Polyvagal theory: A foundation for EMDR therapy

Polyvagal Theory (PVT) is a splendid foundation for EMDR and the concept of dual awareness. Here, PVT is given in an accessible form for teaching to clients, to enhance all eight phases of treatment. To fight, flee or shutdown are adaptive defensives when there is danger or life-threat. Clients tend to live in the SNS circuitry of anxiety/anger or the dorsal vagal circuitry of hopelessness/shutdown, misattuned with current (safer) reality. Attending to the state of both our nervous systems enhances attunement and allows us to change to ventral vagal regulation. PVT-informed additions to our usual stabilization tools will be introduced.

Conference

English

Barbara Horne

Horne, B. (2019, September). Polyvagal theory: A foundation for EMDR therapy. Presentation at the 24th EMDR International Association Conference, Orange County, CA