The polyvagal theory teaches us to engage our social nervous system to consciously inhibit our defense system. This allows us to find freedom from trauma symptoms and experience a deeply nourishing sense of safety in the here and now. Today we are talking to two members of our behavioral oncology team: Amber Estes, APRN, PMHNP-BC and Erica Wiley, LCSW about the polyvagal model and ways we can identify and exercise this important part of our nervous system to find peace in the face of past or present trauma.
References:
Porges, S. (2017). The Pocket Guide to The Polyvagal Theory: the transformative power of feeling safe. W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
Dana, D. (2018). The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the rhythm of regulation. W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.
Vallone, D.C. (2022). Applying the Polyvagal Model to Clinical Practice with Trauma Survivors. Presentation at APNA Conference, Long Beach, CA.
Porges, S. W. (2009). The polyvagal theory: New insights into adaptive reactions of the autonomic nervous system. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 76(4 suppl 2). https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.76.s2.17https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vagus-nerve-stimulation/
