Polyvagal Theory

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

 

Polyvagal Theory, as created by Dr. Stephen Porges, is also known as “the science of safety”

The Polyvagal Theory looks at the neurobiology of the autonomic nervous system from the lens of survival to highlight two key functions: our need for connection to survive/thrive, as well as strategies for reacting to cues of safety, danger, and life threat.

This theory outlines 3 physiological states that are representative of 3 different branches of our autonomic nervous system—a system that also controls the autonomic functions of many of our internal systems:

  1. Ventral Vagal,

  2. Sympathetic, and

  3. Dorsal Vagal

Each of these three states is associated with a characteristic pattern of response that correlates with a shift in mood, physiological response, and perspective of self/the world.

Additionally, as we experience any form of trauma in our lives, our nervous system will adapt to help us survive these dangerous conditions. However, once the dangerous conditions are removed, we are then faced with the task of re-tuning our nervous system back to its original state.

How does this apply to therapy?

Introducing my clients to Polyvagal Theory provides a neuroanatomical framework to help concretely explain and validate some of the ambiguous and seemingly inexplicable experiences that are often associated with my clients’ mental health symptoms/adaptive response to trauma.

With this increased insight and awareness, we can

  • Learn to re-tune the nervous system

  • Learn to self-regulate through the use of tailored music choices, movement patterns, and breathing exercises

  • Learn to manually transition to a regulated state

Additionally, we can look at the use of other therapeutic modalities to support long-term healing, such as

As a therapist, I do my best to present cues of safety and co-regulation within the context of the therapeutic relationship to support my client’s capacity to tolerate the discomfort that may come with the healing process.

Want to learn more from the experts?

What is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve

  • auditory processing,

  • behavioral state regulation, and

  • social engagement behaviors

As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to retune the nervous system to better support

  • connection,

  • collaboration, and

  • resilience.

The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider in person or remotely.

Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with

  • trauma,

  • anxiety,

  • sensory processing differences and more.

 
 
 

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

How does this apply outside of therapy?

In addition to my day job as a therapist, I have recently begun practicing the Krav Maga form of martial arts in my spare time. I have been able to take my knowledge and training of the Polyvagal Theory and personally integrate it into my martial arts training.

I can recognize when my nervous system state has down-regulated and how it interferes with my capacity to focus, maintain control over my body, and stay present in what I am doing; and I can implement coping skills to redirect and regulate.

I have been able to look back over the course of my training and recognize where instructors and sparring partners have provided cues of safety, as well as identify experiences where I may have been triggered by cues of danger via the presence/absence of instructor cues, environmental cues, and/or internal cues (based on my own personal triggers).

I can also track improvements in my technique and skillset parallel to my increased sense of safety over the course of my ongoing training.

“As a result, I have developed a training program to introduce martial arts instructors to the Polyvagal Theory and how they can integrate it with their instruction process”

This professional development training will address the following goals to:

  1. Increase physical safety of via increased emotional safety,

  2. Increase capacity for learning,

  3. Increase student resilience, and

  4. Increase student retention

Polyvagal theory has been widely researched and adapted to a variety of contexts from the classroom to the therapy office. It has shown to be applicable to benefit all students from youth to adult.

“Indeed, martial arts are characterized by a hybrid physiological state of mobilization where there is a dynamic interaction in which the vagal brake is repeatedly inhibited to support body movement and then recovered in socially engaging behaviors, thus, exercising neural regulation of the autonomic nervous system” - Caio Amaral Gabriel citing Lucas et al, 2016

If you are interested in learning more or scheduling a training, click here .

Next steps include:

  • Sending a proposal outlining the objectives and training overview.

  • Scheduling a consultation call to discuss how the training can be adapted to fit the needs of your program and instructors.