How Polyvagal Therapy Informs Science-Based Couples Therapy…
Friday, March 22, 2024.
Polyvagal Therapy, proposed by Dr. Stephen Porges, revolutionized our understanding of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its role in human behavior, emotional regulation, and social engagement.
At its core, Polyvagal Therapy emphasizes the evolutionary development of the ANS and how it influences our responses to stress, threat, and social interaction.
Let’s explore its possible application in couples therapy, its fundamental elements and implications…
Evolutionary Perspective…
Polyvagal Therapy suggests that the mammalian autonomic nervous system evolved in three stages, each associated with distinct behavioral and physiological responses:
Immobilization: The oldest and most primitive system is associated with immobilization or "freeze" responses. This dorsal vagal complex is linked to conservation behaviors and is activated in life-threatening situations when fight or flight is not a viable option.
Fight or Flight: The sympathetic nervous system, which governs fight or flight responses, is activated in situations perceived as threatening. This system is shared with reptiles and early mammals and is characterized by increased heart rate, heightened arousal, and mobilization for action.
Social Engagement: The newest and most evolved aspect of the autonomic nervous system is the ventral vagal complex, responsible for social engagement behaviors. This system is unique to mammals and supports affiliative behaviors, communication, and connection. It promotes feelings of safety and relaxation in the presence of others.
Hierarchy of Responses…
Polyvagal Therapy introduces the concept of a hierarchical organization of these autonomic responses, wherein the body employs the most adaptive strategy available based on perceived levels of safety and threat:
Social Engagement: When humans feel safe and connected, the ventral vagal complex is dominant, facilitating social engagement, intimacy, and collaboration. Couples experience open communication, empathy, and mutual support when operating from this state. My job is to help then get there.
Fight or Flight: When a perceived threat escalates, the sympathetic nervous system initiates fight or flight responses. Couples may experience defensiveness, conflict, or withdrawal as they navigate challenges in the relationship.
Immobilization: If the threat escalates or overwhelms, the dorsal vagal complex may induce immobilization or shutdown responses. This may manifest as emotional shutdown, disengagement, or dissociation in couples therapy.
Neuroception…
A pivotal concept in Polyvagal Therapy is neuroception, the nervous system's subconscious process of evaluating safety and environmental threat cues. Neuroception influences our physiological and emotional states, shaping our interactions and relationships.
Safety Cues: Polyvagal Therapy emphasizes the importance of creating environments rich in safety cues to support the activation of the ventral vagal complex. A Polyvagal theory-informed Couples Therapy would focus on fostering safety through attuned communication, empathic listening, and emotional validation.
Threat Cues: Conversely, threat cues can trigger defensive responses, activating the sympathetic nervous system or dorsal vagal complex. Conflict, criticism, or perceived rejection in relationships can elicit defensive behaviors, hindering intimacy and connection.
Co-regulation…
Polyvagal Therapy underscores the significance of co-regulation, wherein humans influence each other's autonomic states through social interactions and relationships. Co-regulation is fundamental in couples therapy, where partners can support each other in regulating arousal levels and emotional responses. Hardly a couples therapy goes by in which I do not stress the importance of regulation and co-regulation.
Attunement: Therapists trained in Polyvagal Therapy employ attunement techniques to synchronize with couples' nervous systems, fostering safety and trust within the therapeutic relationship. Therapists help regulate clients' autonomic states through attuned responses and facilitate emotional connection.
Mirror Neurons: Couples naturally resonate with each other's emotional states through mirror neurons, reflecting and amplifying each other's experiences. Polyvagal Therapy encourages couples to cultivate empathy and emotional attunement, enhancing their capacity for co-regulation and mutual support.
What is the Polyvagal Ladder?
The Polyvagal Ladder is a conceptual framework developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, a renowned neuroscientist, to explain the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in response to stress and safety cues. The autonomic nervous system consists of two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is responsible for the "rest and digest" response.
The Polyvagal Ladder describes three hierarchical stages of the autonomic nervous system's response to perceived threat or safety:
Dorsal Vagal Complex (DV): The immobilization or shutdown response is at the bottom of the ladder, mediated by the oldest part of the vagus nerve, known as the dorsal vagal complex. When this response is activated, the body goes into a state of conservation, appearing immobilized or collapsed.
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): The middle rung of the ladder represents the mobilization or fight-or-flight response. The SNS mediates this and involves increased heart rate, sweating, and heightened alertness, preparing the body to respond to threat.
Ventral Vagal Complex (VVC): At the top of the ladder is the social engagement or restorative response, mediated by the newest part of the vagus nerve, known as the ventral vagal complex. When this response is activated, the body is calm, engaged, and able to connect with others. It is associated with feelings of safety and social connection.
The Polyvagal Ladder illustrates how the autonomic nervous system responds to cues of safety or danger, with higher rungs representing more evolved and adaptive responses to stress. This framework is used in various fields, including psychology, trauma therapy, and neuroscience, to understand how individuals respond to stress and to develop interventions to promote resilience and well-being.
What is the “Window of Tolerance” in Polyvagal Therapy?
In polyvagal therapy, the “Window of Tolerance” refers to the optimal range of arousal within the nervous system, which is when a person can cope effectively with stressors and engage in adaptive behaviors. Dr. Stephen Porges developed this concept as part of his theory explaining how the autonomic nervous system regulates emotional states and social engagement.
When a human's level of arousal falls within the tolerance window, they can remain calm, focused, and socially engaged. However, if arousal levels fall below this window, they may experience feelings of numbness, dissociation, or shutdown. On the other hand, if arousal levels exceed the tolerance window, they may experience heightened states of anxiety, panic, or hyperarousal.
Understanding and expanding one's window of tolerance is an essential aspect of mental health and well-being, as it allows individuals to manage stress and regulate their emotions effectively in various situations. Therapeutic interventions often aim to help humans widen their window of tolerance by building resilience and enhancing their self-regulating ability.
Folding Polyvagal Therapy Interventions into Science-based Couples Therapy…
Drawing from Polyvagal Theory, interventions in couples therapy aim to shift partners' autonomic states from defensive modes to states of safety and connection. Some effective strategies include:
Breathwork and Mindfulness: Teaching couples techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness can help regulate autonomic arousal, promoting relaxation and presence in the moment.
Somatic Experiencing: Incorporating somatic interventions allows couples to explore and release bodily tension associated with past trauma or emotional distress, facilitating nervous system regulation and emotional healing.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT practitioners might integrate Polyvagal principles with a renewed focus on the physiology of creating secure attachment bonds between partners. By addressing attachment needs and emotional vulnerabilities, EFT helps couples access states of safety and connection. The psycho-biological blueprint Polyvagal Therapy offers might be a boon to this model.
Gottman Method: The Gottman Method acknowledges Polyvagal Therapy principles by emphasizing the importance of the psycho-biology of emotional attunement, validation, and repair in relationships. By promoting positive interactions and strengthening emotional bonds, Gottman interventions support couples in navigating conflict and enhancing intimacy.
Enhance Safety and Connection with Polyvagal Exercises: 3 Hacks for Happiness:
Establishing a sense of safety and connection is crucial for overall well-being in today's fast-paced world. Polyvagal therapy exercises offer effective strategies for nurturing these essential aspects of the human experience.
Check out these 3 empowering techniques designed to cultivate safety and foster deeper connections…
Grounding Techniques: Grounding exercises are fundamental for reconnecting with the present moment and establishing a sense of safety within oneself. Begin by finding a comfortable seated position, either on a chair or on the floor.
Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of air entering and leaving your body.
Then, use your senses to bring awareness to your surroundings. Notice five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This simple yet powerful exercise helps anchor you in the present moment, soothing the nervous system and promoting safety.
Co-Regulation Practices: Co-regulation involves attuning to the emotional states of others and responding in ways that foster connection and safety. One effective co-regulation exercise is mirror neuron activation.
Sit facing a partner, maintain eye contact, and mirror each other's movements and facial expressions.
Take turns leading and following, allowing the interaction to flow naturally.
This activity stimulates the mirror neuron system, promoting empathy and understanding between individuals. By engaging in co-regulation practices, you can strengthen interpersonal bonds and cultivate a deeper sense of connection.
Polyvagal Breathing: Polyvagal breathing combines rhythmic breathing with the intentional engagement of the vagus nerve to promote relaxation and safety.
Begin by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand fully.
Then, exhale slowly and completely through your mouth, focusing on releasing tension with each breath.
As you continue to breathe rhythmically, visualize sending signals of safety and calmness through your vagus nerve, activating the body's relaxation response. Practice polyvagal breathing regularly to regulate your nervous system and enhance feelings of safety and connection.
Final thoughts
Polyvagal Theory offers a profound framework for understanding the intricate interplay between the autonomic nervous system, emotions, and relationships.
In Science-Based Couples Therapy, integrating Polyvagal Therapy principles enhances our ability to support couples in regulating their autonomic states, fostering safety, trust, and connection. I feel comfortable telling you that a working knowledge of Polyvagal Theory, and a mastery of psychobiologic interventions is what separates the mediocre from the Masters of Couples Therapy. Who you choose as your couples therapists matters like it never has before.
By addressing the neurophysiological foundations of relational dynamics, Polyvagal Therapy empowers couples to navigate challenges, cultivate resilience, and deepen intimacy in their relationships.
Be well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Van Der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.
Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the body: A sensorimotor approach to psychotherapy. W. W. Norton & Company.
Ardito, R. B., & Rabellino, D. (2011). Therapeutic alliance and outcome of psychotherapy: Historical excursus, measurements, and prospects for research. Frontiers in psychology, 2, 270.
Porges, S. W. (2017). The pocket guide to the polyvagal theory: The transformative power of feeling safe. W. W. Norton & Company.
