A cornerstone of this perspective lies in recognizing that our feelings of safety are not merely abstract emotions but are deeply rooted in the physiological responses orchestrated by the autonomic nervous system. Aligning with our evolutionary history, this acknowledgment elevates the significance of sociality as a potent neuromodulator.

Drawing on ground-breaking neuroscience research, particularly the work exemplified by Polyvagal Theory, this workshop with Dr Stephen Porges highlights how psychotherapists and counsellors can explore the ways in which autonomic regulation intricately interlinks with mental health, behavioural patterns, learning processes, and social behaviours. Specifically, it unveils the significance of the neural process termed neuroception, elucidating its role in evaluating environmental risks and subsequently triggering adaptive neural circuits. These circuits, in turn, promote either pro-social interactions or defensive behaviours, significantly impacting an individual’s well-being and mental health trajectory.

Moreover, the deficits observed in the regulation of the Social Engagement System, as explicated within the Polyvagal framework, resonate deeply with recurrent behavioural and psychological manifestations we see in our clinical settings. The profound implications of these deficits underscore the importance of integrating therapeutic interventions that focus on rewiring autonomic responses and nurturing pathways towards safety and connection.

An important aspect of applying this understanding within clinical practice involves constructing an autonomic map that unravels:

• Emergent properties of states, namely, rest-and-digest (social & safe), fight-or-flight (mobilisation) and shutdown (immobilisation)
• Categorizing distinct narratives arising from these states, and
• Discerning how neuroception shapes behaviour

By assimilating these insights, therapists can strategically employ co-regulating pathways within the Social Engagement System, thereby improving clinical outcomes significantly.

The interdisciplinary nature of this approach allows therapists to bridge the gap between biological underpinnings and clinical applications. By amalgamating insights from neuroscience, psychology, and behavioural sciences, practitioners can skilfully assess client responses through autonomic states, devise interventions that promote regulation, and facilitate the return to a state of physiological and emotional equilibrium.

By respecting our need to feel safe as a biological response, we respect our phylogenetic heritage and elevate sociality as a neuromodulator. This functionally provides the scientific validation for a societal focus on promoting opportunities to experience feelings of safety and co-regulation. Ultimately, the integrative approach offered by the Polyvagal perspective not only augments our comprehension of the intricate relationship between physiological responses and mental health but also serves as a compass guiding clinical interventions toward fostering safety, connection, and holistic well-being within our clients.

This webinar will illustrate how a Polyvagal perspective provides insights into the assessment and treatment of mental health and explain how autonomic regulation is linked to mental health, behavioural problems, learning processes, and sociality.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how a neural process, neuroception, evaluates risk in the environment and triggers adaptive neural circuits to promote either social interactions or defensive behaviours
• Explain how deficits in the regulation of the Social Engagement System relate to the core features of several behavioural and psychiatric disorders

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