Our body’s autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in our quest for well-being. So what if we could understand and harness its power to heal ourselves from within? That’s the essence of Polyvagal Therapy. It’s a journey into the world of your autonomic nervous system, where you’ll learn to regulate your emotions, manage stress, and find inner peace.
With HA Counselling by your side, you won’t have to navigate this journey alone. I will guide you through the world of your autonomic nervous system, where you’ll learn to regulate your emotions, manage stress, and find inner peace.
At the heart of Polyvagal-Informed Therapy lies the Polyvagal Theory (PVT), a conceptual framework developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. This theory underscores the significant role played by the autonomic nervous system in regulating our health and behaviour.
PVT comprises three defining principles that form the basis of this transformative therapeutic approach:
According to PVT, the ANS operates on a hierarchical basis, consisting of three distinct response states. The ventral vagal state, associated with feelings of safety and social engagement, is at the top of the hierarchy.
Next is the sympathetic fight-or-flight state, activated during stress or danger. Lastly, the dorsal vagal state, linked to immobilization and shutdown responses, is at the bottom.
It describes our subconscious ability to detect cues of safety or threat in our environment, even when we are not consciously aware of them. Dysregulated neuroception can trigger ANS responses, impacting our emotional and physical states.
It emphasizes the role of social engagement and connection in regulating ANS responses. Positive interactions with others can promote feelings of safety and reduce stress responses.
Polyvagal-informed therapy is an exploration of theory and a practical and transformative approach to healing. Here’s how it can benefit you:
Polyvagal-informed therapy delves into the hierarchy of the ANS and neuroception to help you gain insight into your automatic physiological responses to stressors. Understanding these responses is the first step toward managing them.
You can learn how to utilize social engagement and positive relationships to regulate your emotions effectively through co-regulation. This may be particularly helpful for individuals dealing with emotional dysregulation.
Polyvagal-informed therapy is particularly effective for trauma survivors. It helps individuals release trapped traumatic energy and build a sense of safety and connection.
Learning to navigate the ANS hierarchy and fostering co-regulation can lead to healthier interpersonal relationships as you become more attuned to yourself and others.
As you gain control over your ANS responses and reduce stress, you become more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
Polyvagal-informed therapy dives deep into the intricate workings of your autonomic nervous system, empowering you to understand, manage, and ultimately heal from past traumas and stressors.
Humaira Amir is a psychotherapist registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a clinical counsellor registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
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