PSYCHOTHERAPY IN RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY
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Polyvagal Theory and EMDR

7/12/2023

 
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Many EMDR therapists use polyvagal theory to help someone understand that their body and mind are responding in a certain way because it is biologically built to do this. Your nervous system is responding to cues of danger or safety, and so symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma responses, are easier to understand when we view our nervous system as a ladder (as shown in the diagram below).
 
At the bottom of the nervous system ladder, in response to cues of danger, our nervous system can shut down. Here we can feel numb, blank-minded, even depressed. Think of how we might be caught by the saber-tooth tiger; our nervous system cleverly shuts us down so we do not feel the pain of the bite of the tiger. This is the work of the part of the parasympathetic nervous system that is known as the dorsal vagal response.
 
In the middle of the nervous system ladder, in response to cues of danger that we have a hope of escaping, our nervous system will respond by increasing our heart rate so we can fight or flee the danger. Here we can find outbursts of anger and anxiety, and this is the work of the sympathetic nervous system.
 
Finally, at the top of the nervous system ladder, we find the most evolved response, in response to cues of safety, when we can connect with ourselves and others. Thanks to our parasympathetic nervous system, this is the ventral vagal response.
 
Together, we will help you to notice and name the different states, and you can use this awareness to flex in and out of the various states as appropriate.

I hope you found this useful. Please get in contact if you need to discuss any of this.
Book online today for a free callback.
Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected] or call us on +1 (201) 779-6917.


Chris Warren-Dickins LLB MA LPC
Explore Transform LLC

Counseling and Psychotherapy in Bergen County, New Jersey
www.exploretransform.com
+1 (201) 779-6917

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Counseling & Psychotherapy in Ridgewood, New Jersey
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Psychotherapy in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Covering Bergen County, Essex County, Morris County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Sussex County, Passaic County, Union County, Somerset County, Warren County, Cumberland County, Hunterdon County, Ocean County, Atlantic County, Salem County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Cape May County, Camden County, Burlington County, and Monmouth County.

Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, we are only offering sessions online. ​
Our address is 143 E Ridgewood Ave, #1484, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Telephone: +1-201-779-6917
Lead clinician: Chris Warren-Dickins LLB MA LPC
​EXPLORE TRANSFORM LLC
© COPYRIGHT 2025 CHRIS WARREN-DICKINS.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NJ LICENCE # 37PC00618700
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • TESTIMONIALS
  • CONTACT YOUR THERAPIST
  • FEES
  • BURNOUT
  • LONELINESS
  • POWERLESSNESS
  • EMDR & TRAUMA
  • BOOK ONLINE
  • CLINICAL CONSULTATION
  • CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR CLINICIANS
  • FREE RESOURCES
  • BLOG