Vitality and the Ventral Vagus: Using Polyvagal Theory to Help Therapists Feel Better, with guest, Paul Wickersham, LPC

How can we feel better while working with our clients/patients or students? Deborah and Tracy discuss polyvagal theory with Paul Wickersham, a neurofeedback practitioner and psychotherapist in private practice in Springfield, Missouri.

Helpers need to be calm and grounded while working with others. But the work often requires sitting, holding still, and keeping emotional “space” for clients or patients who are frightened, depressed, or even combative. The work can be both emotionally and physically treacherous.

Polyvagal Theory, originated by Dr. Stephen Porges, provides a new understanding of the vagus nerve(s) and its role in nervous system regulation and dysregulation.

Attention to the therapist’s own nervous system allows us to bring home our energy, learn, and regain focus while face-to-face with someone whose difficulties seem overpowering.

Knowing how to activate the “ventral vagus nerve” helps therapists and all helpers regulate our own nervous system functioning, and get calmer and more grounded. We focus on how to attend to our own nervous system states and how this makes therapy easier and our days feel better overall.

Learn more about Paul and his practice here: http://springfieldneurofeedback.com/about

Learn more about the theory here: https://www.stephenporges.com And here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-trauma/202206/polyvagal-theory-approach-understanding-trauma