Polyvagal Theory, Safety and the Therapeutic Relationship in Yoga Therapy with Marlysa Sullivan & Stephen Porges

This amazing conversation comes as an excerpt from a course on Polyvagal Theory and Therapeutic Yoga that Marlsya, Amy and Stephen created together for the Polyvagal Institute. There is still time to join us this fall, and we will be offering it again very soon. Also, we are celebrating 2.5 years and 100,000 downloads with our amazing Yoga Therapy Hour Community. We are sharing this extra episode to say thank you!

Guests: Dr. Steven Porges & Marlysa Sullivan

Key Takeaways:

1. Definition of "Safety" in Polyvagal Theory:

• Safety is more than the absence of threat. It encompasses a feeling of connection, belonging, and an internal sense of well-being.

1. Importance of Safety:

• The foundation of any therapeutic relationship.
• Influences the outcome of therapy.
• Defines the quality of interactions and connections.

1. Understanding Internal Safety:

• The role of the autonomic nervous system.
• Transitioning from a state of threat to a place of safety.

1. Signs & Signals of Safety:

• Voice and Intonation: The calming effect of a soothing voice.
• Facial Expressions: The importance of the upper face, especially the orbital muscle around the eyes.
• Muscle Tension: How the body communicates its state of being.

1. Hearing and the Vagal System:

• The middle ear muscle's role.
• How our nervous system determines what we hear.

1. Finding Mutual Safety:

• The therapeutic dance between the caretaker and care seeker.
• Enhancing therapy outcomes through mutual feelings of safety.

1. Why Some Relationships Feel Safer:

• Recognizing the cues that foster connection or fear.
• Understanding intuitive feelings of safety or discomfort with certain individuals.

Join the Full Course on Therapeutic Yoga and Polyvagal Theory with Amy, Marlysa and Stephen:

• Dive deeper into the blend of polyvagal theory and therapeutic yoga.
• www.PolyvagalInstitute.org

Connect with us:

• www.PolyvagalInstitute.org
• www.MarlysaSullivan.com
• www.amywheeler.com
• www.TheOptimalState.com