Polyvagel Theory
Polyvagal Theory Therapy
At Worthy Wellness Center, we believe in treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Recovery isn’t just about addressing the symptoms; it’s about understanding the underlying causes and restoring balance.
One approach we integrate into our healing process is the Polyvagal Theory. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, it explores how the vagus nerve—the longest nerve in the body—affects emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and overall well-being.
At Worthy Wellness, we apply this theory to help individuals feel safe, calm, and in control of their emotions, creating a foundation for healing that goes beyond just physical recovery.
What is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal Theory is a framework for understanding the deep connection between the brain, body, and emotions. The vagus nerve, a long and vital nerve that runs from the brainstem to different organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system, is at the heart of this theory.
This nerve plays a major role in regulating our autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is the part of our nervous system responsible for involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.
The vagus nerve influences how we respond to stress, trauma, and social connections. When we face a threat or feel unsafe, the vagus nerve triggers a response that affects both our emotional state and physical body.
Vagus nerve dysfunction can result in dysregulation, contributing to a range of emotional and psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and addiction.
By understanding how the vagus nerve works, Polyvagal Theory provides us with tools to regulate these responses, leading to better emotional regulation and a more balanced response to stress.
Polyvagal Theory offers insights into the body's physiological responses and provides valuable tools for overcoming trauma and emotional distress.
Overview of the Three Branches of the Vagus Nerve
Polyvagal Theory divides the vagus nerve’s influence into three primary branches. Each is responsible for a different part of our emotional and physiological responses:
The first branch of the vagus nerve is the social engagement system, which controls how we connect with others.
Humans communicate and bond through facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures. This system helps us feel safe and supported when we interact with others. When we are in a calm, regulated state, we are more likely to engage socially, which fosters emotional connection and healing.
The second branch is the fight-or-flight response, which activates when there’s a perceived threat. The sympathetic nervous system triggers this response, which prepares the body to react to danger by increasing heart rate, blood flow to the muscles, and alertness. While this reaction is critical in dangerous situations, it can become problematic if the body remains in a constant state of heightened arousal, which is often the case for individuals with trauma or anxiety disorders.
The third branch is the rest and digestion system, which is responsible for calming the body after a stress response. When activated, this parasympathetic branch slows down the heart rate, promotes digestion, and allows the body to heal and relax. A well-functioning vagus nerve helps the body return to a state of balance and relaxation after experiencing stress, which is essential for recovery from trauma and emotional distress.
How Polyvagal Theory is Used in Treatment at Worthy Wellness Center
At Worthy Wellness Center, we integrate Polyvagal Theory into our trauma-informed care and holistic treatment model to provide comprehensive support for individuals healing from addiction, trauma, and mental health disorders. This approach works toward restoring balance to the nervous system, which is often dysregulated due to past experiences of trauma or stress.
Polyvagal Theory plays a crucial role in addressing the root causes of trauma and addiction by reducing hypervigilance, a common response to past trauma where the nervous system remains in a constant state of alertness. This trauma treatment addresses the mind and body and empowers clients to reclaim their sense of safety and control, which is essential for lasting recovery.
At Worthy Wellness Center, we use several Polyvagal Theory-informed techniques that are designed to regulate the nervous system and help clients heal from trauma and addiction.
Here are some of the techniques we use:
One of the core techniques of Polyvagal Theory is breathwork, which helps clients activate their parasympathetic nervous system—the part responsible for calming the body. Through deep, mindful breathing exercises, clients can slow their heart rate, lower their blood pressure, and shift from a state of heightened alertness to one of relaxation and calm.
Yoga is another powerful modality used at Worthy Wellness Center to support Polyvagal Theory principles. Gentle movement and mindful practices help regulate the nervous system by encouraging clients to reconnect with their bodies and restore balance. Yoga postures, combined with deep breathing, allow clients to release stored tension and trauma while promoting a state of relaxation. These practices help clients build body awareness, regulate emotions, and create a sense of calm—critical elements for anyone in recovery.
Somatic Experiencing is a trauma-healing method that aligns with Polyvagal Theory. This approach helps clients identify and release trauma stored in the body, where many emotional experiences and memories can be physically trapped. Through gentle, body-focused techniques, Somatic Experiencing helps individuals bring awareness to their physical sensations and safely discharge the effects of trauma. By restoring balance to the nervous system, clients can process past events and move forward in their healing journey with a greater sense of safety and peace.
EMDR is a well-known therapy that has been shown to be highly effective in processing trauma. When paired with Polyvagal Theory, EMDR becomes even more powerful. Polyvagal Theory helps clients engage with their memories in a way that is less emotionally overwhelming. It supports EMDR by regulating the nervous system before, during, and after reprocessing traumatic memories.
What Does a Polyvagal Theory Session Entail?
A typical Polyvagal Theory session at Worthy Wellness Center is structured in the following way:
- The session usually starts with an assessment of the client’s nervous system state to determine whether they are in a state of fight, flight, or freeze. This helps the therapist understand where the client is emotionally and physically.
- Next, breathwork exercises are introduced to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and initiate calming techniques. These exercises promote emotional regulation and help clients move from a heightened state of stress to one of relaxation.
- Body awareness practices, such as gentle yoga or somatic techniques, are also included to help clients connect with their physical sensations and release any stored tension.
Throughout the session, there is also a guided discussion about emotional triggers and how the nervous system responds to stress and trauma. This helps clients become more aware of their emotional responses and learn healthier ways to cope.
At Worthy Wellness Center, licensed therapists, clinical psychologists, and other specialized professionals trained in Polyvagal Theory work closely with clients to provide dual diagnosis treatment
What Worthy Wellness Means to Our Clients
Met the team here and toured the facility. The staff here are very caring and attentive. They have a well rounded staff that each have extensive experience in the treatment industry. The facility itself is warm and inviting. They’ve done an excellent job creating a safe environment for people to get vulnerable and get the help they desire.
Benefits in Treatment
Polyvagal Theory offers numerous benefits in the treatment of trauma, addiction, and mental health disorders. One of the most significant benefits is helping clients feel safe in their bodies. Many people who struggle with addiction or mental health issues experience chronic nervous system dysregulation that makes it difficult to feel grounded or secure.
Polyvagal Theory also plays a key role in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, conditions that are often treated at Worthy Wellness Center.
- Polyvagal theory helps reduce the emotional reactivity that can trigger these conditions by teaching clients to understand and manage their responses to stress physiologically.
- This regulation supports a calmer, more centered emotional state, which makes it easier for clients to engage in other therapeutic activities, process their trauma, and build resilience.
- By integrating Polyvagal Theory into our treatment programs, we help clients create a sense of safety and emotional regulation, essential components for healing and long-term recovery. It allows them to break free from cycles of trauma and emotional distress and move forward with confidence and empowerment.
At Worthy Wellness Center, Polyvagal Theory is a powerful tool in supporting lasting recovery and emotional well-being as part of our alcohol and drug rehab programs and mental health treatment.
We Accept Most Insurance Plans
Everyone deserves access to exceptional care, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we’ve partnered with a wide range of insurance providers to ensure that our services are as accessible as possible. The admissions team at our drug rehab will work with you to navigate insurance claims and benefits so you can focus on what truly matters – your health and well-being. We accept all out of network insurance as well as cash pay and accept referrals from detox and residential facilities. Let us take care of the paperwork while you embark on your journey to wellness.
Learn More About Polyvagal Theory at Worthy Wellness Center
If you're interested in how Polyvagal Theory can support your healing journey, Worthy Wellness Center is here to help. Our clinical team is ready to guide you through every step of the recovery process at our drug and alcohol rehab center.