Understanding Polyvagal Theory: A Gentle Approach to Healing Trauma
When we think about healing from trauma, we often focus on the mind. But the body holds onto trauma, too, and that’s where polyvagal theory comes in. This approach, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, helps us understand how our nervous system responds to stress, danger, and safety. It offers a compassionate, body-based framework that I often integrate into counseling for trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, chronic illness, and anxiety, to name a few.
So what is polyvagal theory, and why is it helpful in trauma counseling?
What is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal theory is all about the vagus nerve, one of the longest and most important nerves in the body. It connects your brain to your heart, lungs, and digestive system, and it plays a major role in how you respond to stress and connect with others.
According to polyvagal theory, our nervous system has three main states:
Ventral Vagal (Safe and Social): This is where we feel calm, connected, and present. It's the state where healing and growth are possible.
Sympathetic (Fight or Flight): This state kicks in when we sense danger. We might feel anxious, angry, or panicked.
Dorsal Vagal (Shutdown or Freeze): When we feel overwhelmed or hopeless, we may shut down emotionally or physically. This is the "freeze" response.
In trauma or PTSD, our nervous system can get stuck in fight, flight, or freeze modes. That’s why talk therapy alone isn’t always enough. We need approaches that help regulate the nervous system, too.
How Polyvagal Theory Supports Trauma Therapy
When we use polyvagal-informed therapy, we work gently with the body’s stress responses. We notice what state your nervous system is in and help shift it toward safety and connection.
For example, we might use grounding exercises, breathwork, movement, or mindfulness to help your body feel safe enough to process painful memories. We don’t force anything. Instead, we create space for your nervous system to find balance again.
This approach is especially helpful if you:
Feel "stuck" in patterns of anxiety or fear
Struggle with emotional numbness or disconnection
Have difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in your body
Experience chronic stress or health conditions
Have experienced trauma
A Compassionate Path to Healing
One of the things I appreciate most about polyvagal theory is that it takes the shame out of trauma responses. It helps you understand that your reactions, whether it’s shutting down, lashing out, or disconnecting, are survival strategies. With the right support, those patterns can shift.
Want to Learn More?
If you're curious about how trauma therapy grounded in polyvagal theory might support your healing, I’d love to connect.
Contact me today to schedule a free consultation and take the next step toward healing.
