The Science Behind My Work
Here’s a look at the evidence-based frameworks that shape my practice:
The Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, helps us understand how the nervous system shapes our feelings, behaviours, and ability to connect. Rather than seeing our responses as “good” or “bad,” this lens reveals that everything our body does is an attempt to stay safe.
Our autonomic nervous system moves between three main states: ventral, sympathetic, and dorsal. These states influence how we think, feel, and relate to others.
“Safety is the treatment.” — Dr. Stephen Porges
The Autonomic Ladder
Think of your nervous system as a ladder. At the top is ventral vagal: the place of safety, connection, and calm. In the middle is sympathetic: the energy of mobilization, where we’re ready to fight or flee. At the bottom is dorsal vagal: the state of collapse or shutdown when life feels too overwhelming.
Throughout the day, we move up and down this ladder depending on how safe or threatened we feel. The goal isn’t to stay at the top all the time, but to build awareness and flexibility, the ability to notice where you are, and gently find your way back toward safety and connection.
Ventral Vagal
Safety & Connection
The ventral vagal state is our regulated state, when the body feels safe enough to rest, connect, and engage with the world. In this state, our breath is steady, our heart is open, and we can access compassion, curiosity, and joy. We feel grounded and connected to ourselves and others.
Sympathetic
Mobilization & Protection
The sympathetic state is the body’s mobilization response, the energy of fight or flight. It prepares us to take action when we sense danger or stress. You might feel anxious, restless, angry, or driven to “do.” This state isn’t bad; it’s designed to protect you. Healing involves helping your body know when it’s safe to come back into balance.
Dorsal Vagal
Shutdown & Disconnection
The dorsal vagal state is the body’s protective response when things feel too overwhelming. Energy drops, and we may feel numb, disconnected, or shut down. This is the nervous system’s way of saying, “It’s too much.” With safety and gentle support, the body can begin to thaw and re-engage with life.
Neuroception
The Body’s Inner Watcher
Neuroception is the subconscious process your nervous system uses to detect safety or threat, moment to moment. It’s not about what you think; it’s about what your body senses. Through sounds, tone, facial expression, or even silence, your system constantly scans the environment, other people, and within yourself. When neuroception shifts toward safety, regulation becomes possible.
Why This Matters
When we understand these states, we can meet our experiences with compassion instead of shame.
You begin to recognize, “I’m not broken: my nervous system is doing its best to protect me.”
Through awareness, regulation, and connection, your body learns that safety is possible again, and from there, healing can unfold.
Rhythms of Regulation: Deb Dana’s Approach
Deb Dana, LCSW is a pioneer in applying Polyvagal Theory to therapy, coaching, and everyday life. Through her Rhythms of Regulation framework, she brings the science into a deeply compassionate, human context.
Her work helps us recognize our nervous system “states” with curiosity, not judgment, and learn how to gently regulate through anchoring, attunement, and co-regulation.
“The autonomic nervous system is always listening, asking, ‘Am I safe?’” — Deb Dana
Somatics: Healing Through the Body
Somatic work means healing through the body, not just the mind. Many of our survival responses and traumas live in muscle memory, posture, breath, and nervous system patterning.
By gently tuning in to your body’s sensations, movements, and impulses, we begin to build a deeper sense of felt safety, presence, and embodied wholeness.
This work is especially powerful for trauma, dissociation, anxiety and patterns that can’t be shifted by insight alone.
Parts Work helps you develop a compassionate relationship with the many inner aspects of yourself. Each “part,” the voice that strives, the one that hides, the one that feels afraid was formed to help you stay safe. When we meet these parts with curiosity rather than judgment, they begin to soften and trust.
From a nervous system lens, each part is linked to a state of regulation or protection: fight, flight, freeze, or connection. By learning to notice what your system is communicating through each part, we create the safety needed for healing and integration.
As your nervous system settles, your inner world becomes more harmonious. The protective parts can rest, the vulnerable parts can be seen, and your grounded, wise Self can lead with clarity and care.
Parts Work
The frameworks I use are gentle, science-based, and deeply respectful of the body’s wisdom.
Together, they help us understand not just why we feel stuck, but how to create lasting change through safety, connection, and internal harmony.
Book a 25 minute- complimentary new client consultation to learn more.