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The Dance of Coregulation: Building a Strong Therapeutic Alliance

Live Virtual Seminar with Dr. Victoria Grinman
Saturday, August 8, 2026 (11:30 am-3:30 pm EDT)
Continuing Education:6.0 CE Hours for APA, NYS Psychologists, NYS Social Workers

To Register please complete the Registration form

SEMINAR OVERVIEW:

Therapists often encounter clients who become dysregulated, shut down, overwhelmed, compliant, avoidant, or relationally defended; in these moments, the therapist’s own regulated presence becomes an essential part of the treatment process.

The therapeutic relationship remains one of the strongest predictors of treatment outcome across psychotherapy modalities. Increasing evidence demonstrates that the clinician’s capacity to provide a regulated, attuned therapeutic presence contributes significantly to client engagement, emotional regulation, attachment security, and overall treatment effectiveness.

This live virtual seminar examines coregulation as a foundational mechanism through which therapists facilitate affect regulation and strengthen the therapeutic alliance. Drawing on attachment theory and its implications for emotional development, interpersonal neurobiology, trauma-informed practice, the Window of Tolerance, and Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Victoria Grinman will explore how clients’ relational histories and autonomic states enter the clinical encounter and influence patterns of connection, withdrawal, dysregulation, and repair.

Participants will examine how chronic relational stress and trauma shape nervous system functioning and patterns of dysregulation across the lifespan. Special attention will be given to recognizing autonomic states, understanding the influence of attachment histories on therapeutic interactions, and using therapist self-awareness and self-regulation as clinical interventions.

Through case examples, experiential exercises, and discussion, participants will learn practical, evidence-informed coregulation strategies that promote therapist attunement, increase emotional safety, support client regulation, foster resilience, strengthen the therapeutic alliance, and enhance immediate clinical application.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants will be able to:

Analyze how attachment styles and relational histories influence coregulation within the therapeutic relationship.

Discuss regulated and dysregulated autonomic states using attachment theory, the Window of Tolerance, and Polyvagal Theory as clinical frameworks.

Apply evidence-informed coregulation interventions to strengthen therapeutic alliance, increase emotional safety, and support client affect regulation.

Utilize therapist self-awareness and self-regulation as clinical tools for recognizing dysregulation, maintaining attunement, and supporting clinician well-being.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

This seminar is intended for psychologists, psychoanalysts, social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and other mental health professionals working with individuals, couples, families, or groups. It may also be relevant to medical, occupational therapy, speech-language, and allied health professionals interested in strengthening clinical attunement, emotional regulation, and relational safety in their work with patients and clients.

REFERENCES:

  • Azevedo, R., Moos, D., Johnson, A., & Chauncey, A. (2010). Measuring Cognitive and Metacognitive Regulatory Processes during Hypermedia Learning: Issues and Challenges. Educational Psychologist, 45, 210-223.
  • Badenoch, B. (2022). The heart of trauma: Healing the embodied brain in the context of relationships. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. Basic Books.
  • Bowlby, J. (1988). A secure base: Parent-child attachment and healthy human development. Basic Books.
  • Butler, D., Schnellert, L., & Higginson, S. (2007). Fostering Agency and Co-Regulation: Teachers Using Formative Assessment to Calibrate Practice in an Age of Accountability. American Educational Research Association.
  • Cozolino, L. (2022). The development of a therapist: Healing others by healing yourself (3rd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Dana, D. (2021). Anchored: How to befriend your nervous system using polyvagal theory. Sounds True.
  • DiDonato, N. (2013). Effective Self- and Co-Regulation in Collaborative Learning Groups: An Analysis of How Students Regulate Problem Solving of Authentic Interdisciplinary Tasks. Instructional Science, 41, 25-47.
  • Fisher, J. (2017). Healing the fragmented selves of trauma survivors: Overcoming internal self-alienation. Routledge.
  • Fisher, J. (2021). Transforming the living legacy of trauma: A workbook for survivors and therapists. PESI Publishing & Media.
  • Flückiger, C., Del Re, A. C., Wampold, B. E., & Horvath, A. O. (2018). The alliance in adult psychotherapy: A meta-analytic synthesis. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 316–340.
  • Haeyen, S. (2024). A theoretical exploration of polyvagal theory in creative arts and psychomotor therapies. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1382007.
  • Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery. Basic Books.
  • Horne, S. J., Liu, S., & Aafjes-van Doorn, K. (2024). The role of therapists’ attachment and introject in their treatment process and outcome: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 31(5), e3043.
  • Høgenhaug, S. S., Kongerslev, M. T., & Kjaersdam Telléus, G. (2024). The role of interpersonal coordination dynamics in alliance rupture and repair processes in psychotherapy: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1291155.
  • Kolacz, J., & Porges, S. W. (2024). Social co-regulation of the autonomic nervous system between infants and their caregivers. In J. D. Osofsky, H. E. Fitzgerald, M. Keren, & K. Puura (Eds.), WAIMH handbook of infant and early childhood mental health (pp. 169–183). Springer.
  • Moreno, J., Sanabria, L. and López, O. (2016). Theoretical and Conceptual Approaches to Co-Regulation: A Theoretical Review. Psychology, 7, 1587-1607. doi: 10.4236/psych.2016.713153.
  • Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (Eds.). (2019). Psychotherapy relationships that work: Volume 1. Evidence-based therapist contributions (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the body: A sensorimotor approach to psychotherapy. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Pietromonaco, P. R., & Beck, L. A. (2019). Adult attachment and physical health. Current Opinion in Psychology, 25, 115–120.
  • Porges, S. W. (2021). Polyvagal safety: Attachment, communication, self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Porges, S. W. (2025). Polyvagal theory: Current status, clinical applications, and future directions. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 22(3), 169–184.
  • Schore, A. N. (2003). Affect dysregulation and disorders of the self. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Schore, A. N. (2012). The science of the art of psychotherapy. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Schore, A. N. (2019). Right brain psychotherapy. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Siegel, D. J. (2020). The developing mind: How relationships and the brain interact to shape who we are (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
  • Suliani, P.R. (2025). Feeling Safe with Another: Co-regulation at the Intersection of Attachment Theory and Polyvagal Theory. Journal of Contemporary Approaches in Psychology and Psychotherapy, 3(3), 27 – 38. https://doi.org/10.57017/jcapp.v3.i3.02
  • van der Kolk, B. A. (2021). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.

Instructor’s Bio:

Victoria Grinman, Ph.D., LCSW-R, is a licensed mental health practitioner, educator, consultant, and speaker with expertise in trauma-informed care, relational healing, posttraumatic growth, parent-child dynamics, and the clinical use of connection as a pathway toward resilience and change. She is the founder of Growing Kind Minds LLC, a private practice and professional development platform dedicated to supporting individuals, families, clinicians, and communities in strengthening emotional well-being, relational safety, and meaningful interpersonal growth.

Dr. Grinman’s scholarship and clinical work focus on how individuals and families navigate trauma, loss, adversity, and developmental challenges. Her doctoral research explored posttraumatic growth among parents of children with autism, and she continues to teach, train, and consult on trauma-informed practice, resilience, caregiving, and relational development.

Her professional experience spans school-based mental health, community-based program development, integrative trauma work, and clinical consultation with professionals across disciplines. She brings a relational, strengths-based approach to her teaching and clinical work, integrating mind-body practices, mindfulness, yoga-informed approaches, and other trauma-sensitive practices to support regulation, connection, and growth across the lifespan.

Dr. Grinman has taught as adjunct faculty at Boston College, Adelphi University, and Columbia University School of Social Work, and continues to mentor clinicians and professionals across settings. She is also a longtime volunteer clinician with Experience Camps, a national grief support program for bereaved children.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Object Relations Institute for Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis
2026 ORIPP The Dance of Coregulation: Building a Strong Therapeutic
Alliance – Dr. Victoria Grinman
August 8, 2026
Online

Joint Accreditation Statement

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and Object Relations Institute for Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Amedco Joint Accreditation Provider Number: 4008163

Professions in scope for this activity are listed below.

Psychologists (APA) Credit Designation

This course is co-sponsored by Amedco and Object Relations Institute for Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis. Amedco is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Amedco maintains responsibility for this program and content. Maximum of 6.0 hours.

The following state boards accept courses from APA providers for Psychologists/Counselors: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA (LEP ONLY), MD, ME, MN, MO, NC, ND, NH, NE, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK*, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY
MI: Accepts courses from APA for Psychologists. No general CE requirement for Counselors.
OK: Accepts APA credit for live, in-person activities but not for ethics and/or online courses.
The following state boards accept courses from APA providers for MFTs: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, MD, ME, MO, NE, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK*, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WDC, WI, WY
AL MFTs: Credits authorized by NBCC or any other state licensing agency will be accepted. MA MFTs: Participants can self-submit courses not approved by the MAMFT board for review. MI MFTs: There are no CE requirements for MFTs in MI.
The following state boards accept courses from APA providers for Addictions Professionals: AK, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IN, KS, LA, MD, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY (held outside NY ONLY), OK*, OR, SC, UT, WA, WI, WY
The following state boards accept courses from APA providers for Social Workers: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, ME, MN, MO, NE, NH, NM, OR, PA, VT, WI, WY

New York Social Workers

Amedco SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0115. 6.0 credit hours.

New York Psychologists

Amedco is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0031. 6.0 hours.

To receive CE certificates for the actual hours attended – please request them at the time of registration or any time prior to beginning of the conference. CE certificate fee: $25 (in addition to the registration fees). No fees charged for PD (Professional Development) certificates from ORI.

REGISTRATION, TUITION, & FEES:

Early Bird registration (before July 15th, 2026):
$50 regular/ $35 graduate students & analytic candidates/ $15 undergraduate students

Regular registration (from July 15th, 2026 – to August 7th, 2026 – before 6pm EDT/NYC time):
$65 regular/ $45 grad students & candidates/ $20 undergrad students

Registration ‘at the door’ (after 6pm EDT/NYC time on August 7th, 2026):
$75 regular/ $55 grad students & candidates/ $25 undergrad students

Please Note: IF CEs ARE REQUESTED — please use the “regular” registration (not a “student”) option. There is an additional fee of $25 for CE certificate processing (can be paid on the day of the conference or in advance).

SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIPS are available for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for retired or disabled practitioners, or need-based.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Full refund will be issued if cancelled before the beginning of the event.
No refund will be issued if cancelled after the beginning of the event, but full paid tuition will be applied to any further ORI events.

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