Finding a New Way Through Trauma: Exploring Polyvagal Therapy
When you think of trauma counselling, what comes to mind? Sitting on a couch, sharing every detail with a therapist? For some, the thought of reliving difficult experiences can feel overwhelming or even counterproductive. The good news is that therapeutic options now go beyond traditional talk therapy, offering methods designed to address trauma in a way that feels more approachable and less invasive. One such method is Polyvagal Therapy, a powerful, research-based approach that focuses on understanding and regulating our body’s nervous system.
What is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal Theory was developed by Dr. Stephen W. Porges and has been adapted by therapist Deb Dana specifically for trauma therapy. At its core, Polyvagal Theory centers on the role of the vagus nerve, which is one of the longest nerves in the body, running from the brainstem through the face, neck, chest, and down into the abdomen. This nerve is key to regulating our physical and emotional states, bridging the mind and body connection.
Polyvagal Theory helps us understand three main states of our autonomic nervous system:
Ventral Vagal State (Safety and Connection): In this state, we feel calm, safe, and able to engage socially. This is where we feel most grounded, centered, and capable of connecting with others.
Sympathetic State (Fight or Flight): In response to perceived danger, our body activates this state, leading to heightened arousal. We may experience increased energy, anxiety, anger, or the urge to act.
Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown and Collapse): This is a state of immobilization, where we may feel disconnected, numb, or shut down emotionally. Often, this happens as a protective response when we feel overwhelmed and need to withdraw.
Trauma and Nervous System States
Each of these states has an essential role in helping us navigate daily life, responding to both external and internal cues to keep us safe. However, when we experience trauma, the natural ebb and flow of these states can be disrupted. Trauma can cause us to become “stuck” in a high-alert, sympathetic state, where we’re constantly prepared for danger. Over time, staying in this heightened state becomes exhausting and can lead to the opposite response—a dorsal shutdown. This oscillation between hyper-arousal and withdrawal is a survival response, but it can deeply affect our quality of life and well-being.
How Polyvagal Therapy Works in Session
In Polyvagal Therapy, the aim is to help clients regain a sense of control and flow between these states without becoming stuck. Unlike traditional therapy, where one might feel pressured to recount trauma in detail, Polyvagal Therapy allows clients to explore their trauma at their own pace, with a focus on understanding and shifting their physiological responses.
A session often begins with exercises to help the client connect to their “ventral” state—the place of calm and safety. Therapists may guide clients to recall specific memories, colors, body sensations, or imagery that evoke this feeling of groundedness. Once a client is in a regulated state, the therapist may gently explore how sympathetic (fight-or-flight) or dorsal (shutdown) states show up in their body, helping them recognize these states without judgment. Clients learn techniques to shift back to the ventral state, creating a toolbox they can use both in and outside of therapy sessions.
The Benefits of Polyvagal Therapy for Trauma
Polyvagal Therapy empowers individuals to feel more in control of their body’s responses, especially in situations where they might otherwise feel overwhelmed. Over time, clients become adept at recognizing their nervous system’s signals, which is a foundational step in healing trauma. They learn that they have agency over their responses, which can be incredibly freeing for those who have felt “trapped” by their trauma responses.
This approach also allows for a flexible and compassionate form of healing, where clients can process their trauma in ways that feel safe and manageable. Whether someone chooses to explore their trauma in detail or simply work on emotional regulation, Polyvagal Therapy provides a supportive path tailored to individual needs.
Curious About Polyvagal Therapy?
If this approach resonates with you, consider discussing Polyvagal Therapy with a qualified therapist. Whether you seek to delve into trauma memories or simply improve emotional regulation, Polyvagal Therapy offers a unique and supportive approach. Healing is not one-size-fits-all, there are multiple paths forward, and you deserve to find one that respects your pace and comfort. Polyvagal Therapy might just be the key to finding your way back to a place of calm, resilience, and connection.
If you’d like to know more about Polyvagal therapy, call or email for an appointment with Carly Bruce.