Navigating Trauma: Unlocking the Power of Your Nervous System and Relationships for Lasting Healing through Polyvagal Theory and Interpersonal Neurobiology

You’ve probably heard people in Instagram or Tiktok talk about the significance of the mind-body connection in healing. Maybe you are nodding your head thinking, “I totally get that” or maybe you’re thinking to yourself “Well that seems to make sense, but I don’t totally get how…” Polyvagal Theory helps to explain how our nervous system is impacted by our environment and our experiences in ways that help make sense of our responses. What feels the most significant to me about Polyvagal Theory is the way it helps people shift from asking “What’s wrong with me?” or “ I’m such a bad person for yelling at my partner” to a feeling of making deep, coherent sense. To be able to go from “Why the heck did I respond that way?” to “Oh, my nervous system was clearly not feeling safe which shifted me into that state of fight-or-flight and that contributed me to yelling at my partner” can help people develop self-compassion and a deeper sense of agency over their feelings and behavioral responses.

 Polyvagal Theory has emerged as a groundbreaking framework, shedding light on the intricate connection between the autonomic nervous system and emotional well-being. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, this theory has profound implications for trauma therapy, offering a unique lens through which therapists can understand and address the effects of trauma on the nervous system. Here we will explore some tenants of Polyvagal Theory and its transformative potential in trauma healing, while also delving into the theory of Interpersonal Neurobiology and its correlation with Polyvagal Theory.

The Foundation of Polyvagal Theory:

At the heart of Polyvagal Theory lies the concept of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the body's intricate network responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions. The ANS is divided into three branches, each associated with distinct physiological and behavioral responses: the ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal.

Ventral Vagal State:

• The ventral vagal state is often referred to as the "social engagement system." When active, it promotes feelings of safety, connection, and social engagement. This state allows for optimal functioning, enabling individuals to communicate, connect, and navigate the complexities of social interactions with ease.

Sympathetic State:

• The sympathetic state is activated in response to perceived threats, triggering the well-known fight-or-flight response. What is important to understand about this is that our nervous system is constantly scanning, below the level of conscious awareness, to be able to answer the question of “am I safe or unsafe?” If the answer is “unsafe” (which can be informed by a sense of a lack of safety- again, below the level of conscious awareness, within our own bodies, in our environments, or in relationship, our nervous system will shift out of the ventral vagal state of the nervous system and into the sympathetic or dorsal state.  In a sympathetically charged state, the body prepares to confront or evade danger, releasing stress hormones and heightening physiological arousal. While essential for survival, chronic activation of the sympathetic state can contribute to stress-related disorders and impact overall well-being.

Dorsal Vagal State:

• The dorsal vagal state is associated with immobilization and shutdown responses. This state is evoked in extreme situations of perceived threat when the body's energy resources are depleted. Individuals may experience symptoms such as dissociation, numbness, and disconnection from their surroundings.

Polyvagal Theory and Trauma:

Understanding Polyvagal Theory is particularly crucial in the context of trauma therapy. Trauma, whether acute or chronic, can dysregulate the autonomic nervous system, disrupting the natural flow between its different states. Individuals who have experienced trauma may find themselves stuck in survival-oriented states, making it challenging to engage in therapeutic processes that require a sense of safety and connection.

Impact on Social Engagement:

• Trauma survivors may struggle to access the ventral vagal state, hindering their ability to engage in healthy relationships. Therapists employing Polyvagal Theory can identify signs of social engagement difficulties and tailor interventions to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.

Chronic Sympathetic Activation:

• The chronic activation of the sympathetic state can lead to heightened arousal, anxiety, and hypervigilance. Trauma survivors may perceive threats even in non-threatening situations, making it essential for therapists to recognize signs of sympathetic dominance and implement strategies to regulate arousal levels.

Dorsal Vagal Responses:

• Individuals who have experienced severe trauma may exhibit dorsal vagal responses, characterized by withdrawal, dissociation, and feelings of helplessness. Therapists versed in Polyvagal Theory can approach these responses with sensitivity, gradually guiding clients towards states of increased safety and connection.

Polyvagal-Informed Therapeutic Approaches:

Establishing Safety and Connection:

• The foundation of trauma therapy informed by Polyvagal Theory is the establishment of safety and connection. Therapists prioritize creating an environment that supports the activation of the ventral vagal state, allowing clients to experience a sense of safety and trust.

Regulating Arousal Levels:

• Recognizing the signs of sympathetic activation, therapists employ techniques to regulate arousal levels. This may include breathwork, mindfulness, and other somatic interventions designed to bring the nervous system into a more balanced state.

Navigating Dissociation:

• For clients experiencing dorsal vagal responses and dissociation, therapists employ gentle grounding techniques to reconnect individuals with the present moment. This may involve sensory-based interventions or practices that foster a sense of safety within the body.

Polyvagal Theory Beyond the Therapy Room:

The impact of Polyvagal Theory extends beyond individual therapy sessions. As therapists integrate this framework into their practice, they contribute to a broader understanding of trauma and mental health. Additionally, individuals can benefit from learning about Polyvagal Theory, gaining insights into their own nervous system responses and building resilience in the face of stressors.

The Interplay of Neurobiology and Psychology:

Polyvagal Theory bridges the gap between neurobiology and psychology, providing a nuanced understanding of how our physiological responses shape our emotional experiences. By recognizing the interplay between the autonomic nervous system and mental health, therapists can tailor interventions that address the root of trauma, offering clients a pathway to profound healing.

Interpersonal Neurobiology and its Correlation with Polyvagal Theory:

Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), developed by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, is a multidisciplinary framework that explores the intersection of the mind, brain, and relationships. It emphasizes the integration of various scientific disciplines, including neurobiology, psychology, and sociology, to understand the profound impact of relationships on brain development and mental well-being.

In the context of Polyvagal Theory, IPNB aligns seamlessly, as both frameworks underscore the importance of relationships in shaping neural pathways and regulating the nervous system. Siegel's IPNB emphasizes the concept of "neuroplasticity," the brain's ability to reorganize itself based on experience. Similarly, Polyvagal Theory highlights how the nervous system's responses are influenced by social interactions and the quality of relationships.

Understanding the integration of IPNB and Polyvagal Theory enhances trauma therapy by acknowledging the role of relationships in rewiring the brain. Therapists can utilize this knowledge to create therapeutic environments that not only address the immediate impacts of trauma on the nervous system but also foster long-term neurobiological changes through positive and attuned interpersonal interactions.

Polyvagal Theory and Interpersonal Neurobiology stand as beacons of hope in the realm of trauma therapy, offering profound understandings of the intricate dance between the nervous system, relationships, and emotional well-being. By embracing these frameworks, therapists can navigate the complexities of trauma with greater precision, creating therapeutic environments that foster safety, connection, and healing. As we continue to explore the multifaceted nature of Polyvagal Theory and Interpersonal Neurobiology, their potential to revolutionize trauma therapy becomes increasingly evident, guiding both therapists and clients towards a path of restoration and resilience.