As a therapist specializing in both EMDR and polyvagal theory, I often get asked about how these approaches can help individuals heal from trauma and improve their mental and emotional well-being. One of the most effective frameworks I use in my work is Polyvagal Informed Therapy, which is grounded in the science of the autonomic nervous system. But what exactly is Polyvagal Theory, and how does it apply to therapy?
Understanding Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, helps explain how our nervous system reacts to stress, trauma, and everyday life. It focuses on the vagus nerve, which plays a significant role in regulating our body’s response to threat and safety. Our nervous system can operate in three main states:
The Social Engagement System (Safe and Connected) – When we feel safe, calm, and connected, our body is able to function optimally. Our heart rate and breathing are steady, and we can engage in meaningful connections with others.
The Fight or Flight System (Threat Response) – When we perceive a threat, whether physical or emotional, our sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, panic, and hyperarousal.
The Freeze or Shutdown System (Immobilization) – When the threat feels overwhelming or we perceive we have no control, our body may go into a freeze or shutdown state, leading to feelings of numbness, dissociation, or shutdown.
How Polyvagal Informed Therapy Works
Polyvagal Informed Therapy helps clients understand and regulate their nervous system responses. It’s about recognizing the subtle cues your body gives when it feels safe or unsafe and then using somatic techniques to help you move toward a state of safety and balance. In therapy, we work on increasing your awareness of your body’s responses, developing skills to self-regulate, and creating a sense of safety, especially when dealing with past trauma.
If you’ve ever felt “stuck” in your body or overwhelmed by emotions, polyvagal-informed therapy can help you re-establish a sense of control and calm. By understanding the role your nervous system plays in how you react to situations, you can begin to rebuild a healthier, more balanced connection with yourself.
Why Polyvagal Informed Therapy Can Help You
Polyvagal-informed therapy can be beneficial for anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, or relationship issues. It can help you:
Increase body awareness and understand how your nervous system responds to stress.
Develop self-regulation tools to help you return to a calm and grounded state.
Release physical tension stored in the body due to past trauma.
Improve your emotional resilience by learning how to stay present and connected in difficult situations.
This approach emphasizes the importance of feeling safe, both in your body and with others. As we work together, I’ll guide you through techniques to help you build a deeper connection with your body’s wisdom and increase your ability to self-soothe and self-regulate.
If you're struggling to manage overwhelming emotions or feel disconnected from your body, polyvagal-informed therapy may be the gentle approach you need to heal and restore balance.
In Wellness,
Marlo Drago
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