Session Notes: Dr. Arielle Schwartz Explains Trauma Healing and Somatic Practices from a Polyvagal Perspective

In the world of trauma recovery, innovative approaches that merge different disciplines hold immense potential. A notable example is the integration of Applied Polyvagal Theory with yoga principles. Join us in reflection of our recent conversation with Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a renowned somatics expert, as she shares insights on the polyvagal perspective and its implications for trauma healing and somatic practices. We’ll share a summary of our session notes around what Dr. Schwartz shared on the significance of differentiating between relaxation and collapse, the effects of chronic collapse on health, the concept of neuroception, and the role of co-regulation in creating change within the nervous system. 

1. What is the polyvagal perspective and how does it relate to trauma and chronic collapse?

According to Dr. Schwartz, the polyvagal perspective teaches us that the parasympathetic nervous system can respond to chronic traumatization or life-threatening situations by entering a state of collapse or low arousal. This reveals that our response to stress is not always limited to fight, flight, or freeze; rather, we might just experience a very low arousal state. Recognizing this distinction is crucial in the trauma-healing world and the somatic approach to trauma. By understanding whether we are relaxed or collapsed, we gain insight into the detrimental effects chronic collapse can have on our mental and physical health.

2. What is neuroception? What’s its role in our responses to threats?

Dr. Schwartz introduced the term "neuroception," coined by Dr. Steven Porges, which refers to our nervous system attuning to cues of threat in the environment. She highlights that our nervous system is constantly adapting to potential threats, even without conscious awareness. This process can trigger stress responses, including the release of stress hormones, without us fully understanding why we are reacting. We focused on the importance of reclaiming conscious awareness to better comprehend what we are responding to, why we are responding, and whether it accurately aligns with our current situation.

3. The practice of yoga and meditation in relation to the polyvagal perspective and trauma healing:

Dr. Schwartz stresses the relevance of the polyvagal perspective when engaging in practices like yoga, Shavasana, yoga nidra, or meditation. Individuals with a history of trauma may find themselves slipping into a state of collapse or feeling unsafe when attempting to relax or experience stillness. This residue of immobilization in response to threat can hinder their ability to truly relax. Dr. Schwartz encourages practitioners to differentiate between relaxation and collapse, paying close attention to the body's cues. By creating a safe and supportive environment, practitioners can explore their own nervous system states and find ways to integrate cues of safety, such as breath awareness and compassionate body attention.

4. How co-regulation plays a role in trauma healing and creating change within oneself:

Dr. Schwartz explains that co-regulation occurs at both interpersonal and intrapersonal levels. Interpersonally, individuals in a state of ventral vagal regulation, which is a calm and connected state, can offer regulating energy to others. This generative exchange is particularly beneficial in therapeutic yoga, where the teacher's regulated state can positively impact the students. Intrapersonally, co-regulation involves finding regulation within oneself through practices like yoga. By attuning to one's breath, heart, brain, and embodied connection, individuals can access a sense of safety and foster self-regulation. Another highlighted topic of discussion was the importance of safety, choice, and invitational language within the practice, allowing practitioners to explore and make the practice their own.

Practical Insights on the Path of Healing

In Dr. Schwartz’s enlightening session, we gained valuable insights into the polyvagal perspective, trauma healing, and somatic practices. By understanding the relationship between chronic collapse and our health, the concept of neuroception, the challenges of finding stillness after trauma, and the role of co-regulation in creating change, we can begin to embark on a path of self-awareness and healing. 

*This information came from Dr. Arielle Schwartz’s session in The Embody Lab’s Somatic Trauma Healing Summit in June 2023. Members of The Embody Lab can access Arielle’s session through the On-Demand Content Library. Not a member? Click HERE to sign up for a 14-day free trial membership. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more educational content!

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