Polyvagal Approaches
At our women’s mental health clinic, we understand that women’s lives are full of transitions, responsibilities, and relationships that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Many women come to therapy searching for ways to feel calmer, more grounded, and more connected to themselves and others.
Another approach we use is polyvagal theory – a science-based yet compassionate framework that helps explain why our bodies and emotions react the way they do, especially in times of stress. Polyvagal theory shows us that healing isn’t about “trying harder” to be calm – it’s about learning to listen to our nervous system and gently guiding it back into balance.
What is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal theory is a way of understanding how our nervous system responds to safety, stress, and connection. It explains how the body automatically shifts between states of calm, alertness, or shutdown depending on how safe or threatened we feel. These responses are controlled by the vagus nerve and happen largely outside our conscious control. This framework helps explain why many women
might feel anxious, overwhelmed or disconnected, whether navigating adolescence, career pressures, motherhood, health changes, or later-life transitions. In therapy, understanding these nervous system patterns can support learning practical ways to regulate emotions, restore a sense of safety, and reconnect with ourselves and others.
Key Concepts in Polyvagal Theory
- Ventral Vagal State (Safety & Connection) – when we feel safe, open, and connected. In this state, relationships flow more easily, creativity thrives, and we feel grounded in ourselves.
- Sympathetic State (Fight or Flight) – when we feel stressed or threatened, our body prepares for action. We might feel anxious, restless, irritable, or overwhelmed.
- Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown, Numbness & Collapse) – when stress feels too much, our system may shut down. This can look like exhaustion, disconnection, or feeling “numb” to life.
We will work with you using polyvagal-informed approaches helping you learn to listen to your body’s signals with kindness, build skills to move from anger, anxiety or stress or shutdown back into calm. Your nervous system has the wisdom to guide you; therapy simply helps you understand and nurture it.
Together, we’ll explore gentle, supportive ways to bring more calm, balance, and connection into your daily life. Our goal is to support you to restore a sense of safety in relationships, and help you create space for joy, creativity, and connection.
If polyvagal theory resonates with your lived experience and you would like to explore more with us, we warmly welcome you to get in touch.
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