What is Polyvagal Informed Therapy?
Polyvagal Informed Therapy is a therapeutic approach based on Polyvagal Theory, which distinguished scientist Dr. Stephen Porges introduced to the scientific community in 1995. This therapy provides a neurobiological understanding of the structure and hierarchy of the nervous system, showing how the brain and body interact to produce emotions and physical sensations.
Polyvagal Theory explains how our bodies respond to stress and trauma by entering defense states, which can result in both psychological and physiological symptoms. By understanding these responses, clients can make sense of their emotions and bodily reactions, reducing confusion and distress.
What kind of conditions or symptoms would require a Polyvagal approach?
Polyvagal Informed Therapy applies to all conditions involving nervous system dysregulation—the inability to manage emotional responses effectively. Over time, psychological research has recognized that nervous system dysregulation underlies many mental health disorders.
By framing disorders and symptoms in terms of the neurobiology of the nervous system, therapists can address anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, emotional dysregulation, and other conditions from a body-and-brain perspective.
How does a Polyvagal Informed approach benefit the client?
Polyvagal Informed Therapy first reduces shame and self-blame by teaching clients how their brain and body process information. Clients learn that their body reacts naturally to protect them from perceived or real threats. This understanding challenges the belief that “something is wrong” with them.
Therapists provide practical tools and exercises to regulate the nervous system, helping clients reach a state of calm and safety. Understanding these bodily responses also decreases confusion and emotional distress.
Once clients learn to regulate their nervous system, they can more effectively engage in other therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which rely on higher brain functions like the prefrontal cortex. During distress, these higher functions are less accessible, making it harder to think clearly or challenge unhelpful thoughts.
What is Polyvagal Informed EMDR? How does it differ from standard EMDR?
Polyvagal Informed EMDR integrates standard EMDR therapy with Polyvagal-informed techniques to create a holistic, trauma-focused treatment. Therapists adapt the eight phases of EMDR to include nervous system education and regulation exercises.
Therapists guide clients to identify their current nervous system state and teach practical regulation strategies. This approach helps clients process trauma memories safely, even when experiences feel overwhelming. By prioritizing safety and nervous system regulation, Polyvagal Informed EMDR empowers clients, builds emotional agency, and enhances understanding of how the brain and body respond to trauma.
What is it that interests you in Polyvagal informed Therapy and EMDR?
Polyvagal Informed Therapy and EMDR are powerful psychotherapeutic approaches that consistently demonstrate the healing potential of the nervous system. I am always amazed by the positive effects these approaches have on clients’ minds and bodies.
In clinical practice, these therapies work at a deep, body-and-brain level, accessing parts of the psyche that traditional talking therapies sometimes cannot. They help clients move from intellectually knowing they are “good enough” to truly feeling it at a visceral, bodily level. This is why I advocate for and enjoy providing Polyvagal Informed Therapy and EMDR.
Written by Chloe Harrison – Ple Health Clinician
