The Power of Polyvagal Theory in Familiy and Couples Therapy
By, Luuk L: Westerhof, MSc
Introduction
The polyvagal theory is a relatively new addition to the field of family and couples therapy. The theory suggests that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a key factor in regulating emotions and behaviors in relationships. The ANS is made up of two parts: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The SNS is responsible for the fight-or-flight response, while the PNS is responsible for the rest-and-digest response.The theory posits that when the SNS is activated, it leads to a feeling of threat and isolation, which can trigger negative behaviors such as criticism, withdrawal, and aggression. However, when the PNS is activated, it leads to a feeling of safety and connection, which can trigger positive behaviors such as empathy, compassion, and cooperation.The polyvagal theory has revolutionized the field of family and couples therapy by providing a new framework for understanding and treating relationship problems. The theory has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of relationship issues, such
What is the Polyvagal Theory?
The polyvagal theory is a biological and psychological theory developed by Stephen Porges. It proposes that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a key factor in regulating emotions and behavior in relationships. The ANS is made up of two parts, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which are responsible for the fight-or-flight response and the rest-and-digest response, respectively. The theory suggests that when the ANS is activated, it results in a feeling of threat, which triggers the fight-or-flight response. This can lead to negative behaviors such as criticism, withdrawal, and aggression. Conversely, when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, it results in a feeling of safety, which triggers positive behaviors such as empathy, compassion and cooperation. The polyvagal theory is based on the interaction between the nervous and ventral systems responding to danger and opportunity in relationships. It proposes that when circumstances leave us feeling threatened, the body will enter into a defensive mode, which is characterized by freezing and immobilization. This state is natural and necessary when danger is present, but it can cause problems when it persists in the absence of danger, leading to negative behaviors and cycles of conflict in relationships.
The Importance of the Polyvagal Theory in Family and Couples Therapy
The polyvagal theory has revolutionized the field of family and couples therapy, providing a new framework for understanding and treating relationship problems. The theory is effective in treating a wide range of relationship issues, from communication problems to trust issues. The theory recognizes that relationships are multi-faceted and dynamic; couples often find themselves in a cycle of negative behaviors that lead to feelings of threat. The polyvagal theory explains that this cycle can be broken by recognizing the body’s defensive response and learning to move through a state of threat to a state of safety. It’s important to understand the body’s response as it changes from feeling threatened to feeling safe. Keeping in mind that the fight-or-flight response is triggered by feelings of threat, and the rest-and-digest response is triggered by feelings of safety, the goal of family and couples therapy is to help couples recognize and manage the body’s response to these different states. By understanding the physiological response to threat, couples can develop strategies to move towards the state of safety and build trust. This insight can be utilized to help couples learn how to regulate their own emotions and behaviors, as well as understand their partner’s reactions in a relationship.
How the Polyvagal Theory Can Help You
The polyvagal theory can help couples in a number of ways. It can be used to identify patterns of communication that have been causing problems in the relationship. By understanding the connection between the body’s fight-or-flight response and its rest-and-digest response, couples can learn to recognize when they are feeling threatened or safe, and develop strategies to regulate their emotions. The polyvagal theory also recognizes that couples may have different levels of comfort with certain topics or behaviors. When this is the case, it can be helpful to identify each person’s comfort level and work towards creating a sense of safety. This can be done by accepting and validating each person’s feelings and perspectives, and working towards finding a solution that works for both people. In addition, the polyvagal theory can be used to help couples develop a deeper understanding of their partner’s needs and feelings. By understanding the body’s response to threat, couples can recognize and appropriately respond to their partner’s emotional cues. This can help the couple build trust and improve communication.
Conclusion
The polyvagal theory is an important addition to the field of family and couples therapy. The theory provides an understanding of the body’s response to threat and how to move towards a state of safety in relationships. By understanding the connection between the body’s fight-or-flight response and its rest-and-digest response, couples can learn to recognize and respond to their partner’s emotional cues in a healthy way. With the help of the polyvagal theory, couples can better understand and address the root of their relationship issues, and find long-lasting solutions.