CoreDB ID:
118
Specialty Type:
Psychologist
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Have you ever wondered why you sometimes feel calm and social, other times anxious and ready to flee, and occasionally completely shut down or numb? The answer lies in understanding your nervous system and how it responds to perceived safety and threat. Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, provides a revolutionary framework for understanding these automatic responses and offers practical tools for better emotional regulation.
At London Trusted Therapy Harley Street, they've seen how understanding Polyvagal Theory can transform their clients' relationships with themselves and others, leading to improved mental health and greater life satisfaction.
Polyvagal Theory is a scientific framework that explains how our autonomic nervous system influences our behavior, emotions, and social connections. The theory focuses on the vagus nerve—the longest cranial nerve that connects the brain to major organs throughout the body.
The "poly" in Polyvagal refers to the fact that the vagus nerve has multiple branches, each serving different functions and evolutionary purposes. Understanding these different pathways helps us make sense of our automatic responses to stress, connection, and safety.
Polyvagal Theory identifies three main neural pathways that govern our responses to the world:
1. The Ventral Vagal Complex (Social Engagement System) This is our newest evolutionary pathway, located in the upper part of the vagus nerve. When this system is active, we feel:
This is our optimal state for learning, connecting, and thriving.
2. The Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight or Flight) This mobilizing system prepares us for action when we perceive threat. When activated, we experience:
This system is crucial for survival but becomes problematic when chronically activated.
3. The Dorsal Vagal Complex (Freeze/Shutdown) This is our oldest evolutionary pathway, activating when we perceive life-threatening danger. It triggers:
While protective in extreme situations, chronic activation can lead to depression and dissociation.
One of the most important concepts in Polyvagal Theory is "neuroception"—our nervous system's ability to detect safety or threat without conscious awareness. This happens below the level of consciousness and influences which neural pathway becomes active.
Neuroception scans for:
When our neuroception detects safety, we can access our social engagement system. When it detects danger, we shift into fight-or-flight. When it perceives life threat, we may shut down completely.
Polyvagal Theory conceptualizes our nervous system responses as a ladder:
Top of the Ladder - Ventral Vagal (Safe and Social)
Middle of the Ladder - Sympathetic (Fight or Flight)
Bottom of the Ladder - Dorsal Vagal (Shutdown)
We naturally move up and down this ladder throughout the day, but problems arise when we get stuck in the lower states.
Understanding Polyvagal Theory helps explain many mental health symptoms:
1. Nervous System Awareness Learning to recognize which state you're in throughout the day:
2. Co-regulation Using safe relationships to help regulate your nervous system:
3. Environmental Modifications Creating safety cues in your environment:
4. Somatic Practices Engaging the body to influence nervous system states:
Ventral Vagal Activation (Getting to Safety)
Sympathetic Regulation (Managing Fight/Flight)
Dorsal Vagal Recovery (Coming Out of Shutdown)
Polyvagal Theory emphasizes that healing happens in the context of safety. Before we can process trauma or make lasting changes, our nervous system needs to perceive that we're safe. This is why therapeutic relationships are so crucial—they provide the co-regulation needed for healing.
Understanding Polyvagal Theory has revolutionized therapeutic approaches:
Assessment: Therapists now recognize nervous system states as important diagnostic information.
Treatment Planning: Interventions are tailored to the client's current nervous system capacity.
Therapeutic Relationship: The relationship itself becomes a tool for nervous system regulation.
Trauma Work: Therapists help clients build safety and regulation before processing traumatic material.
Window of Tolerance: This refers to the zone where you can experience emotions and sensations without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down. Polyvagal-informed practices help expand this window.
Flexibility: A healthy nervous system can move fluidly between states as appropriate to the situation.
Recovery: Building the ability to return to regulation after activation becomes faster and more efficient.
Our nervous system states are contagious—we influence each other's regulation through:
Co-regulation: Helping each other return to calm states through presence and connection.
Rupture and Repair: Understanding that nervous system activation in relationships is normal, but repair is essential.
Attachment: Secure relationships provide the safety cues needed for optimal nervous system functioning.
Children's nervous systems are particularly sensitive to safety cues:
"I Should Always Be Calm": All nervous system states serve important functions. The goal is flexibility, not constant calm.
"I Can Control My Nervous System": While we can influence our states, many responses are automatic and protective.
"Shutdown is Always Bad": Sometimes dorsal vagal activation is necessary for rest and recovery.
The therapists at London Trusted Therapy Harley Street use Polyvagal Theory to:
They understand that each person's nervous system is unique, shaped by their experiences, culture, and biology. Their approach is always individualized and respectful of your nervous system's wisdom.
Polyvagal Theory recognizes that nervous system differences are normal and valuable:
Morning Routine: Start with activities that promote ventral vagal activation.
Work Stress: Use brief regulation techniques throughout the day.
Relationships: Practice co-regulation with family and friends.
Evening Wind-Down: Engage in activities that promote safety and calm.
Crisis Management: Have tools ready for when you notice nervous system activation.
As understanding of Polyvagal Theory grows, it's influencing:
Understanding your nervous system is the first step toward better emotional regulation and improved mental health. When you know why your body responds the way it does, you can work with your nervous system rather than against it.
At London Trusted Therapy Harley Street, they're committed to helping you understand and work with your unique nervous system. Their Polyvagal-informed approach recognizes that healing happens in the context of safety and connection.
Contact them today to learn more about how Polyvagal Theory can transform your understanding of yourself and improve your emotional well-being. Together, they can help you build a more resilient and regulated nervous system.
Ready to understand your nervous system and improve your emotional regulation? Contact London Trusted Therapy Harley Street to discover how Polyvagal Theory can guide your journey toward better mental health and deeper connections.
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Dr Olena Edwards-Skadowska, Founding CEO of London Trusted Therapy in Harley Street, discusses how understanding how trauma affects the brain and body - and knowing that effective treatments like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) exist - can be the first step toward healing and reclaiming your life.
Trauma is far more common than many people realize, and its effects can ripple through every aspect of your life long after the original experience has ended. As a therapist who regularly works with trauma survivors, I often see clients who have lived for years with symptoms they don't fully understand, believing they should have "gotten over" their experiences by now. Understanding how trauma affects the brain and body – and knowing that effective treatments like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) exist – can be the first step toward healing and reclaiming your life.
When we think of trauma, we often imagine dramatic events like natural disasters, serious accidents, or violent crimes. While these "big T" traumas certainly have profound impacts, trauma actually encompasses a much broader range of experiences. Trauma is essentially any experience that overwhelms your ability to cope, leaving you feeling helpless, afraid, or fundamentally unsafe in the world.
"Small t" traumas might include ongoing emotional neglect, bullying, medical procedures, divorce, job loss, or chronic stress. These experiences can be just as damaging as single dramatic events, particularly when they occur repeatedly or during vulnerable periods of development. The key factor isn't the objective severity of the event, but rather how it affected you personally and your ability to process and integrate the experience.
Trauma can also be vicarious – experienced through witnessing events happen to others, hearing detailed accounts of traumatic experiences, or even consuming traumatic content through media. First responders, healthcare workers, therapists, and family members of trauma survivors often experience this secondary trauma.
Understanding trauma's impact requires recognizing that your brain and body are designed to protect you from danger. When faced with a threat, your nervous system activates fight, flight, or freeze responses that can be life-saving in genuinely dangerous situations. However, trauma can dysregulate this system, causing you to experience threat responses even when you're actually safe.
Trauma particularly affects the amygdala (your brain's alarm system), the hippocampus (responsible for memory processing), and the prefrontal cortex (involved in rational thinking and decision-making). When these systems become dysregulated, you might experience symptoms that seem unrelated to your original trauma but are actually your brain's attempts to protect you from perceived ongoing danger.
This neurobiological impact explains why trauma symptoms can persist long after the danger has passed, why certain triggers can cause such intense reactions, and why simply "thinking through" trauma often isn't sufficient for healing. Effective trauma treatment needs to address both the cognitive and physiological impacts of traumatic experiences.
Trauma responses can manifest in numerous ways, many of which people don't immediately connect to their traumatic experiences. Hypervigilance might show up as constantly scanning your environment for potential threats, having difficulty relaxing in new places, or feeling startled by unexpected sounds or movements.
Emotional numbing is another common response, where you might feel disconnected from your emotions, have difficulty experiencing joy or excitement, or feel like you're going through the motions of life without really being present. This numbness often develops as protection against overwhelming feelings but can leave you feeling empty or disconnected from yourself and others.
Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares are more obviously trauma-related, but they can also manifest subtly as sudden mood changes, unexplained anxiety in certain situations, or physical sensations that seem to come from nowhere. Some people experience what feels like a "movie" playing in their head, while others have body memories – physical sensations related to their trauma without clear visual memories.
Avoidance behaviors are extremely common, where you might find yourself avoiding places, people, activities, or even thoughts that remind you of your trauma. While avoidance provides short-term relief, it often maintains trauma symptoms by preventing your brain from learning that these triggers are no longer dangerous.
Many trauma survivors also experience difficulties with relationships, including challenges with trust, intimacy, boundaries, or communication. Trauma can affect your ability to regulate emotions, leading to intense reactions that seem disproportionate to current situations but make perfect sense when understood in the context of your past experiences.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized psychotherapy approach specifically designed to help people heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has since become one of the most researched and effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions.
EMDR is based on the understanding that trauma becomes "stuck" in your nervous system in a way that prevents normal processing and integration. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to analyze or extensively discuss your trauma. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation – typically eye movements, but sometimes sounds or tactile sensations – to help your brain process traumatic memories more effectively.
The therapy works by activating the same neural mechanisms that occur during REM sleep, when your brain naturally processes and integrates daily experiences. During EMDR sessions, you'll focus on specific traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, allowing your brain to reprocess these experiences in a way that reduces their emotional charge and integrates them more adaptively.
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase protocol that ensures safety and maximizes therapeutic effectiveness. The first phase involves history-taking and treatment planning, where your therapist will assess your trauma history, current symptoms, and readiness for EMDR processing. This phase is crucial for understanding how trauma has affected your life and identifying specific memories to target.
Phase two focuses on preparation and stabilization. Your therapist will teach you coping skills and relaxation techniques to use during and between sessions. This preparation phase is particularly important if you have complex trauma or multiple traumatic experiences, as it ensures you have adequate resources to handle the emotional content that may arise during processing.
Phases three through six constitute the actual reprocessing work. You'll identify specific traumatic memories along with associated images, negative beliefs, emotions, and body sensations. While focusing on these elements, you'll engage in bilateral stimulation until the memory loses its emotional intensity and you can think about it without significant distress.
The final phases involve installation of positive beliefs and body scanning to ensure complete processing, followed by closure techniques to help you return to a calm state. Session eight involves re-evaluation at the beginning of subsequent sessions to ensure that treatment gains are maintained and to identify any additional material that needs processing.
EMDR sessions typically last 60-90 minutes and may initially occur weekly, though frequency can be adjusted based on your needs and progress. Unlike some forms of therapy that can take years to show results, many people experience significant improvement in EMDR relatively quickly, sometimes within a few sessions for single-incident traumas.
During reprocessing, you might experience a range of sensations and emotions as your brain works through the traumatic material. Some people report vivid imagery, others experience primarily emotional or physical sensations. It's common for memories to shift or change during processing – you might remember additional details, experience the memory from a different perspective, or notice that aspects that once seemed terrifying now feel manageable.
Between sessions, you might notice dreams, memories, or insights related to your trauma work. This is generally a positive sign that your brain is continuing to process and integrate the material. Your therapist will provide guidance on managing any between-session effects and may adjust the treatment approach based on your responses.
While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, research has demonstrated its effectiveness for a wide range of conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, grief and loss, disturbing memories, performance anxiety, and self-esteem issues. EMDR can be helpful for both recent traumas and experiences from many years ago.
EMDR is particularly effective for people who have tried traditional talk therapy without significant improvement, those who have difficulty verbalizing their traumatic experiences, or individuals who become overwhelmed when discussing their trauma. Because EMDR doesn't require extensive verbal processing of traumatic content, it can be accessible for people who struggle with traditional therapeutic approaches.
The therapy is appropriate for children, adolescents, and adults, though the specific techniques may be adapted based on age and developmental considerations. EMDR can be used as a standalone treatment or integrated with other therapeutic approaches, depending on your individual needs and circumstances.
EMDR differs from traditional talk therapy in several important ways. While cognitive-behavioral approaches focus on changing thoughts and behaviors related to trauma, EMDR targets the underlying neurobiological processing of traumatic memories. This means that EMDR can create lasting changes without requiring extensive analysis or homework assignments.
Compared to exposure therapy, which involves gradually confronting trauma-related triggers, EMDR allows you to process traumatic memories while remaining psychologically grounded in the present moment. This dual awareness – being simultaneously aware of the past memory and present safety – facilitates healing without re-traumatization.
EMDR also tends to work more quickly than many other trauma treatments. While individual results vary, many people experience significant symptom reduction within 6-12 sessions for single-incident traumas. Complex trauma or multiple traumatic experiences may require longer treatment, but progress is often noticeable relatively early in the process.
If you're considering EMDR, it's important to work with a therapist who has received proper training and certification in the approach. EMDR is a specialized treatment that requires specific skills and knowledge to implement safely and effectively.
Before beginning EMDR processing, your therapist will assess your readiness for trauma work. This includes evaluating your current stability, support systems, and coping resources. If you're in crisis or lack adequate stabilization, your therapist may recommend preparatory work before beginning EMDR processing.
It can be helpful to think about your treatment goals and what you hope to achieve through EMDR. While you don't need to have everything figured out before starting, having some sense of what you'd like to be different in your life can help guide the treatment process.
Successful EMDR treatment often brings profound changes that extend far beyond symptom reduction. Many people report feeling more present in their daily lives, experiencing improved relationships, increased self-confidence, and a greater sense of personal empowerment. The negative beliefs that trauma often instills – such as "I'm not safe," "I'm powerless," or "I can't trust anyone" – are replaced with more adaptive beliefs like "I can handle challenges," "I have choices," or "I can trust my judgment."
However, healing from trauma is often an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. While EMDR can effectively resolve specific traumatic memories, you may need to continue working on related issues, developing healthier relationship patterns, or addressing other life challenges that trauma may have complicated.
Many people find that EMDR opens doors to personal growth and exploration that weren't possible while they were struggling with trauma symptoms. With the emotional charge removed from traumatic memories, you may find yourself able to pursue goals, relationships, or experiences that previously felt too risky or overwhelming.
If you recognize yourself in descriptions of trauma responses, or if you've been struggling with symptoms that might be trauma-related, seeking professional evaluation can be an important step toward healing. A qualified mental health professional can help determine whether EMDR or another treatment approach might be beneficial for your specific situation.
Remember that seeking help for trauma is a sign of strength, not weakness. Trauma responses are normal reactions to abnormal experiences, and you deserve support in healing from whatever you've endured. With appropriate treatment like EMDR, it's possible to move beyond simply surviving your trauma to genuinely thriving in your life.
Healing from trauma takes courage, but you don't have to face it alone. With the right support and treatment, you can reclaim your life from trauma's grip and move forward with greater peace, confidence, and joy.
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Every relationship faces challenges, whether you've been together for months or decades. At London Trusted Therapy on Harley Street, they understand that seeking couples therapy takes courage and represents a commitment to strengthening your partnership. Their experienced relationship therapists work with couples from all backgrounds to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and deepen emotional intimacy.
Many couples wonder if their relationship difficulties are "serious enough" to warrant professional help. The reality is that relationship therapy can benefit couples at any stage, whether you're navigating a specific crisis or simply want to strengthen your connection.
Communication breakdown is one of the most frequent issues addressed at London Trusted Therapy. You might find yourselves having the same arguments repeatedly, feeling unheard, or avoiding difficult conversations altogether. London Trusted Therapy's Harley Street therapists help couples develop healthier communication patterns that foster understanding rather than conflict.
Trust issues can arise from infidelity, financial secrecy, or smaller betrayals that have accumulated over time. Rebuilding trust requires dedication from both partners and professional guidance to navigate the complex emotions involved.
Life transitions such as marriage, having children, job changes, or retirement can strain even strong relationships. These transitions often reveal differences in expectations, values, or coping styles that couples haven't previously addressed.
Intimacy concerns encompass both emotional and physical closeness. Many couples find that intimacy naturally fluctuates, but persistent disconnection can indicate underlying issues that benefit from professional support.
Financial stress and disagreements about money management frequently create tension in relationships. London Trusted Therapy's therapists help couples develop shared financial goals and improve communication about money matters.
Parenting disagreements can create significant conflict, especially when partners have different parenting styles or come from families with contrasting approaches to child-rearing.
Work-life balance challenges affect many London couples, particularly those in demanding careers. Learning to prioritise your relationship while managing professional responsibilities requires intentional effort and often benefits from therapeutic guidance.
You don't need to wait for a crisis to seek help. Consider couples therapy if you notice:
At London Trusted Therapy, they tailor their approach to each couple's unique situation, drawing from evidence-based methodologies that have proven effective in strengthening relationships.
EFT is one of the most researched and effective approaches to couples therapy. This method focuses on identifying and changing negative interaction patterns while helping partners access and express their deeper emotions and needs.
In EFT, London Trusted Therapy's relationship therapists help couples understand their "dance" – the repetitive patterns of interaction that maintain distance or conflict. For example, one partner might withdraw when feeling criticized, which leads the other to pursue more intensely, creating a cycle of pursuit and withdrawal.
Through EFT, couples learn to:
Based on over 40 years of research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this approach focuses on building what they call "The Sound Relationship House" – the essential elements that make relationships thrive.
London Trusted Therapy's Gottman-trained therapists help couples:
Many relationship problems stem from poor communication habits developed over time. London Trusted Therapy's therapists teach practical skills including:
London Trusted Therapy's Harley Street clinic has particular expertise in helping couples navigate common relationship challenges:
Initial Assessment Sessions
Your first session will involve both partners sharing their perspectives on the relationship's strengths and challenges. London Trusted Therapy's therapists will explore your relationship history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This assessment helps them understand your unique dynamic and tailor treatment accordingly.
Some couples worry about taking sides or feeling judged. London Trusted Therapy's therapists maintain neutrality while acknowledging each partner's experience. The goal isn't to determine who's "right" but to help you understand each other better and develop healthier patterns.
Individual Sessions
Occasionally, London Trusted Therapy may recommend individual sessions to address personal issues that affect the relationship. This might include processing past trauma, working on individual mental health concerns, or exploring personal values and goals.
Individual sessions are always discussed openly, and the therapist maintains transparency about their purpose and any insights that might benefit your joint work.
Homework and Practice
Like individual therapy, couples therapy involves practice between sessions. This might include:
Choosing private relationship therapy at London Trusted Therapy's Harley Street clinic offers several advantages:
"It's too late for us." Many couples are surprised by how much improvement is possible, even in severely distressed relationships. While therapy can't guarantee outcomes, most couples experience some benefit, and many achieve significant improvements.
"My partner won't come." While couples therapy works best with both partners participating, individual work can still improve relationship dynamics. Sometimes, one partner's positive changes motivate the other to join therapy.
"We'll just argue in front of the therapist." Therapists are skilled at managing conflict constructively. What feels like arguing to you provides valuable information about your patterns and emotions.
"It's too expensive." Consider the cost of therapy compared to the potential cost of relationship breakdown – both emotional and financial. Many couples find that investing in their relationship early prevents more expensive problems later.
Research shows that couples therapy is highly effective, with approximately 70% of couples showing significant improvement. At London Trusted Therapy, they've helped couples:
The decision to seek couples therapy often feels daunting, but it represents hope and commitment to your relationship. Many couples wish they had started therapy sooner rather than waiting until problems felt overwhelming.
At London Trusted Therapy, they create a safe, non-judgmental space where both partners can explore their feelings, learn new skills, and work toward positive change. Their experienced therapists understand that every relationship is unique and deserves individualised care.
Whether you're newlyweds learning to navigate marriage, long-term partners facing new challenges, or a couple considering separation but wanting to try everything first, they're there to support your journey.
Contact London Trusted Therapy's Harley Street clinic today to schedule your couples therapy consultation. Taking this step shows strength and commitment to creating the loving, fulfilling relationship you both deserve. Your partnership is worth the investment, and London Trust Therapy's relationship therapists are there to help you rediscover the connection that brought you together.
When should couples seek therapy?
Therapy can help at any stage—whether addressing repeated arguments, emotional distance, trust issues, or simply wanting to strengthen your relationship.
Does couples therapy work?
Yes. Around 70% of couples see significant improvement in communication, trust, and intimacy.
How much does couples therapy cost in London?
Pricing varies. Please enquire at the clinic for details.
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