Neuro-Regulation Theory 4

Neuro-regulation 4

Clinical implications:

The most important clinical take home is: Neuro-regulation is primarily relational

Every other clinical implication comes from a deep understanding of that truth.

What we think of in terms of stabilization, regulation skills, distress tolerance skills, and internal strength building are not in preparation for the trauma work. They are the most important part of the trauma work.

To help a traumatized patient heal they must first experience, with you in the session, a felt sense of safety.

Co-regulation of ventral vagal, social engagement states is the key to recovery

As Babette Rothschild says – we are the instrument of our patient’s healing.

We must keep our own instrument in tune in as many ways as we can – by mindfulness practices, regular exercise, breathing practices, play, singing, dance, artistic endeavors, journaling, shared group activities, poetry, reading. paying attention to our spiritual lives, cultivating healthy relationships, continuing consultation and supervision, and doing our own therapy work.

Their hearts are healed when they repeatedly experience, with you, the awareness of their innate goodness.

Neuro-regulation theory makes clear – healing their hearts (via increased RSA and HRV) provides long term healing.

As Stephen Porges says – anything that expands, increases, or strengthens the patient’s ability to access ventral vagal, social engagement states is trauma healing.