A Key to Integrating Polyvagal Theory and the Feldenkrais Method
November 7–8, 2026
Milan, Via Salmeggia 11
Somatic Voice emerges within the international Feldenkrais4Life initiative as the first in a series of events that extend the journey begun with the funded project — a journey that does not end with its formal conclusion. Instead, it continues to promote the role of the Feldenkrais practitioner and to foster dialogue between this role and other contexts and practices within an increasingly multisectoral healthcare landscape.
Bridging knowledge, opening minds.
In the Feldenkrais Method, the voice is a fundamental ingredient that shapes the learning environment from both sides of the interaction. For the practitioner, spoken guidance is not merely instructional but a dynamic, relational tool that modulates attention, evokes curiosity, and creates a safe field for exploration. For the student, the voice becomes a somatic vehicle—an auditory touch—that supports the internal organization of Awareness Through Movement, helping translate verbal cues into sensory distinctions, motor clarity, and embodied understanding.
In this workshop, participants will experience how the voice becomes a somatic medium in its own right—an auditory pathway that enhances Awareness Through Movement by helping each person translate verbal cues into sensory refinement, motor organization, and embodied insight. We will also explore why the practitioner must first sense and experiment with their own voice—its tone, rhythm, clarity, and intention—in order to use it consciously and effectively when reading, guiding, and interacting with students. Through this dual perspective, the voice emerges as both guide and companion in the learning process, amplifying the depth and quality of somatic exploration.
The Voice as Somatic Touch invites us to explore how the Social Engagement System of Polyvagal Theory can help the nervous system align with our intention.
It opens a pathway of professional growth within the Feldenkrais approach, where curiosity becomes the engine of ongoing evolution.
Objectives
- To develop an understanding of the theoretical foundations of how and why the voice influences self‑regulation
- Practice focused listening to the voice to recognize its characteristics and derive meaningful insights about oneself and clients.
- Train vocal techniques that participants can integrate into their professional Feldenkrais sessions
Who can benefit
Feldenkrais practitioners, 3rd and 4th year trainees, and somatic practitioners who wish to explore vocal function as a somatic channel for processes of self-regulation and reorganisation, integrating the polyvagal perspective with the neurosomatic learning principles of the Feldenkrais Method.
Programme
Day 1 – Saturday, November 7, 2026
10.00 – 13.00 Session 1: You and your voice
A foundational vocal session to explore the qualities of one’s own voice through work on breath, support, range, resonance, and pleasurable experimentation. Through guided exercises, shared reflections, and group discussions, participants will gradually encounter the personal and expressive vulnerabilities involved in revealing and sharing their voice.
14.30 – 17.30 Session 2: Voice as a resource for Well-Being and Connection
Exploration of the core pillars of Polyvagal Theory: the face–heart–voice connection.
The Nervous System Speaks — our voice is the channel through which our bodily states are transmitted, and a gateway to state shifts. How can we guide our Nervous System to align more effectively with our intention through the Social Engagement System.
Day 2 – Sunday, November 8, 2026
10.00 – 13.00 Session 3: Integration of the Work Voice as Somatic Touch: Polyvagal Pathways to Safety and Awareness Through Movement.
Applying the knowledge: Interactive session exploring how to put this into your practice. Creating your own vocal practice. Wrap up and next steps.
The workshop will be held in person only and in English, with Italian translation provided.
Methodology
The workshop will offer a balanced blend of lecture and guided practice, providing participants with a foundational understanding of Polyvagal Theory and the physiology that specifically underpins vocal exploration. All proposed exercises will be supported by written materials participants can keep for continued study and integration.
The topic will concern:
- Understanding how our vocal journeys impact our ability and comfortability in making sound and sharing our voices with others.
- Embodied practice: sensing, revealing and sharing our voices within the group with a practice guided by Mathilde.
- Voice as a natural resource for well-being: exploring the science supporting voice as a tool for regulation, resilience and flexibility.
- The application of Polyvagal Theory in voice work: The Nervous System Speaks – our voice is the broadcaster of our bodily feelings and a portal into shifting states.
- Voice on Vagus: How to identify Nervous System states through the voice.
- Awareness of breath and sound in movement: An exploration in pitch and resonance.
- The Social Engagement System: the co-ordination of 5 cranial nerves and the portal to how we communicate.
Prices
| Reduced fee for AIIMF members | Standard fee | |
| Early-bird registration by 15th June | 170€ | 230€ |
| Registration from 16th June | 210€ | 280€ |
Bank transfer to the account held by: Associazione Italiana Insegnanti del Metodo Feldenkrais
IBAN: IT11 Y030 6902 9931 0000 0005 922
Reference: “Surname and First Name – Somatic Voice”
Please send an email to the administration office segreteria@feldenkrais.it stating the date on which the payment was made, attaching a copy of the bank transfer if available.
Info: info@feldenkrais4life.eu
Mathilde Porges Shisko – BIO
Mathilde Porges Shisko is an internationally recognized voice, performance, and public speaking coach with over 30 years of experience working across politics, education, healthcare, the arts, and business. Her approach is grounded in Dr. Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory, integrating science, art, mindfulness, and play to help people embody their voices with heart, humour, compassion and integrity.
An Educational Partner of the Polyvagal Institute, she teaches Aligning Our Voice with Our Intention and contributes as POD Leader in the Institute’s flagship Certificate Course, Safety, Connection and the Human Experience.
She has presented at major international events, including the Master Series in Oxford, Europe’s largest Trauma and Mental Health Conference at The Polyvagal Institute’s Legacy Talks with Dr Porges and Deb Dana in Florida, EACH: International Association for Communication in Healthcare in Zaragoza, The Four Cycles Institute in Sitges and IE University in Madrid, Spain.
Former senior instructor at Vancouver Film School (2002–2023), she is currently adjunct professor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Mathilde holds a BFA from National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA, Sydney) and advanced certifications in communication and trauma informed practice.
She is Australian Canadian and lives in Vancouver, BC.
