Polyvagal Informed Therapy

What is Polyvagal Informed Therapy

Polyvagal Informed Therapy (PVIT) is a psychotherapy approach that integrates the latest developments of neuroscience, including polyvagal theory and attachment theory, with traditional talk therapy. Dr. Stephen Porges, a psychologist and neuroscientist, developed polyvagal theory, which emphasizes the importance of the vagus nerve in regulating the autonomic nervous system and the neurophysiological response to stress. Through an understanding of how the nervous system works, PVIT provides psychoeducation and teaching of mind/body therapies, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, sound therapy, grounding exercises, and emotional regulation skills for nervous system regulation. This leads to better outcomes in trauma-informed therapy and strategies that clients can ultimately do on their own.

Understanding the Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system regulates how our bodies detect and respond to stress and energy management in our daily lives. Clients often seek therapy when it becomes clear that the nervous system's ability to regulate stress has become compromised to the point where it is felt in the body through symptoms like anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, sensory sensitivity, headaches, etc. When we live in conditions of stress, the nervous system stays on high alert to any signals of danger or threat. This can be exhausting for the nervous system and can lead to debilitating effects over time.

Stephen Porges coined the term "neuroception" to describe the nervous system's ability to detect whether one is safe or not. When one is in a chronic condition of threat, it becomes very difficult for the body to discern whether one is safe and to turn on the feelings of calm, safety, and relaxation.

PVIT helps clients relearn what it is like to be in a neuroception of safety so it is felt in the body, not just an idea. This is done through experiential practices that stimulate the vagus nerve and help people feel safe in the body and in relationship with self and others.

Our Polyvagal Informed Therapy Approach

There are a number of techniques that we offer at New Pathways that fall under the umbrella of PVIT. These can be stand-alone therapies that focus solely on vagus nerve exercises or techniques that are woven into the course of traditional talk therapy. Here are some of the different Polyvagal Informed Therapies that we offer at New Pathways:

• Safe and Sound Protocol

• Havening

• Neurofeedback

• Mindfulness Meditation & Grounding

• EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique or Tapping)

• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Co-regulation/Relational techniques)

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are interested in learning more and discussing which approach is best for you, book a free consultation with our Intake Manager through the Contact Us page.

Learn More About Polyvagal Theory and Therapy

We have many additional resources and reading materials on polyvagal theory and emotional regulation therapy in our blog section.