Riding Emotional Waves: Using Polyvagal Theory and Somatic Experiencing

In our experience with our clients and our personal journeys, the integration of Polyvagal Theory and Somatic Experiencing has proven to be a transformative, healing approach for individuals seeking to regulate their emotions and heal the lingering effects of the past. These powerful techniques offer a nuanced understanding of the body's response to trauma or stress and provide practical tools for emotion regulation.

Like the children’s song tells us, the hand bone is connected to our wrist bone, our wrist bone is connected to our arm bone - but the same is true for our nervous system that runs throughout our entire body and yes, it is connected to, and includes, our brain. However, so much of traditional talk therapy focuses almost solely on the brain and leaves out the rest of the nervous system. Somatic based therapies like Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Experiencing, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) invite us to drop down into our bodies where so much of our responses to stress are stored.

Understanding Polyvagal Theory

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explores the intricate interplay between the autonomic nervous system and social engagement. This theory introduces the concept of the vagus nerve, highlighting its role in shaping our physiological responses to stress and trauma.

1. Engaging the Social Nervous System: Emphasize practices that activate the ventral vagus nerve, promoting a sense of safety and connection. The nervous is wired to regulated and dysregulate. When within functional ranges, this system essentially allows us to respond to danger in our environments and then settle back into rest and digest when the danger is over. However, the nervous system can get stuck with the accumulation of enough undigested stress. Techniques such as gentle vocalizations, eye contact, and prosody can help regulate the nervous system, as can the techniques illustrated below.

2. Co-regulation in Therapy:  Foster a therapeutic environment that supports co-regulation whether in individual therapy with your therapist or in couple therapy with your partner therapy works best when there is a developed process of co-regulation. Co-regulation is about establishing safety and trust within the relationship which in turn activates the ventral vagus, facilitating emotional regulation for the individual. Essentially we are wired to co-regulate and dysregulate together and learning how to co-regulated can be a healing experience in itself.

Somatic Experiencing Techniques

Somatic Experiencing, developed by Dr. Peter Levine, delves into the body's innate ability to heal from trauma. It focuses on renegotiating the fight, flight, or freeze responses to restore a sense of balance.

1. Tracking Sensations: One can begin to bring their gentle attention to notice bodily sensation and then continue to notice how sensations change or move, promoting awareness without overwhelming the nervous system. This process helps in preventing dissociation and allows for a gradual exploration of one's nervous system responses.

2. Titration and Pendulation: Break down overwhelming experiences into manageable components through titration by focusing on one part of a larger experience. Then the client is guided to pendulate between sensations of safety and discomfort, fostering a gradual and tolerable processing of traumatic stored experiences.

How this shows up in therapy sessions

1. Grounding Techniques: Incorporated grounding exercises that anchor clients in the present moment. This may involve mindful breathing, focusing on the senses, or using grounding objects to create a sense of stability.

2. Polyvagal Mapping: Guiding clients to observe and teach their therapist about their autonomic nervous system responses, empowering them to recognize and understand their bodily sensations. This awareness facilitates a sense of control and agency in emotional regulation. It also allows for there to be more options for co-regulation in the therapeutic relationship.

3. Resource Building: Identify and strengthen internal and external resources that contribute to a client's sense of safety. This may include sensory items, positive memories, supportive relationships, or coping strategies that enhance resilience.

In the evolving landscape of trauma psychotherapy, the blend of Polyvagal Theory and Somatic Experiencing, and other somatic modalities such as EMDR and IFS, offer a holistic framework for emotion regulation and healing. By weaving these techniques into the fabric of therapeutic interventions, practitioners can guide clients toward a path of healing, resilience, and restored emotional well-being. 

If you are a potential client interested in working with a somatic therapist or  a therapist seeking to broaden your somatic toolbox, please reach out to us at admin@ifsemdrtherapy.com. Our therapists are licensed and available to help those living in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Georgia, and Florida.

Keywords: Trauma therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, IFS, Emotion regulation, nervous system, Co-regulation, Somatic therapy

*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, Georgia, and Florida.  Morgan Levine also provides trauma-informed consultation to therapists worldwide. Connect with us through our website at https://ifsemdrtherapy.com/contact-us.