The Polyvagal and “Everything” Series
A few blogs ago, I said I was starting a series explaining the Polyvagal Theory through story. I am editing that a bit and am changing this to The Polyvagal Theory and (insert topic here). To begin this series, I’ll share the graphic I created after years of studying this theory with Dr. Stephen Porges and Deb Dana.
The blog will be a place where I share stories to help explain how this theory impacts our understanding of nervous system functioning and what it looks like in everyday life.
The Polyvagal Theory tells us that we have three primary nervous system states and these three states have a variety of expressions which are unique to each individual. These three states are:
Social connection – seeking to be in contact and safe with others (labeled A in the map below)
Mobilization – think flee or fight (labeled B in the map below)
Immobilization – think some level of shut down (labeled C in the map below)
We experience these three states when we are feeling both emotionally safe and emotionally unsafe. This blog will focus on unsafe experiences in our nervous system.
You know that feeling you get when you first meet somebody and think, “Ummmmm, no”? That sensation is information your autonomic nervous system(ANS) is giving you to let you know this person doesn’t feel safe, maybe physically and maybe emotionally. Sometimes we call this experience a first impression, sixth sense or perception. We know now, through the work of Dr. Porges, that this sense is a result of our vagus nerve and ANS. Neuroception is the term Dr. Porges coined to describe this experience. Our neural systems (nervous system) read our environment and the people in it to assess for safety or danger, both physically AND emotionally. This happens continuously and unconsciously. Why do some people seem to have this sensation more than others? They pay attention to body sensations.
Here is half of the map I created to represent our unsafe experiences:
In the section labeled A, we note the experiences we have when we are around people with whom we don’t feel safe. Maybe you feel uneasy with others, disconnected, judged, unsure of how to be with them. You might consider what you see yourself doing in this situation. What are you thinking, feeling, saying? Where do you feel it in your body? Where are you? Who is with you?
In the section labeled B, we note the experiences we have when we feel “triggered.” Maybe you feel uneasy, overwhelmed or like one more thing would put you over the edge. Again, consider what you see yourself doing in this situation. What are you thinking, feeling, saying? Where do you feel it in your body? Where are you? Who is with you?
In the section labeled C, we note the experiences we have when we feel shut down. Maybe you feel like not enough, collapsed, like you did not have energy for one more thing, hard to find hope, like there was glass between you and the other person. Again, consider what you see yourself doing in this situation. What are you thinking, feeling, saying? Where do you feel it in your body? Where are you? Who is with you?
When we neurocept danger, these things happen:
We look for helpers, just like Mr. Rogers suggested. (Social connection)
If we don’t see helpers or feel connection to the people near us, we automatically move into looking for a way to flee. (Mobilization)
If we don’t see a way to flee, we look to fight. (Mobilization)
If we sense fighting won’t work, we move into shut down/freeze. (Immobilization)
It is important to note that these responses happen in less than a second and usually go unnoticed. This is because they happen in the brain stem which is where all functions of the body happen without awareness.
Our work with the Polyvagal Theory is to bring these reactions into conscious awareness so we can work with our nervous system reactions and our bodies desire to connect and survive with more ease.
In my next blog – in two weeks, we will talk about what happens when we feel safe in connection. Stay tuned! In the meantime, give yourself a moment to breathe and enjoy these pictures which I hope bring you a feeling a calm, happiness or joy.
Amy Stenger-Sullivan (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor-Supervisor, trainer and CEO of Rooted Compassion Counseling and Consulting, LLC. As a Certified Trauma Responsive Counselor, Amy understands and applies knowledge of interpersonal neurobiology, Polyvagal Theory and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Amy is an EMDR Certified Therapist. She specializes in utilizing and teaching about the nervous system to help people move into post-traumatic healing and growth.
The Rooted Compassion team is made up of a group of counselors who have a variety of specialties in order to best serve our clients. We recognize that every person has his/her own personal and unique life experiences and that one modality will not work for every client. Listed below is a summary of our counselors’ specialties at Rooted Compassion:
Emotional Freedom Techniques
Grief Counseling
Somatic Focused Counseling
EMDR
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Practices
Trauma Responsive Care Techniques
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Drama Therapy/Expressive Arts
If you are interested in learning more about what Rooted Compassion is all about, please contact us today, look through our website, or find us on Instagram and Facebook.
Rooted Compassion Counseling is Ohio’s leading practice for trauma therapy through the lens of the nervous system. Our focus is to walk alongside clients as they heal from depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and/or loss. If you or someone you know are seeking to explore and build an inner sense of calm and safety, please contact us today. We would love to help you to find a counselor and counseling techniques that will guide you on your mental health journey to healing.
