What is Polyvagal Theory?
If you have been in one of my sessions, you are likely familiar with this map. It describes the functions of our nervous system and how we can go from feeling ok to super anxious or shut down when we detect threat. A few key concepts that this map helps us to understand are the following:
1. Hierarchy: The autonomic nervous system reacts in three reaction patterns, which are activated in a specific order.
When we detect threat, the Sympathetic fight/flight response comes online, mobilizing chemicals such as adrenaline to get us out of danger. Functions such as blood pressure and heart rate increase follow suit.
When there appears to be no escape, no end to the treat, we can then move into what Stephen Porges calls the Dorsal Vagal experience. The “blue zone” as I call it, which fits nicely with the Zones of Regulation I used to teach to elementary students. In Blue, we technically shut down, becoming immobilized and have difficulty thinking and feeling much.
Once we find safety and/or the threat is over, we can head back down the ladder towards sympathetic and eventually the Green Zone of Ventral Vagal regulation. Our “happy place”!
2. Neuroception: this concept describes how our bodies can perceive things such as threat, without having the thought first.
The automatic nature of autonomic nervous system means that we are receiving signals of safety and danger all the time.
In our own bodies (ex: heart rate/breath), in our environment (ex: noise, energy) and interpersonally (body posture/gaze).
When we “neurocept” danger cues, our body responds to protect, when it cues into safety, we can relax and be present.
3. Co-regulation: The need to feel safe enough to allow oneself to be in relationship to another
Our nervous systems are not isolated entities. We are constantly picking up on the energy of others. Especially those of us who have been primed to do so for our survival and safety.
One of the beautiful aspects of a solid therapeutic relationship is for the opportunity for clients to co-regulate with a calm and grounded nervous system. When you have people that can provide this calm, a 10 second hug is one of my favourite homework assignments for clients. If you can’t find calm, borrow someone else’s!
The ‘polyvagal’ concept refers to the dual role of the parasymptathetic nervous system through two aspects (dorsal and ventral) of the vagus nerve.
To learn more, here are some great polyvagal resources to get started:
- Website: https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/whatispolyvagaltheory
- Video explanation: https://youtu.be/OeokFxnhGQo
- Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Anchored-Befriend-Nervous-System-Polyvagal/dp/1683647068
