Understanding the Benefits of Polyvagal Informed Therapy for Trauma
Trauma can impact an individual in many ways, causing them to struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many other mental health issues. The traditional therapeutic approaches that are widely used may not always be effective for every individual, and that’s where polyvagal informed therapy comes into the picture. In this article, we will talk about the benefits of polyvagal informed therapy for trauma and how it works.
What is Polyvagal Informed Therapy?
Polyvagal informed therapy is a therapeutic approach that is based on the concept of the polyvagal theory, which focuses on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and how it responds to stress. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the polyvagal theory explains how the ANS works to help regulate emotions and social behavior.
The therapy approach is rooted in the idea that trauma affects not only the individual’s cognitive processes but also the ANS, leading to an autonomic trauma response, such as the fight, flight or freeze response. Polyvagal informed therapy aims to help individuals regulate their ANS, and in turn, treat the trauma.
Benefits of Polyvagal Informed Therapy
1. Individualized Approach – One of the key benefits of this therapy approach is that it is tailored to the individual’s specific needs. The therapist assesses the patient’s ANS response and designs a treatment plan that is personalized to their unique needs.
2. Non-Invasive – Polyvagal informed therapy does not require any medication or invasive procedures; it works with natural bodily responses to trauma and stress.
3. Long-Term Results – The therapy aims to help regulate the ANS and help individuals heal from the trauma in the long-term. With repeated sessions, the patient can learn how to self-regulate and manage their emotions and stress levels.
4. Address Co-Morbidities – Polyvagal informed therapy can address co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety, that often accompany trauma.
How Does Polyvagal Informed Therapy Work?
Polyvagal informed therapy works by helping the individual regulate their ANS. The therapist works closely with the individual to identify bodily signals that signal stress or trauma, such as increased heart rate, shallow breathing, or muscle tension. Once these signals are identified, the therapist teaches the individual how to use grounding techniques and other strategies to tune into their body and regulate their ANS.
The therapy approach involves multiple sessions with the therapist, where the individual is encouraged to share their trauma experience. However, the therapist focuses on the patient’s physiological state rather than the details of the trauma experience, creating a safe and non-threatening environment for the individual.
Case Study: A Polyvagal Informed Therapy Success Story
A 34-year-old individual who had experienced a traumatic event in childhood struggled with anxiety, depression, and PTSD that lasted for over a decade. Traditional talk therapy and medication did not work for the patient, and they were hesitant about trying another therapy approach.
The individual tried polyvagal informed therapy, and within weeks, they noticed that they could manage their anxiety and depression better than before. They no longer experienced the intense physiological responses that brought back memories of the trauma, and they felt more connected to their emotions.
Conclusion
Polyvagal informed therapy is a promising approach to trauma treatment that focuses on the ANS response and helps individuals regulate their emotions. It is an individualized and non-invasive therapy approach that can have long-term results. By understanding the benefits, individuals can make an informed decision and choose the best therapeutic approach that works for them.
