Why talk about polyvagal theory ? A key dimension of promoting (self) compassion - and of effective therapy in general - is in the para-verbal domain. More specifically in : - knowing what to look for in para-verbal behavior - knowing how & in what direcion to shape it Our client's and... our own. Polyvagal provides a solid and doable basis for this.

The parasympathic system has two very different functions : THE vagus → Which Vagus ? In a safe context The parasympathic  system has two very different functions : a) Rest / Digest b) Tend/ befriend Related to two branches of the vagus a) an evolutionary «  older  » unmyelinated branch b) an evolutionary «  newer  » myelinated brach

Myelinated (« new ») vagus Myelinisation → rapid and differentiated responding to contextual cues. New, « smart » vagus regulates heart and lungs (arousal) : serves as «  vagal brake  » of pacemaker of the heart. Measured by «  vagal tone  » (HRV / RSA) Strong vagal tone ↔ prosociality and compassion Strong vagal tone ↔ optimal affect regulation, optimal physiological functioning Vagal hyper-tone ↔ euphoria, hypomania.

Unmyelinated (« old ») Vagus In safe context, it regulates organs below diaphragm -> Rest and digest, low (striated) muscular tone But ... In threatening context  ↔ resignation, numbing, hypotonic freeze & dissociation

Myelinated vagus & communication Myelinated vagus  : one system with other cranial nerves, related to facial expression, listening & vocalizing, visual focus & shifting perspective orientation movements of the head, gestures of the arms. All related to communication → Myelinated vagus & cranial nerves together : ( Social Engagement System)

Paraverbal behavior and the ANS We can perceive AND influence facial expression, voice, breath, gesture, posture, etc. → we can, by a focus on paraverbals, improve Social Engagement, flexible affect regulation, physical health, (self)compassion & prosociality When therapist embodies signs Social Engagement → increases likelihood that : - Therapeutic setting is perceived as safe - SES of client can be activated - Therapist is less at risk for burn out.

The ANS : a hierarchical system of adaptive responding CONTEXT AUTONOMIC ADAPTATION 1) Safe Social Engagement System, Myelinated vagus ↔ Bias towards perception of safety-signals, ↔ Flexible arousal ↔ Prosociality, compassion 2) Dangerous Mobilisation system « Vagal brake » withdrawn → Sympathetic NS takes over High arousal, Fight/ flight, Bias towards signals of danger 3) Lifethreatening Immobilisation System (fight / flight not possible) Unmyelinated vagus dominates ↔ Bias towards signals of lifethreat Hypo-arousal, resignation / numbing / fainting / freeze / dissociation The ANS as an hierarchical system CONTEXT AUTONOMIC ADAPTATION 1) Safe Social Engagement System, Parasympathetic, myelinated vagus Flexible, prosocial/ compassionate «  vital  » relating Optimal functioning of viscera and immune-system Focus on / Bias towards signals of safety 2) Dangerous Mobilisation system Sympathetic High arousal Fight/ flight Biased towards signals of danger. 3) Lifethreatening Immobilisation System (fight flight not possible) Parasympathetic, unmyelinated vagus Hypo-arousal, numbing «  Death feigning  » Resignation/ dissociation