Bridger Falkenstien, an expert in Polyvagal Theory, explores the autonomic hierarchy, neuroception, and co-regulation. They discuss the importance of understanding scars and adaptations in therapy, as well as the empowering effects of the Polyvagal Theory. The chapter concludes with a focus on neuroplasticity and the opportunity for individuals to rewire their brains. The speakers express their enthusiasm for the theory and launching a new podcast.
Understanding the autonomic hierarchy helps to normalize and de-shame clients' responses and provides a framework for therapy.
EMDR therapy aligns well with polyvagal theory, activating the nervous system to reshape responses and prevent dorsal vagal shutdown.
Therapists play a crucial role as co-regulatory figures, offering a regulated nervous system to help clients come out of dorsal vagal shutdown and reshape their responses.
Deep dives
The Three Components of Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal theory is based on three main components: autonomic hierarchy, neuroception, and co-regulation. Autonomic hierarchy refers to the different levels of the autonomic nervous system, ranging from the safe and social engagement system (ventral vagal) to sympathetic activation (flight or fight) to dorsal vagal shutdown (immobilization with fear). Understanding this hierarchy helps to normalize and de-shame clients' responses and provides a framework for therapy. Neuroception is the constant scanning of the environment by the nervous system to determine the level of safety or danger. It plays a key role in shaping responses and can be trained to become more accurate. Co-regulation is the importance of having a co-regulatory figure, such as a therapist or caregiver, to help the client's nervous system regulate and rewire. Co-regulation is crucial in helping clients come out of dorsal vagal shutdown and build resilience in their nervous system.
EMDR and Polyvagal Theory
EMDR therapy aligns well with polyvagal theory as it focuses on working directly with the nervous system. By activating the nervous system and involving the whole system during reprocessing, EMDR helps clients become more agile and resilient in their responses. EMDR also addresses implicit memory, which is key in trauma work, and can support clients in changing their responses to triggers and preventing dorsal vagal shutdown. The integration of EMDR and polyvagal theory enhances the therapeutic process and empowers clients to reshape their nervous system's reactions.
The Role of Neuroception and Co-Regulation
Neuroception, the constant scanning of the nervous system, plays a crucial role in shaping responses and detecting danger or safety cues. Understanding neuroception helps therapists identify faulty responses and work on correcting them. Co-regulation is key in therapy, as clients need external support to come out of dorsal vagal shutdown and build resilience. Therapists can provide a co-regulatory presence by being aware of their own nervous system and intentionally offering their regulated state to clients. The importance of co-regulation in reshaping and conditioning the nervous system cannot be overstated.
The Power of Regulating the Nervous System
Polyvagal theory highlights the importance of working with the nervous system and understanding its responses. By recognizing the autonomic hierarchy, therapists can help clients navigate their responses more effectively. EMDR therapy and polyvagal theory go hand in hand, as both prioritize working with the nervous system and reshaping responses to triggers. The integration of these approaches offers hope to clients, as neuroplasticity allows for change and growth in the nervous system. By embracing the power of co-regulation and shaping the nervous system, therapists can support clients in achieving lasting healing and resilience.
The Therapist's Role and the Importance of Presence
Therapists play a crucial role as co-regulatory figures in helping clients regulate their nervous systems. By offering a regulated nervous system, therapists provide safety and support, encouraging clients to borrow their calm and move out of dorsal vagal shutdown. The therapist's presence is key in therapy, as their regulated nervous system communicates safety and helps reshape the client's responses. Mindfulness and self-regulation practices for therapists are essential to ensure they show up in sessions with a regulated nervous system, creating a healing space for clients.
