Polyvagal Theory

“The science of feeling safe enough to fall in love with life”

Deb Dana

Polyvagal theory is a scientific framework developed by Dr. Stephen Porges that helps us understand the connections between our autonomic nervous system, social behavior, and emotional regulation. It provides insights into how our body and mind respond to stress and trauma, and how we navigate social interactions..

There are three states of our automatic nervous system:

  • Dorsal Vagal - Freeze/Collapse

  • Sympathetic - Fight/Flight

  • Ventral Vagal - Rest/Digest that has since evolved over time to include Social Engagement/Connection

Neuroception refers to the subconscious process through which our nervous system detects and evaluates cues from the environment to determine whether they are safe, dangerous, or potentially threatening. Unlike perception, which involves conscious awareness and interpretation of sensory information, neuroception operates at a preconscious level.

Recognizing how these survival responses have served us is an important aspect of healing. By understanding that these responses were adaptive and aimed at keeping us safe during the traumatic event, we can begin to develop self-compassion. Keep in mind, any time we go into the fight/flight or freeze/collapse states, the memory, including what we’ve picked up from our five senses, gets frozen in our survival brain to conserve resources and protect us in the future.

Polyvagal theory helps us recognize our own physiological responses to stress and trauma, giving us insight into why we react the way we do and how we can change it. By understanding the role of the vagus nerve and our autonomic nervous system, we can develop strategies to regulate our responses and foster a sense of safety.

Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) is a powerful tools for activating the ventral vagal system, which is associated with feelings of connection, calm, and well-being. I’m also a Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) provider, which helps expand clients' neuroception—the ability to sense safety—so they can engage with life more fully.

At Revively, I know the importance of creating safe and supportive environments to help individuals heal. Together, we’ll partner to gently navigate any challenging memories you choose to explore, helping you move forward with resilience and confidence.