2026 eTalk #9: Leading practice with presence: trauma responsive tools for physios

In this presentation, Dr Polly McGee explores how trauma-responsive practice, nervous system regulation and leadership intersect within contemporary physiotherapy and allied health settings. Participants will examine how stress, safety, trauma, attachment patterns and emotional states influence client outcomes, team dynamics and clinical decision-making, while learning how a clinician’s own presence and regulation can become a powerful tool for healing, communication and leadership. Drawing on neuroscience, polyvagal-informed practice and real-world healthcare experience, this session challenges participants to view their clinic, team and professional practice through a human-centred nervous system lens.

Participants will leave with practical insights into how regulation supports better clinical outcomes, stronger therapeutic alliances and healthier workplace cultures. The session provides simple, evidence-informed strategies to support sustainable performance in complex healthcare environments.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the impact of stress, trauma and nervous system states on client behaviour, pain and recovery.
• Recognise how clinician regulation influences therapeutic relationships, communication and trust.
• Apply trauma-responsive principles to enhance patient care and team effectiveness.
• Identify personal stress patterns, triggers and regulation strategies to support sustainable practice.
• Develop practical tools to create psychologically safe, connected and high-performing clinical environments.

Presenter

Dr Polly McGee is an interpersonal neuroleadership consultant, psychotherapist, author and keynote speaker specialising in human behaviour under pressure and the optimisation of leadership and organisational systems. Polly works with organisations across government, health, education and industry to build trauma-responsive leadership capability and psychologically safe, high-performing cultures. With a career spanning national innovation programs, executive leadership, start-ups and academia, Polly brings a rare systems-level perspective to leadership and change. Their work integrates contemporary neuroscience, trauma theory and relational dynamics to help people understand how stress, identity and behaviour shape decision-making, communication and culture.

CPD Hours

1.0 hour

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Please note: The content of this eTalk was captured via a recording of a live lecture at the APA premises. Due to the nature of the event and the recording method, this LOD may not have captured some of the questions/comments from live audience. Your purchase of this module indicates your acceptance of this.