Nervous System Literacy: A Missing Link in Fostering Inclusion and Belonging
12 February 2026
10:00-11:15 AM PT / 1:00-2:15 PM ET / 7:00-8:15 PM CET
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Registration
- IOA Members: Free
Member registration includes access to the live webinar and the entire library of on-demand recordings.
- Non-Members: $250 USD per webinar
Non-member registration does not include access to the recording. Become a Member Today!
About the Course
Efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) often emphasize policies, practices, and interpersonal strategies. Although these approaches are important, they can fall short if they overlook the nervous system’s role in shaping how we interpret our surroundings, experience a sense of safety or danger, and engage in or withdraw from social connection. When we understand this biological foundation, our approaches to inclusion gain depth and effectiveness. This webinar introduces nervous system literacy — the capacity to recognize and work skillfully with our physiological states — as a missing link that deepens organizational DEIAB efforts. Drawing on Polyvagal Theory, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment theory, and restorative approaches to conflict, Dr. Jana Hendricks will explore how physiological states influence communication, emotional safety, and conflict navigation. Participants will gain practical, trauma-informed tools for recognizing nervous system responses in themselves and others, supporting regulation, and building trust and psychological safety. By integrating these insights into daily interactions, organizational ombuds can foster more resilient, inclusive, and relationally attuned workplaces — where belonging is not just a policy goal, but a lived experience.
Learning Objectives
After participating in this webinar, participants will be better able to:
- Identify how histories of trauma, adversity, neurodivergence, and workplace stressors influence nervous system regulation and shape responses to conflict.
- Recognize the four primary stress responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn) as they appear physiologically, emotionally, and behaviorally in workplace contexts.
- Explain how equity and belonging are not merely cognitive concepts, but embodied, visceral experiences that depend on cues of safety and connection.
- Apply foundational tools to regulate their own nervous systems, enhancing clarity, presence, and capacity when facilitating conflict resolution or supporting organizational change.
Professional Development Hours
This course has been submitted for 1.25 PDH pending approval.
About the Instructor
Dr. Jana Hendricks, Somatic Educator, Interpersonal Relations Consultant, Healing Touch Therapist
Dr. Jana Hendricks is a somatic educator and interpersonal dynamics consultant whose professional path bridges nervous system education, mind-body connection, and conflict resolution. Her early focus combined therapeutic bodywork with restorative justice, where she facilitated victim-offender dialogues to reduce juvenile incarceration and supported community reintegration for individuals with histories of violence.
After earning a master’s degree in theology and peace & conflict studies, Jana spent five years teaching English in Japan, where she focused on how meaning and connection emerge through body language and nonverbal communication. During her doctoral studies, she served as her school’s student representative for the Diversity and Inclusion Council, where she initiated several institutional changes that expanded equity and belonging for LGBTQIA+ students. She later earned a Ph.D. in somatic depth psychology, with research centered on mind-body healing, interpersonal neurobiology, and the resonance that arises between those in deep emotional connection.
Jana is based in Seattle, Washington (USA), where she runs The Resonant Body, her practice dedicated to helping companies, families, and individuals develop nervous system regulation, repair relational ruptures, and cultivate inclusive practices that strengthen resilience, belonging, and embodied connection.
Closed Captioning and Languages for Online Webinars & Meetings
IOA is dedicated to making meetings and content more accessible. All IOA Live Webinars will offer closed captioning. This service will also be available for IOA committee meetings upon request. Participation for all is encouraged; if you have any questions please email the IOA office at [email protected].
This course is presented in English. Captions are available in English by default. Individual participants may choose to see their captions translated into one of the following languages: Arabic, Bangla (beta), Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Czech, Danish (beta), Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French (France), German, Hebrew (beta), Hindi (beta), Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian (beta), Polish, Portuguese, Romanian (beta), Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil (beta), Turkish, Ukrainian, or Vietnamese.
IOA Online Learning & Virtual Event Policies
Webinar Cancellation Policy:
Notification of cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]. All cancellation requests received 21 days in advance of the event start date, will be issued a refund less a $10 USD processing fee. No refunds will be given thereafter except in the event of extenuating circumstances. Requests for registration cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected].
Substitute attendees will be permitted. Substitution requests must be in writing via email to [email protected] no later than two days before the event's start date. If you have any questions, please contact the office at [email protected].
Nonpayment Policy:
Full payment of registration fees is required 7 days before the start of a course. If payment is not made prior to the start of the course, event details will not be released to you and your registration may be canceled. The IOA office will contact registered individuals with a balance due before canceling their registration. If you have any questions, please contact the office at [email protected] or by phone at +1-206-209-5275.
Subject to Change or Cancellation:
All IOA Courses are subject to change and/or cancellation.
IOA asks that all registered attendees confirm system requirements and test their computers prior to the start of each virtual session. If the Zoom or other platform used experiences a failure that is beyond our control, IOA may reschedule the session. If an attendee experiences a technical failure on their end, and the session is being recorded, attendees may watch the recorded session. If the session is not recorded, no refund will be issued.
Recording Acknowledgement:
Each virtual session may be recorded. These recordings may be provided for later viewing and may be used for promotional purposes, advertising, and other print and online materials at the sole discretion of IOA. By registering for a virtual session you consent to be recorded by IOA when attending live sessions.
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