NZAPH Professional Development evening

Working With the Male Nervous System: A Polyvagal-Informed Approach

This session explores how male nervous system patterns shape behaviour in clinical settings. Participants will learn to distinguish between dorsal shutdown, sympathetic mobilisation, and ventral safety states, and understand how masculine socialisation and attachment history influence neuroception and emotional regulation. Practical strategies include language, pacing, and co-regulation techniques that support male clients safely and effectively. The session combines evidence-based theory, clinical case examples, and a short experiential exercise in body-based nervous system tracking, giving clinicians tools to improve engagement, reduce misattunement, and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Dean Badcock, RPMNZAPH, LicAc, CCTP-II

Dean is a clinician specialising in men’s health and trauma-informed care. Combining clinical hypnotherapy, and contemporary neuroscience approaches—including polyvagal theory, somatic therapies, and parts work—Dean supports men in navigating stress, trauma, and emotional regulation. He works with clients to translate these insights into practical strategies for engagement, safety, and nervous system…