We all have a nervous system – the complex web of sensory and motor nerves that ‘operate’ our bodies as humans / mammals.  An incredibly important part of that system is our Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) – this is the part that keeps the really important stuff, like breathing and heartbeat, going without us having to think about it – for autonomic read automatic.

This incredible system not only maintains our body and makes sure we’re ready to do what we choose to do but it’s also our threat detection system, readying us to face danger in an instant – quicker than the time it takes to process our thoughts (think ‘fight or flight’).

We know now, that some experiences and events whether singular or repeated disrupt the ANS so it reacts in a way that’s sometimes not entirely expected, comfortable or helpful in our daily lives – variously these reactions may be attributed to nerves, anxiety or depression, anger issues, overwhelm and more.  Polyvagal theory offers a way to look at these reactions with an understanding of why our ANS reacts the way it does – and how we can feel what is happening and help our nervous system understand safety once more.

So how does being ‘Polyvagal informed’ fit into my work?  

Polyvagal threads are woven into my work throughout, sometimes through tangible descriptions of how things work to help explain behaviour or an understanding of how different nervous system states feel to help you find your own description.  Co-regulation is a large part of polyvagal theory – the idea that one nervous system can help regulate another and provide safety – together we can co-regulate and our systems can find safety together.

Clients have found understanding aspects of polyvagal theory transformational - allowing them to recognise what is happening by listening to their body and learning to help their nervous system feel safe so they can find calm and peacefulness.