Polyvagal Theory is based on the vagus nerve in our bodies that begins at the brain stem and runs vertically down to the base of our pelvic floor. The vagus nerve then branches out horizontally throughout the trunk of our body and reaches all of our major organs (hence why we feel SO much in our chests/stomach/solar plexus/etc. The vagus nerve acts as a bidirectional highway that essentially conveys information pertaining to safety/danger between the brain and body. When this mind-body connection is “broken”, we can begin misinterpreting our signals of safety for danger.

In Polyvagal Therapy, we look at how we can befriend our nervous system by increasing our self-awareness, learn to attune to our own nervous system cues, then we can begin to shape our nervous system back towards safety and connection. We can then begin to integrate new experiences and connect with others in a more present and co-regulated state.