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Vagus Nerve CEU Course | Helping Hands Therapy Resources
AOTA Approved Provider #0000001046 โ€” 1.0 CEU (10 Contact Hours) for OTs, SLPs, PTs & Educators
AOTA Approved ยท 10 Contact Hours ยท 1.0 CEU

Your Clients Can't Calm Down.
Now You'll Know Exactly Why โ€” and What to Do.

The evidence-based, on-demand CEU course teaching pediatric therapists how to use vagus nerve and polyvagal strategies to finally break through emotional dysregulation โ€” and earn your Certified Emotional Regulation Specialist (CERS) credential.

Yes โ€” Enroll Me Today ($497) 14-day satisfaction guarantee on unstarted courses
10 Contact Hours
1.0 AOTA CEU
25+ Years Clinical Experience
CERS Certification Included
5โ˜… Therapist Reviews
Sound familiar?

You're a skilled clinician.
But these kids are slipping through.

?
You're working with a child who melts down constantly โ€” but their sensory profile looks normal. You don't know what's driving it.
?
Strategies that work in your clinic don't carry over at home or school. Parents are frustrated. You're frustrated too.
?
You've heard about polyvagal theory but aren't confident applying it in real clinical practice โ€” with real, complex kids.
?
You want to go deeper than surface-level coping skills, but you need a clinical framework that's practical โ€” not just theoretical.
The missing piece isn't more strategies. It's understanding the nervous system architecture underneath โ€” the vagus nerve, the three states of polyvagal theory, and how to actually reset a dysregulated child from the inside out.
From the instructor

I Had 25 Years of Experience โ€” and Still Knew Something Was Missing.

"I knew how to use sensory strategies to help with regulation. But there was a piece I was missing โ€” one that would help the children who didn't have sensory processing difficulties but could not emotionally regulate."

Parents would come in after being told by other therapists that their child couldn't be helped โ€” no sensory deficits, no OT intervention indicated. But the child was falling apart at home and at school.

Then I was introduced to Polyvagal Theory, limbic system rewiring, and the extraordinary role of the vagus nerve in emotional and behavioral regulation. The pieces came together in a way they never had before.

This course is everything I wish I'd had 15 years ago โ€” the science, the clinical framework, and the practical tools to start using immediately with your clients.

Kathleen Yopp, MOT OTR/L
Kathleen Yopp
MOT, OTR/L

Pediatric OT with 28 years of clinical experience. Safe and Sound Protocol certified. AOTA Approved Provider #0000001046. Author and international speaker on nervous system dysregulation.

SSP Certified AOTA Provider 28 Yrs Experience
What you'll walk away with

By the End of This Course, You'll Have a Complete Clinical Framework โ€” Ready to Use Monday Morning.

๐Ÿง 

Deep Nervous System Understanding

Know exactly how the vagus nerve, polyvagal states, and sensory systems interact โ€” so you can target the root cause, not the symptoms.

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Practical Assessment Tools

Use 8 validated assessment tools to identify nervous system state, sensory processing deficits, and emotional regulation capacity in your clients.

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Interventions That Actually Transfer

Home programs, school strategies, and co-regulation scripts so your clients get results outside your clinic โ€” where it counts most.

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Documentation & Goal Writing

Concrete guidance on writing polyvagal-informed treatment plans and goals that are evidenced-based and audit-ready.

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Classroom Application Skills

Translate these strategies into school-based settings with IEP-compatible frameworks and educator-friendly language.

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Earn Your CERS Credential

Upon completion you'll receive your Certified Emotional Regulation Specialist (CERS) certification โ€” a credential you can add after your name and use with clients, schools, and referral sources.

โœ…

1.0 AOTA CEU Credit

Complete all modules, pass the outcome assessment, and earn 10 contact hours approved by AOTA at an intermediate educational level.

๐Ÿ—‚๏ธ

1 Year Free Access to the Resource Hub

Get full access to the Helping Hands Resource Hub on Kajabi for one year โ€” downloadable handouts, therapy activities, home programs, and tools you can use with clients right away.

What's inside

5 Core Modules + 2 Powerful Bonus Modules

01
Module 1
Sensory Processing & Emotional Regulation

Build your foundational understanding of how the sensory systems develop and how they directly relate to a child's ability to regulate emotions and behavior โ€” starting in utero, where it all begins.

8 sensory systems sensory discrimination regulated vs dysregulated
02
Module 2
Factors Contributing to Dysregulation

Understand the key external and developmental factors that contribute to abnormal sensory processing โ€” including the impact on attachment, co-regulation, and developmental milestones.

co-regulation attachment milestone impact
03
Module 3
The Nervous System & Polyvagal Theory

The clinical core of the course. Learn the three states of the autonomic nervous system, how to identify them in your clients, and how to activate the vagus nerve to shift from dysregulation to safety and connection.

polyvagal theory fight/flight/freeze vagus nerve activation
04
Module 4
Assessment & Evaluation

Learn 8 validated tools for assessing sensory processing and emotional regulation โ€” including the Sensory Profile, TABS, PSRA, BPQ, BBCSS, and the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale.

Sensory Profile NPSS TABS ยท PSRA ยท BPQ
05
Module 5
Therapeutic Interventions

The practical toolkit. Sensory integration, mindfulness, breathing, diet & nutrition, biofeedback, tapping, EFT, neuromodulation, and polyvagal vagus nerve exercises โ€” all organized into a clinical framework you can deploy immediately.

vagus exercises brain rewiring EFT ยท tapping biofeedback
Included free

Two Bonus Modules That Take Your Practice Even Further

Bonus
$197 value

Applying Polyvagal Strategies in the Classroom

Learn how to translate nervous system regulation strategies into the school setting โ€” including IEP integration, creating co-regulation-friendly classroom environments, and working alongside educators.

Included free
Bonus
$197 value

The Nervous System Connection

Apply your polyvagal framework to interoception, feeding challenges, and toileting โ€” a clinical framework that connects emotional regulation to physical function in ways most training completely overlooks.

Included free
Bonus
$97 value

Done-for-You Home Program Downloads

Ready-to-use handouts, home program activities, and downloadable resources so your clients can practice vagus nerve regulation strategies at home โ€” with or without your help.

Included free
Bonus
$97 value

1 Year Free Access to the Resource Hub

Full access to the Helping Hands Therapy Resource Hub for one year โ€” a growing library of clinical handouts, therapy activities, home programs, and downloadable tools to use directly with your clients. Normally $97/year or $9.99/month.

Included free
Learning objectives

10 Measurable Outcomes You'll Achieve

OBJECTIVE 01

Define sensory processing and identify the function of all eight sensory systems

OBJECTIVE 02

Develop a home program incorporating co-regulation and emotional regulation strategies

OBJECTIVE 03

Differentiate sensory seeking vs. avoiding behaviors and identify an intervention for each

OBJECTIVE 04

Identify the role of attachment in emotional regulation and apply appropriate strategies

OBJECTIVE 05

Explain how diet and gut health impact behavior and emotional regulation

OBJECTIVE 06

Identify the three polyvagal states and integrate each into therapeutic intervention

OBJECTIVE 07

Develop a vagus nerve treatment plan with three targeted sensory strategies

OBJECTIVE 08

Create a polyvagal regulation strategy for trauma-informed emotional response

OBJECTIVE 09

Select and administer appropriate sensory processing and self-regulation assessments

OBJECTIVE 10

Design a treatment plan incorporating EFT, tapping, guided imagery, or breathwork

What therapists are saying

Game-Changing Isn't an Overstatement.

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"This course solidified the education I have and advanced my knowledge through exploring multiple facets of application. I have recommended it to my employees to assist with their own regulation as well as to teach these techniques to my clients. It touches on topics not talked about elsewhere โ€” a true game changer."

KM
Katelyn M.
Occupational Therapist
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"Kathleen was able to take broad subject matters that have taken me years to learn and refine them so clearly. I now feel empowered to take action to support my children in a loving manner, giving them tools that will help them their entire lives. This course will be a game-changer for all who take it."

SS
Shelby S.
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

"This course helped me understand the role of the vagus nerve in everyday life situations. It solidified what I can do to help young children working through their emotions โ€” instead of just watching and feeling overwhelmed and defeated. I finally have a framework."

OT
Verified Student
Pediatric OT Practitioner
Is this right for you?

This Course Is For You Ifโ€ฆ

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You're an OT, SLP, PT, educator, or healthcare professional working with children who struggle with emotional regulation, sensory processing, or behavioral challenges
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You've tried sensory strategies but some kids still aren't responding โ€” and you suspect the nervous system is the missing piece
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You want to understand polyvagal theory not just conceptually, but clinically โ€” so you can apply it confidently in sessions and write it into treatment plans
โœ“
You need CEU hours at an intermediate level and want content that actually moves your practice forward, not just boxes to check
โœ“
You work in a school, clinic, or home health setting and need strategies that transfer across environments โ€” with families, educators, and caregivers
CEU details

Everything You Need to Know About Your Credits

Contact Hours & Credits

10.0 Contact Hours (1.0 CEU)

This Distance Learning โ€“ Independent Professional Development Activity awards 10 contact hours at an Intermediate Educational Level. Approved for OT Practitioners, SLPs, Physical Therapists, Educators, and other professionals working with children.

How to Earn Your Certificate

4 Steps to Certification

1. Complete the course in its entirety
2. Pass the learning outcome assessment (80% minimum)
3. Submit the post-course satisfaction questionnaire
4. Submit and pass a case study

Your certificate is awarded upon completion of all four steps.

Access & Format

On-Demand ยท Self-Paced

Access the course immediately after enrollment. Work through the material at your own pace. Lifetime access to all content โ€” return as often as needed to review the material or access downloads.

Accreditation & Provider Status

Helping Hands Therapy Services, PLLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 07051. This Distance Learning-Interactive Activity is offered at 1.0 CEUs Intermediate, OT Service Delivery and Foundational Knowledge.

This course is also accredited by the International Association of Therapists (IAOTH).

AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

Questions? [email protected]

New โ€” included with this course

Walk Away With a Credential You Can Put After Your Name

Therapists who complete this course are now eligible to earn the Certified Emotional Regulation Specialist (CERS) designation โ€” a professional credential that signals to clients, schools, and referral sources that you have specialized, evidence-based training in nervous system regulation.

๐Ÿ…
Add CERS after your name

Jane Smith, OTR/L, CERS โ€” a credential that immediately communicates your specialized expertise.

๐Ÿซ
Stand out to schools & referrers

Differentiate your practice when working with IEP teams, pediatric practices, and school districts.

๐Ÿ“‹
IAOTH Certified ยท No extra cost

The CERS certification is certified through the International Association of Therapists (IAOTH) and awarded upon successful completion. No separate application or fee required.

Enroll today

Everything Included. One Transparent Price.

Most Complete Option
Vagus Nerve & Polyvagal CEU Course
On-demand ยท Self-paced ยท Lifetime access
$497
One-time payment ยท No subscription
  • 5 core modules (10 contact hours) $497 value
  • Bonus: Classroom Application Module $197 value
  • Bonus: Nervous System Connection Module $197 value
  • Done-for-You home program downloads $97 value
  • Case study, assessment & outcome tools included
  • Lifetime access to all content & updates included
  • Certificate of Completion (1.0 CEU) included
  • Certified Emotional Regulation Specialist (CERS) credential โ€” IAOTH Certified included
  • 1 year free access to the Resource Hub (normally $97/year) $97 value
Total value
$982+ $497
Enroll Now โ€” $497

Secure checkout ยท Immediate access ยท 14-day satisfaction guarantee on unstarted courses

๐Ÿ”’
Our Satisfaction Guarantee

If you're not satisfied with the course content for any reason and haven't started it, you may request a full refund within 14 days of purchase. If less than one module has been completed, a partial refund is available within 14 days.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

You have lifetime access to the course and all resources. Return as often as you need to review content, download materials, or share with colleagues on your team.
The course awards 10 contact hours (1.0 CEU). To receive your certificate, you must: (1) complete the entire course, (2) pass the learning outcome assessment with 80% or higher, (3) submit the post-course satisfaction questionnaire, and (4) submit and pass a case study.
This course is approved for Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Speech Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Educators, and other professionals working with children. Helping Hands Therapy Services, PLLC is an AOTA Approved Provider (#0000001046).
Yes! Individual and small group coaching and mentorship is available. Email [email protected] for details on current offerings and pricing.
If you haven't started the course, you may request a full refund within 14 days of purchase. If less than one module has been completed, a partial refund is available within 14 days. No refunds are issued after 14 days or once more than one module is completed. A CEU will not be awarded for any refund issued.
Yes. Please email [email protected] before registering. Accommodations are available in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Absolutely. The nervous system, polyvagal theory, and vagus nerve content is highly relevant across disciplines. SLPs will find direct application in social communication and feeding. PTs will connect the content to motor regulation and sensorimotor integration. The content is designed to be interdisciplinary.

Your Next Client Is Waiting for the Breakthrough
You'll Have After This Course.

Stop watching kids struggle while feeling like you've hit a wall. The vagus nerve is the missing link โ€” and now you can learn to use it with confidence.

Enroll Now โ€” $497

10 Contact Hours ยท 1.0 AOTA CEU ยท CERS Certification ยท Lifetime Access ยท 14-Day Guarantee

ยฉ 2026 Helping Hands Therapy Services, PLLC ยท All Rights Reserved

Terms & Policies  ยท  Contact  ยท  Mission Statement

Financial Disclosure: Kathleen Yopp is the author of this PD Activity and receives royalty payments. No relevant non-financial relationships exist.

Helping Hands Therapy Services, PLLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 07051. This Distance Learning-Interactive Activity is offered at 1.0 CEUs Intermediate, OT Service Delivery and Foundational Knowledge. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures. The CERS certification is certified through the International Association of Therapists (IAOTH).