Polyvagal Theory is a relatively new concept in the field of psychology that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. It was created by Stephen Porges, PhD, an American neuropsychologist. Essentially, the polyvagal theory proposes that the nervous system is not just a binary system, but rather a complex system that is responsible for regulating our emotions, behavior, and even our physical health. This theory is all about understanding how our nervous system affects our mental and physical health, and how we can use this knowledge to improve our lives.
Polyvagal Theory is based on the idea that there are three main branches of the nervous system: the sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, these three systems work together to regulate our emotions and behaviour, and they are all interconnected in complex ways.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for our fight or flight response. This is the response that kicks in when we are faced with a threat or danger. It causes our heart rate to go up, our breathing to become faster and shallower, and our muscles to tense up. This response is designed to help us survive in dangerous situations, but it can also cause us to feel anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed.
The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, is responsible for our rest and digest response. This is how we enter into a relaxed state. It helps to slow down our heart rate, regulate our breathing, and relax our muscles. This response is important for maintaining good health and well-being, but it can also cause us to feel lethargic and unmotivated if it is overactive.
The social engagement system is responsible for our ability to connect with other people and form social bonds. It is activated when we are interacting with others in a positive and meaningful way. This system helps us to feel safe and secure, and it is important for our mental and emotional well-being.
So, what does all of this mean for people in psychotherapy? Well, Polyvagal Theory has some important implications for how we understand and treat mental health issues. For example, many mental health disorders are thought to be related to an overactive sympathetic nervous system. This means that people with anxiety disorders, for example, may be stuck in a state of hyperarousal, where their fight or flight response is constantly activated.
Understanding Polyvagal Theory can help therapists to develop more effective treatment plans for these types of disorders. By helping clients to activate their parasympathetic nervous system, therapists can help them to calm down and feel more relaxed. This can be done through techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery.
The social engagement system is also an important aspect of Polyvagal Theory when it comes to treating mental health disorders. People who struggle with social anxiety, for example, may have a hard time activating this system. By helping clients to feel safe and secure in social situations, therapists can help them to overcome their anxiety and build stronger social connections.
Being Polyvagal Informed as a clinical practice or treatment center can also help to improve treatment outcomes. By understanding the intricacies of the nervous system, therapists can develop more targeted and effective treatment plans. They can also help clients to understand how their nervous system is affecting their mental and physical health, which can be empowering and motivating.
For example, a treatment center that is Polyvagal Informed might offer a range of different therapies that are designed to activate different parts of the nervous system. They might offer yoga and mindfulness classes to help clients activate their parasympathetic nervous system, and they might offer group therapy sessions to help clients activate their social engagement system.
Ultimately, Polyvagal Theory is all about understanding the complex interplay between our nervous system, our emotions, and our behavior. By learning more about how these systems work together, we can develop more effective treatments for mental health disorders and help people to live happier, healthier lives. Whether you are a therapist, a client, or just someone who is interested in learning more about the fascinating world of psychology, the polyvagal theory is definitely worth exploring in more detail.
References
1. Porges, S. W. (2007). The polyvagal perspective. Biological Psychology, 74(2), 116-
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2. Dana, D. (2018). The polyvagal theory in therapy: Engaging the rhythm of regulation. WW
Norton & Company.
3. Korn, L., & Langer, E. (2019). Polyvagal theory and mind–body medicine. Explore: The
Journal of Science and Healing, 15(4), 251-258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2019.01.004