Polyvagal Informed Therapy

A nervous system based therapy that helps people heal trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress by restoring safety, connection, and regulation.

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Quick Overview

A snapshot of who this therapy is for and how it works

Best for

Trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, dissociation, chronic stress, social withdrawal, relationship struggles

Cadence

weekly. Session length 50 to 75 minutes

Session format

Individual, couples, family, or group. In person or virtual

Duration

Short to long term depending on needs and complexity

Often combined with

Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, mindfulness, yoga therapy

Evidence base

Rooted in Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory and widely used in trauma and attachment therapies

What Is Polyvagal Informed Therapy?

Polyvagal Informed Therapy is based on Polyvagal Theory, which explains how the automatic nervous system shapes our sense of safety, connection, and survival responses.

The autonomic nervous system shifts between three primary states:

Ventral Vagal
(Social Engagement)

A state of calm, safety, connection, and emotional regulation.

Sympathetic Activation
(Fight or Flight)

A state of anxiety, urgency, hypervigilance, or agitation.

Dorsal Vagal
(Shutdown)

A state of numbness, disconnection, collapse, or emotional overwhelm

Types of Polyvagal Therapy

Different approaches that support nervous system regulation and safety

Individual Polyvagal Therapy

Individual Polyvagal Therapy

Personal nervous system regulation and self-awareness

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Polyvagal-Informed Family Therapy

Polyvagal-Informed Family Therapy

Creating safety and connection within the family system

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Polyvagal-Informed Group Therapy

Polyvagal-Informed Group Therapy

Building co-regulation and shared safety in community

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Polyvagal Informed Couples Therapy

Polyvagal Informed Couples Therapy

Strengthening relational safety and emotional attunement

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Polyvagal Integration with Trauma Therapies

Polyvagal Integration with Trauma Therapies

Supporting trauma healing through nervous system regulation

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Polyvagal Exercises and Vagal Toning Practices

Polyvagal Exercises and Vagal Toning Practices

Practical tool to calm and strengthen the nervous system

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How Polyvagal Informed Therapy Helps in Recovery

Restoring safety and balance through nervous system awareness

Polyvagal-informed therapy helps individuals understand and regulate their nervous system responses to stress and trauma. By building a sense of safety and improving emotional regulation, it supports recovery through greater resilience, connection, and the ability to respond rather than react.

Polyvagal Therapy

Restores safety

Builds a regulated foundation for trauma healing.

Reduces dissociation.

Support safe reconnection with the body.

Improves relationships

Strengthens co regulation and emotional bonding.

Builds resilience

Enhances the flexibility and strength of the nervous system.

Who Benefits from Polyvagal Informed Therapy

Support for individuals seeking safety, connection, and nervous system balance

This therapy is especially supportive for people whose symptoms are tied to chronic stress, trauma, or disconnection.

Survivors of Trauma, Abuse, or Neglect

Survivors of Trauma, Abuse, or Neglect

Gentle support for healing overwhelm, reactivity, and shutdown.

Individuals With PTSD or Anxiety Disorders

Individuals With PTSD or Anxiety Disorders

Regulation tools that reduce panic, hyperarousal, and intrusive symptoms.

People Experiencing Dissociation or Numbness

People Experiencing Dissociation or Numbness

Helps reconnect with sensation and presence at a safe pace.

Couples or Families in High Conflict or Disconnection

Couples or Families in High Conflict or Disconnection

Guides partners and families to understand each other's nervous system states.

What to Expect in Sessions

Polyvagal Informed Therapy is gentle, respectful, and guided by the client’s nervous system capacity. Sessions may include:

Nervous System Mapping

Identifying patterns of activation, shutdown, and safety.

Breathwork and Grounding

Practices that support regulation and presence.

Sound or Movement Exercises

Humming, chanting, gentle stretching, eye gaze practices, or vagal toning.

Co Regulation Pratices

Using safe relational cues to restore connection and calm.

Integration and application

Using nervous system awareness to support daily life, relationships, and trauma healing.

Polyvagal Expect

Why TruPaths Highlights Polyvagal Informed Therapy

TruPaths highlights Polyvagal Informed Therapy because healing begins with safety. When individuals understand and regulate their nervous system, they are better able to process trauma, manage emotions, and build strong relationships.

FAQs About Polyvagal Informed Therapy

It can be, but many clinicians integrate Polyvagal practices into trauma therapies such as Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, or Internal Family Systems.
Yes. It’s grounded in neuroscience and the Polyvagal Theory, with growing research supporting its use in trauma and nervous-system regulation. It’s often used alongside other evidence-based therapies.
Not usually. It complements talk therapy by adding a body-based, regulation-focused layer. Many people use both together for deeper healing.
No. This approach focuses more on body sensations and nervous-system responses than retelling traumatic events. You share only what feels safe and necessary
Yes. It’s especially helpful for recognizing and gently shifting states like shutdown or dissociation. The goal is to restore a sense of safety and connection.
Coverage depends on the provider and how sessions are billed. If delivered by a licensed therapist under a covered therapy code, it often is.

Find Recovery Options Offering Polyvagal Informed Therapy

Safety and connection are possible. Polyvagal Informed Therapy helps individuals regulate their nervous system, reduce trauma symptoms, and rebuild trust within themselves and with others.

About TruPath's Recommendations

Recommendations are based on your location and recovery needs, including the programs you've explored, the services you've saved, and the filters you've used. We use this information to highlight similar treatment options so you never miss a trusted path forward.

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