Polyvagal therapy for stress
What is polyvagal therapy?
Polyvagal Therapy (PVT) is a type of therapy developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, based on the Polyvagal Theory. The theory suggests that the nervous system plays a crucial role in how we respond to stress, trauma, and other external stimuli.
According to the theory, the nervous system has two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is responsible for the "rest and digest" response. The PNS also has two parts: the ventral vagus nerve and the dorsal vagus nerve.
The ventral vagus nerve is responsible for regulating social engagement and connection, and the dorsal vagus nerve is responsible for the freeze response, which is associated with feelings of dissociation and disconnection.
Polyvagal Therapy focuses on regulating the nervous system by engaging the ventral vagus nerve and strengthening its ability to regulate the body's response to stress. Techniques used in PVT may include mindfulness, breathing exercises, body awareness, and movement therapy.
PVT can be used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and developmental trauma. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such…
