INTRO -
In this episode, I wrap up the Polyvagal 101 series by looking at self-regulation and co-regulation.
If you are listening to the podcast for the first time, I recommend you go back to episode 101 for the beginning of the Polyvagal 101 series.
My name is Justin Sunseri.
I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist obsessed with the polyvagal theory.
Welcome to Stuck Not Broken.
DISCLAIMERS -
But before I get into things -put yourself first. I keep every episode as safe as I can, but just by the nature of the topics, you may experience some stuff come up. Take a break if you need to.
This podcast is not therapy, nor intended to be a replacement for therapy.
TOPIC - REGULATION
The capacity to regulate the autonomic nervous system
To climb the polyvagal ladder (from 101)
From defensive to social
Out of defense and into social engagement
Problem with regulation if you cannot climb up the ladder
TOPIC - CO-REGULATION
Regulation of the ANS
Something that happens between two mammalian organisms
Only mammals have the capacity for social interaction and receiving cues of safety from other mammals to help them into their ventral vagal state of safety and social engagement
Not self-driven
Not imposed by the other either
Something received
Passively mostly
Neuroception (from 101)
Process of detecting cues of safety or danger unconsciously
We will detect cues of safety from people who are in a regulated state
Biologically hardwired to help us regulate
Smiles, eye crinkles, eyebrow usage, upper check, greater range of motion
Vs wide eyes, stiffness, smiles with no upper cheek movement
Possible to fake these, but can be detected from a well-regulated person
I think sociopaths, con artists, frauds, swindlers, hucksters and mountebanks are able to fake it convincingly
A baby receives co-regulation from a parent that has a soothing voice, gentle touch
Baby doesn’t choose to calm itself
The baby as an organism detects safety, which triggers the polyvagal shifts
Important to surround ourselves with people who are able to provide co-regulation
Safe people, friends, relationships
Not always possible or easy
Maybe safe people at home but not at work
Having someone is important, if not everyone
Maybe even from the media we take in
Watching news clips does not provide co-regulation
If i came out against all those liberals or conservatives who are obviously racist and don’t care about others and all their policies are disastrous and they’re to blame for everything wrong with this country
This would feed your defensive energy
Not co-regulation
Listening to a prosodic voice in a meditation might
Co-regulation we receive growing up is foundation to the ability to self-regulate
TOPIC - SELF-REGULATION
The capacity to regulate the autonomic nervous system
Solo
Climb the polyvagal ladder on your own
Very dependent on the modeling and experience of co-regulation early on in life
Traumatized individuals have a hard time with this
Stuck down their polyvagal ladder in defense
Neuroception is off
Ability to be still is off
Meditation, yoga
Ability to look inward is off
Knowing what safety feels like
Might be very new
Know what brings them to safety
My course can help with these pieces
Self-regulate through recognizing where we are currently at
Allowing it to be without attempting to change it
Listening to the impulses of what to do next
Self-control is not exactly self-regulation
But better than nothing
Maybe can buy you time
Knowing how to climb depending on state
What works for dorsal won’t work for sympathetic
THANKS SO MUCH FOR LISTENING!
I hope you’ve learned something new to help you climb your polyvagal ladder.
Bye!
Building Safety Anchors - https://www.justinlmft.com/challenge-page/5180d0d1-fa0d-4833-8a96-b41546791435/
This week’s Patreon episode - https://www.patreon.com/justinlmft
Intro/Outro music & Transition Sounds by Benjo Beats - https://soundcloud.com/benjobeats
National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 (800) 273-8255
National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233
LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386
National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673
Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741
Call 911 for emergency
This podcast is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy. Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship. Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health sx. Nothing in this podcast should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.
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