1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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.

7. 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« Vagal brake » withdrawn → Sympathetic NS takes over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