Why talk about polyvagal theory ?

A key dimension of promoting (self) compassion

- and of effective therapy in general -

is in the para-verbal domain.

More specifically in :

- knowing what to look for in para-verbal behavior

- knowing how & in what direcion to shape it

Our client's and... our own.

Polyvagal provides a solid and doable basis for this.

THE vagus → Which Vagus ?

In a safe context

The parasympathic  system has two very different functions :

a) Rest / Digest

b) Tend/ befriend

Related to two branches of the vagus

a) an evolutionary «  older  » unmyelinated branch

b) an evolutionary «  newer  » myelinated brach

Myelinated («  new  ») vagus

Myelinisation → rapid and differentiated responding to contextual cues.

New, « smart » vagus regulates heart and lungs (arousal) :

serves as «  vagal brake  » of pacemaker of the heart.

Measured by «  vagal tone  » (HRV / RSA)

Strong vagal tone ↔ prosociality and compassion

Strong vagal tone ↔ optimal affect regulation, optimal physiological functioning

Vagal hyper-tone ↔ euphoria, hypomania.

Unmyelinated (« old ») Vagus

Unmyelinated «  old  » vagus

In safe context, it regulates organs below diaphragm ->

Rest and digest, low (striated) muscular tone

But ...

In threatening context  ↔ resignation, numbing, hypotonic freeze & dissociation

Myelinated vagus & communication

Myelinated vagus  : one system with other cranial nerves, related to facial expression, listening & vocalizing, visual focus & shifting perspective orientation movements of the head, gestures of the

arms.

All related to communication →

Myelinated vagus & cranial nerves together : ( Social Engagement System)

Paraverbal behavior and the ANS

We can perceive AND influence facial expression, voice, breath, gesture, posture, etc.

→ we can, by a focus on paraverbals, improve

Social Engagement, flexible affect regulation, physical health, (self)compassion & prosociality

When therapist embodies signs Social Engagement → increases likelihood that :

- Therapeutic setting is perceived as safe

- SES of client can be activated

- Therapist is less at risk for burn out.

The ANS : a hierarchical system of adaptive responding

CONTEXT AUTONOMIC ADAPTATION

1) Safe Social Engagement System, Myelinated vagus ↔ Bias towards perception of safety-signals,

↔ Flexible arousal

↔ Prosociality, compassion

2) Dangerous Mobilisation system

« Vagal brake » withdrawn → Sympathetic NS takes over

High arousal, Fight/ flight, Bias towards signals of danger

3) Lifethreatening Immobilisation System (fight / flight not possible)

Unmyelinated vagus dominates ↔ Bias towards signals of lifethreat

Hypo-arousal, resignation / numbing / fainting / freeze / dissociation

The ANS as an hierarchical system

CONTEXT AUTONOMIC ADAPTATION

1) Safe Social Engagement System, Parasympathetic, myelinated vagus

Flexible, prosocial/ compassionate «  vital  » relating

Optimal functioning of viscera and immune-system

Focus on / Bias towards signals of safety

2) Dangerous Mobilisation system

Sympathetic

High arousal

Fight/ flight

Biased towards signals of danger.

3) Lifethreatening Immobilisation System

(fight flight not possible) Parasympathetic, unmyelinated vagus

Hypo-arousal, numbing

«  Death feigning  »

Resignation/ dissociation