Learn how Polyvagal Theory applies to therapy. Discover strategies to help clients regulate their nervous system and foster connection.

Introduction

Developed by Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory explains how the vagus nerve influences safety, connection, and regulation. For trauma-informed therapists, it provides a roadmap for helping clients move from survival states into social engagement.

The Three States

  • Sympathetic (fight/flight): Mobilization in response to threat.
  • Dorsal vagal (freeze/shutdown): Immobilization in overwhelming danger.
  • Ventral vagal (social engagement): Safety, connection, regulation.

Clinical Applications

  • Grounding + breathwork: Stimulates the vagus nerve.
  • Therapeutic relationship: Acts as a cue of safety.
  • Somatic cues: Eye contact, prosody, body posture.

Case Example

Elena, 42, childhood trauma survivor, often froze when confronted. Polyvagal-informed therapy used breathing, humming, and gentle relational attunement to restore ventral vagal safety.

Integration With Other Therapies

  • EMDR: Polyvagal tools ground clients before processing.
  • DBT: Skills reduce sympathetic arousal.
  • IFS: Enhances self-to-part connection.

Conclusion

Polyvagal-informed therapy bridges neuroscience and clinical practice, giving therapists tools to restore safety at the nervous system level.