Your Resolve
What is Polyvagal Therapy
Polyvagal therapy, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explores a three-part nervous system rather than the traditional two-part antagonistic system. The two-part nervous system response involves the functions that help us manage life-threatening situations, a signal triggering less calming activation and a signal triggering more calming activation. Most counselors are familiar with the two defense mechanisms triggered by these two parts of the nervous system: sympathetic fight-or-flight and parasympathetic shutdown. However, Porge’s work introduces the effect of the ventral branch of the vagal nerve that affects emotional regulation and bodily reaction. This branch serves the social engagement system. Similar to the interaction between dogs at a dog park where some dogs will exhibit fight-or-flight behaviors and some will signal a wish to play, our social engagement theory is characterized by the playful spirit we feel when we feel like we are in a safe environment
3 Key Principles
According to the Polyvagal Institute, the polyvagal theory has three principles: the hierarchy of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), neuroception and co-regulation. Each of these principles works together to explain the mechanisms and efficacy of the polyvagal theory.
- Hierarchy of the ANS
Through evolutionary research we have found that we have three main states of existence that we adaptively shift through according to how safe we feel in a given moment. These three states are relaxed, immobilized, and mobilized. Sometimes these states are interdependent and interact to form hybrid states.
- Neuroception
Regulation of ANS comes from our neuroception of our surroundings which is constantly scanning our environment for cues of safety and danger. Although our neuroception is a powerful tool, our autonomic state is what ultimately dictates our current state. The flexibility of this autonomic state is heavily reliant on our resilience. Because of this, a more resilient individual will have an inclination toward detecting cues of safety while a less resilient individual is more predisposed to detect threats. These predispositions are formed as a result of trauma or lack thereof. However, when the ANS is in a calm state dominated by the ventral vagal pathway, neuroception is less likely to trigger defensive and panic responses.
- Co-regulation
PVT explains that we regulate these emotional reactions by sending physical signals like facial expressions, head movement, and vocal intonations to signal to others which ANS state we are currently experiencing.
How can Polyvagal help with trauma work?
In the context of trauma, Polyvagal Theory suggests that traumatic experiences can cause individuals to become stuck in a state, which is associated with immobilization, disconnection, and a sense of hopelessness.Fortunately, if an individual has faulty neuroception, they can use polyvagal therapy to ‘unstick’ them from harmful thought processes and physiological reactions that result from trauma. Polyvagal therapy primarily focuses on bodily sensations where a therapist will help clients develop an awareness of their physiological reactions to triggers and teach clients to regulate their autonomic nervous system.
As an avid researcher, I pull from 30 years of practice and study in various additional psychotherapeutic and health disciplines- incorporating nutrition and movement-based strategies, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, energy psychology and expressive arts.
