, Personal Growth, Trauma processing
Anna Loch
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
Anna Loch
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Career guidance, Christian counselling, Couples Therapy, Eating disorders, Early childhood, Cultural Challenges, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Mind-body connection, Perfectionism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Trauma processing, Stress, Neurodiversity, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Infertility
Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Career guidance, Christian counselling, Couples Therapy, Eating disorders, Early childhood, Cultural Challenges, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Existential questions, Familial and social relationships, Life transitions, Mind-body connection, Perfectionism, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Workplace stress, Trauma processing, Stress, Neurodiversity, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Infertility
Alexandra Walcott
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Virtual Sessions in BC.
Waitlist
Alexandra Walcott
Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her
Neurodiversity, Eating disorders, Children/Teens, Meaning and purpose, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Family issues, Attachment, Early childhood, Giftedness Issues, Disability, School challenges, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Self-esteem, Highly Sensitive Person, Adoption, Attention and Impulsivity, Body Dysmorphia, Learning disabilities, Parenting
Neurodiversity, Eating disorders, Children/Teens, Meaning and purpose, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Family issues, Attachment, Early childhood, Giftedness Issues, Disability, School challenges, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Self-esteem, Highly Sensitive Person, Adoption, Attention and Impulsivity, Body Dysmorphia, Learning disabilities, Parenting
Eda Mucaj
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Eda Mucaj
Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment wounds, Childhood trauma, Transformative dream work, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Addiction, Depression, Dissociation, Anger, Anxiety, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Chronic and acute illness, Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating disorders, Emotional Numbness, Life transitions, Intergenerational trauma, Interpersonal dynamics, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Personal Growth, Intimacy concerns, Perfectionism, Sleeping difficulties, Sexual issues, Grief and Loss
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment wounds, Childhood trauma, Transformative dream work, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Addiction, Depression, Dissociation, Anger, Anxiety, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Chronic and acute illness, Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating disorders, Emotional Numbness, Life transitions, Intergenerational trauma, Interpersonal dynamics, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Personal Growth, Intimacy concerns, Perfectionism, Sleeping difficulties, Sexual issues, Grief and Loss
Michael Wassef
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON, BC, and AB.
Waitlist
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Michael Wassef
Registered Psychotherapist
Relationships, Couples Therapy, Attachment trauma, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Childhood trauma, Depression, Family issues, Effective communication, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Parenting, Conflict resolution, Habits, Infidelity, Navigating challenging relationships, Trauma, Stress, Social anxiety, Self-Regulation, Relationship anxiety, Overwhelm, Negative thinking and ruminating, Motivation, Life transitions, Intimacy concerns, Highly Sensitive Person, Emotional regulation, Christian counselling, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Break-up recovery, Grief and Loss
Relationships, Couples Therapy, Attachment trauma, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, Childhood trauma, Depression, Family issues, Effective communication, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Parenting, Conflict resolution, Habits, Infidelity, Navigating challenging relationships, Trauma, Stress, Social anxiety, Self-Regulation, Relationship anxiety, Overwhelm, Negative thinking and ruminating, Motivation, Life transitions, Intimacy concerns, Highly Sensitive Person, Emotional regulation, Christian counselling, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Break-up recovery, Grief and Loss
Melissa Milligan
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Virtual Sessions in MB, AB, BC, and SK.
Waitlist
Melissa Milligan
Canadian Certified Counsellor
She/Her
Anger, Attachment, Building Meaningful Connections, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Behaviour, Burnout, Deep connections, Childhood trauma, Chronic Illness, Dating challenges, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Sexuality, Self-Development, Mindfulness
Anger, Attachment, Building Meaningful Connections, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Behaviour, Burnout, Deep connections, Childhood trauma, Chronic Illness, Dating challenges, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Intergenerational trauma, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Sexuality, Self-Development, Mindfulness
Sheema Khan
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON, AB, and MB.
Waitlist
Sheema Khan
Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
ADHD, Attention and Impulsivity, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Attachment wounds, Borderline Personality Disorder, Caregiver burnout, College or University Coaching, Burnout, Career guidance, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Boundaries and boundary setting, Assertiveness, Cultural Challenges, Dissociation, Domestic violence, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, BIPOC, Identity and Self-Exploration
ADHD, Attention and Impulsivity, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Attachment wounds, Borderline Personality Disorder, Caregiver burnout, College or University Coaching, Burnout, Career guidance, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Boundaries and boundary setting, Assertiveness, Cultural Challenges, Dissociation, Domestic violence, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, BIPOC, Identity and Self-Exploration
Elena Serra
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON, MB, NL, NT, NU, PE, QC, SK, and YT.
Waitlist
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Elena Serra
Registered Psychotherapist
Anger Management, Anxiety, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Depression, Emotional regulation, Empowerment, Existential questions, Family Conflict, Life transitions, Fears and phobia, Intergenerational trauma, Court Mandated Counselling, Meaning and purpose, Workplace stress, Trauma, Separation and divorce, Sexuality, Relationships, PTSD, Parenting, Maternal mental health
Anger Management, Anxiety, Behaviour, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Dealing with difficult or narcissistic personalities, Depression, Emotional regulation, Empowerment, Existential questions, Family Conflict, Life transitions, Fears and phobia, Intergenerational trauma, Court Mandated Counselling, Meaning and purpose, Workplace stress, Trauma, Separation and divorce, Sexuality, Relationships, PTSD, Parenting, Maternal mental health
Julianna Harry
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON, AB, and BC.
Waitlist
Julianna Harry
Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her/Hers
Anxiety, Depression, Transitioning into Adulthood, Life transitions, Break-up recovery, Financial Stress, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Self-Regulation, Stress, Empowerment, BIPOC, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety, Depression, Transitioning into Adulthood, Life transitions, Break-up recovery, Financial Stress, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Self-Regulation, Stress, Empowerment, BIPOC, Identity and Self-Exploration
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What is Applied Polyvagal Theory?
Applied Polyvagal Theory is a therapeutic approach based on research about how the autonomic nervous system influences our emotional and physical responses. It focuses on understanding the body's natural reactions to safety, connection, and perceived danger. Therapists using this approach help clients recognize and work with their nervous system states to support emotional regulation and wellbeing.
Who might benefit from Applied Polyvagal Theory?
This approach may be helpful for people experiencing anxiety, trauma responses, difficulty with emotional regulation, or challenges feeling safe in relationships. It can also support those who notice physical symptoms connected to stress, such as tension, fatigue, or feeling disconnected from their body. Because it emphasizes the mind-body connection, it often appeals to people interested in somatic or body-based approaches to therapy.
What does Applied Polyvagal Theory involve in therapy sessions?
Sessions often involve learning about your nervous system and how it responds to different situations. Your therapist may guide you through exercises to help recognize when you feel safe, stressed, or disconnected. Techniques might include breathwork, movement, mindfulness practices, or exploring how past experiences have shaped your current responses. The goal is often to expand your capacity to stay grounded during challenging emotions.
How long does therapy using this approach typically take?
The length of therapy varies based on individual needs and goals. Some people find value in shorter-term work focused on specific skills, while others benefit from longer-term exploration. Your therapist can discuss a timeframe that makes sense for your situation during your initial sessions. Progress often depends on factors like what you're working through and how frequently you attend.
How do I know if a therapist is right for me?
Finding the right fit matters. On First Session, you can watch therapist intro videos to get a sense of their personality and approach before booking. Consider whether you feel comfortable with their style and whether their areas of focus align with what you're looking for. Many therapists offer initial consultations to help you determine if working together feels like a good match. Credentials are verified during onboarding.
How do I book a session with an Applied Polyvagal Theory therapist?
You can browse therapist profiles on First Session and filter by approach or area of focus. Once you find someone who seems like a good fit, watch their intro video and review their availability. You can book directly online at a time that works for you. Many therapists offer both online and in-person sessions, giving you flexibility in how you connect.