The important role of the Autonomic Nervous System in therapy
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is a beautiful, complex system that supports our ability to both respond to threat and seek safety. This system gives us clues about what we need to respond to both emotional and physical threat. Polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, is a neurobiological theory that helps us understand the complex interplay between the autonomic nervous system (ANS), social engagement, and our physiological and emotional responses to stress and trauma.
At the core of polyvagal theory is the understanding that the Nervous System operates in a hierarchical manner, with each level serving a specific purpose:
Ventral Vagal Complex: This is the highest level of the hierarchy and is associated with a state of safety and social engagement. When the VVC is active, it promotes calmness, social connection, and the ability to self-regulate. It supports prosocial behaviors, empathy, and effective communication
Sympathetic Nervous System: When we are initially faced with perceived threats or stressors, the sympathetic nervous system kicks into action, initiating the well-known "fight-or-flight" response. This response triggers a cascade of physiological changes, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened awareness. In this state you may also experience racing thoughts
Dorsal Vagal Complex: The lowest level of the hierarchy and is associated with immobilization and shut-down responses. This state occurs when our nervous system perceives extreme threat or danger, leading to behaviors like dissociation, collapse, or freeze. It is an evolutionary survival strategy to conserve energy and avoid further harm.
While essential for survival in dangerous situations, chronic activation of the sympathetic and dorsal vagal system can lead to detrimental effects on our health. The Polyvagal theory provides us with a roadmap for navigating dysregulation. If we are able to learn how to recognize nervous system dysregulation we can work towards safety using the tools available to us. By using this model in therapy we can learn about each client’s individual and unique nervous system responses. By mapping out the triggers and needs we can began to learn how to create more safety and flexibility within the nervous system. If we are able to get back to a place of Ventral Vagal safety we can make more aligned decisions, feel grounded and connect on a deeper level.