Understanding Polyvagal Theory
The diagram of Understanding Polyvagal Theory is a visual representation of Dr. Stephen Porges’s theory of how our autonomic nervous system (ANS) works to keep us safe, alive and connected to ourselves and others.
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The first principle, neuroception, is a term coined by Dr. Porges to describe the process our ANS uses to assess for safety. There are three pathways of neuroception – inside, outside and between. Inside represents our internal physiology. Our ANS looks internally for cues of safety in all our biological systems. The second pathway is outside. This represents our environment all around us, which our ANS is constantly assessing for any cues of danger. Lastly comes between, and this happens from person to person, nervous system to nervous system, as our ANS seeks cues of safety for connection from those around us. The vagus nerve is key in this process.
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The cues of safety and danger determine the hierarchy of state for our nervous system. If the cues of safety outweigh the cues of danger, then we go into the ventral vagal, or parasympathetic state, where we feel safe and are open for connection and social engagement. If, however, the cues of danger outweigh cues of safety, then we go into a sympathetic, high-energy survival state. Our body releases a flood of adrenaline, and we are ready for flight or fight. If the signal of danger persists, we will eventually run out of energy, leading to either a real or perceived thwarted movement. This then drops us into the dorsal vagal, or freeze state, which is a low/no energy trauma state.
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As you look at the diagram, notice the highlighted areas of overlap between ventral vagal and both the sympathetic and dorsal vagal states. It is in the intersection of states that we can pause, notice, and name, bringing implicit memory such as body sensations, thoughts, feelings or emotions, into explicit awareness. Then we can integrate helpful interventions such as somatic parts work and somatic EMDR, to allow for shifts, change, and release. We can trust the innate wisdom of the body to safely guide this process and know both what it’s ready to work on and what it needs to do to complete the cycles.
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The third organizing principle of polyvagal theory is co-regulation. Co-regulation is the regulation that happens between nervous systems and is a biological imperative, meaning we could not survive without it. Babies are born with no ability to regulate themselves. They are fully dependent on others, ideally mom, to attune to their ANS, meeting it where it’s at, and helping it to regulate. This process of attunement leading to co-regulation develops trust, and from that comes attachment. We can develop an earned secure attachment at any age.
Leveraging resources and tools that provide cues of safety and support we can regulate our own ANS and return to the ventral vagal state where we are open and ready for connection with ourselves and others. We can build trust within ourselves and repair attachment wounds as we learn to attune to our body and our parts and respond to their needs. Deepening our attunement increases our attachment. Developing relationship and attunement within ourself creates embodiment. Being embodied leads us into true authenticity. Returning to our authentic self returns us to wholeness.
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Are you ready to return to wholeness? Contact me today to discuss if coaching is the next best step in your journey.
