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Description

Part I will be presented by Joann Lutz, MSW, LICSW, C-IAYT, E-RYT, YACEP, focusing on the foundations of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and trauma healing within the yoga zone, inspired by The Body Keeps the Score. This section covers the general structure of the ANS, Dan Siegel’s concept of the Window of Tolerance, and Kasia Kozlowska’s Defense Cascade—examining the spectrum from safety and threat to mobilization and shutdown. Attendees will also participate in experiential nervous system mapping exercises to explore dysregulated states through the lens of Stephen Porges' research. Following this, Part II will be presented by Kathleen (Katie) Mattei, PsyD, who will examine attachment as an embodied system. Dr. Mattei will explore attachment as a primary biological drive, the dynamics of early regulation and co-regulation, and the clinical processes surrounding attachment patterns, loss, rupture, and repair.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe polyvagal theory and vagus nerve pathways.

  • Apply the Window of Tolerance to assess regulation and dysregulation.

  • Explain attachment patterns and their influence on grief.

  • Analyze how traumatic loss influences autonomic nervous system functioning and stress physiology.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to explore the somatic foundations of trauma and connection, beginning with an examination of autonomic nervous system regulation, the defense cascade, and practical mapping exercises. The focus then shifts to attachment as an embodied biological drive, highlighting the dynamics of early co-regulation, relational patterns, and repair.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Katie Mattei , Psy.D. is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of expertise in treating children and families affected by trauma, burn injuries, child loss, and developmental challenges, as well as adolescents struggling with anxiety and depression. She completed specialized training in Infant Attachment at Columbia University and earned her Doctorate from the University of Denver. Dr. Mattei serves as a medical staff provider at Children's Hospital Colorado and maintains a thriving private practice in Denver. She also consults for several Denver Metro schools and is a nationally recognized speaker on grief, child development, and burn injury prevention. Her book, An Ocean of Grief, provides guidance for parents navigating the profound loss of a child. For the past decade, Dr. Mattei has focused on somatic healing, burnout prevention, and trauma recovery, particularly among healthcare providers, first responders, and other high-stress professionals. She integrates evidence-based approaches to enhance well-being, resilience, and the mind-body connection. Committed to supporting professionals in high-pressure fields, she provides practical strategies to mitigate stress, prevent burnout, and promote both personal and professional sustainability.
Joann Lutz, MSW, LICSW, C-IAYT, E-RYT, YACEP, trainer, author, psychotherapist, and yoga therapist/teacher, is the creator of Autonomic Yoga, a nervous-system informed, trauma-sensitive yoga approach to mental health care. Her book, Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone, is being praised by international leaders in yoga therapy and trauma studies. In it, she describes and applies the Nervous System-Informed, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga model of care (NITYA). She is also the author of a NASW CE course, "Bringing Yoga into Social Work Practice," and the paper, "Classical Yoga Postures as a Psychotherapeutic Intervention for Autonomic Nervous System Regulation." published in "Proceedings of the Yoga and Psyche Conference, 2014," published by Cambridge Scholars Joann has been practicing yoga since 1970, and teaching it since 1980. She has been licensed as a Clinical Social Worker since 1991 and Certified as a Yoga Therapist since 2016. Joann, trainer, author, psychotherapist, and yoga therapist/teacher, is the creator of Autonomic Yoga, a nervous-system informed, trauma-sensitive yoga approach to mental health care. Her book, Trauma Healing in the Yoga Zone, is being praised by international leaders in yoga therapy and trauma studies. In it, she describes and applies the Nervous System-Informed, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga model of care (NITYA). She is also the author of a NASW CE course, "Bringing Yoga into Social Work Practice," and the paper, "Classical Yoga Postures as a Psychotherapeutic Intervention for Autonomic Nervous System Regulation." published in "Proceedings of the Yoga and Psyche Conference, 2014," published by Cambridge Scholars . Joann has been practicing yoga since 1970, and teaching it since 1980. She has been licensed as a Clinical Social Worker since 1991 and Certified as a Yoga Therapist since 2016.

Financially Sponsored By

  • LIGHT Movement