How We Regulate: Using Polyvagal Theory and Somatic Experiencing
Last updated: November 29, 2025
Why the Body Matters in Trauma Healing
Traditional talk therapy often focuses on thoughts and behavior—but much of our trauma lives in the body.
The nervous system holds the imprints of what we’ve lived through, how we adapted, and how we learned to survive. Just as the bones in the body connect and influence one another, our brain, body, and autonomic nervous system are deeply intertwined.
That’s why modalities like Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and IFS are so powerful. They help us access the body’s intelligence—where so many protective responses, emotional patterns, and sensations are stored.
Why We Use Somatic & Nervous System Approaches in Therapy
Somatic therapies help clients understand what their bodies are communicating, offering a more complete healing experience. When integrated into therapy, these approaches can help individuals:
1. Build Grounding Skills & Coping Tools
Somatic and nervous-system–informed therapies teach techniques such as:
mindful breathing
sensory orientation
grounding objects
gentle movement
self-soothing strategies
These practices help anchor clients in the present—especially when emotions or sensations feel intense. Download our free guide here.
2. Understand Their Unique Nervous System
By observing autonomic nervous system cues—activation, shutdown, numbness, overwhelm—clients begin to:
understand their patterns
recognize triggers
notice early signs of dysregulation
build internal compassion
For therapists, this provides rich information about how someone responds to the world and what their system needs to feel safe.
3. Identify Internal & External Supports
Somatic-oriented therapy helps identify resources such as:
comforting sensory items
supportive people
grounding activities
positive memories
body-based anchors
protective parts
These become foundational tools clients use inside and outside therapy.
Blending Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR & IFS
Together, these methods create a holistic regulation framework that supports healing from trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress.
When woven together intentionally, they help clients move from:
hypervigilance → grounded presence
shutdown → safe connection
overwhelm → emotional clarity
self-blame → self-compassion
⭐ Ready for a Therapist Who Works with the Body and the Mind?
Healing happens faster and more deeply when therapy includes the nervous system.
If you’re looking for EMDR, IFS-informed EMDR, or body-based trauma therapy to help you get unstuck…
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Team👇
More Reading:
When Talk Therapy Isn’t Enough: A Guide to Embodied Healing Through Intensives
Understanding Trauma: Symptoms and Healing
Healing Attachment Wounds: How EMDR and Parts Work Can Help
How to Know If an EMDR Intensive is Right for You
Authorship: This blog was written by Morgan Levine, LCSW (licensed in MD, DC, VA, PA, and CO). Morgan specializes in intensive EMDR therapy and IFS-Informed EMDR therapy offered in-person in her office or in Immersive Intensive Retreats, as well as virtually. Morgan is passionate about working with adults who want deeper healing and are ready to get unstuck from patterns of perfectionism, overworking, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, obsessions and compulsions, relationship issues, CPTSD, use of substances or people, attachment wounds, and specific trauma events.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health care nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. The information may change without notice. No claims, promises, or guarantees are made about the completeness, accuracy, currency, content or quality of information linked. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.
IFS EMDR Therapy Group is an outpatient therapy group founded by Morgan Levine. We specialize in helping adults struggling with the effects of living in dysfunctional systems move toward healing and wholeness. We provide therapy to address symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors including but not limited to using work, perfectionism, substances, relationships, food, etc. We offer ongoing support as well as EMDR intensives; both of which are informed by IFS, EMDR, DBT, CBT, Polyvagal Theory, trauma-informed yoga, attachment, and other recovery principles. Our therapists work virtually with clients living throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Florida. Morgan Levine also provides trauma-informed consultation to therapists worldwide.
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