Finding Rest - Head to Toe

Finding Rest
Healing Trauma and Stress
In the Nervous System
Penny Holland M.A., L.P.C.C.
pennyholland58@gmail.com
Cues from your Nervous System
• What happens when you feel stressed?
–
–
–
–
–
In your belly, breath, head, neck, limbs, posture
In your brain, thoughts, memory
To your curiosity, flexibility, creativity
To your immune system, your health, your strength
In your heart and your connection with others
• When you feel settled?
Hyper-arousal / Mobilization
Regulation / Social Engagement
Hypo-arousal / Immobilization
Polyvagal Theory – Dr. Stephen Porges
Neuroception
Unconscious perception of:
Safety
Danger
Life threat
that registers in the right brain
Dr. Stephen Porges
Safe Relationship
and
Positive Experiences
Co-Regulation
Self-Regulation
Hyper-arousal / Mobilization
Regulation / Social Engagement
Hypo-arousal / Immobilization
Polyvagal Theory – Dr. Stephen Porges
Hyper-arousal / Mobilization
Regulation / Social Engagement
Hypo-arousal / Immobilization
Polyvagal Theory - Dr. Stephen Porges
Rest
vs.
Collapse
Enjoyment
vs.
Mania
The goal
is a shift in the
Autonomic Nervous System
from
Dysregulation to Regulation
Right Brain Interventions for Regulation
Safe Relationships
Settling in the Body, Slowing Down
Mindful Observation
Attention to Positive Sensory Stimulation
Use of Imagination
Know your resources, strengths
Break up Fixed Action Patterns
How can we share this in our schools?
with staff & administration?
with students?
with families?
References
~The Polyvagal Theory Neurological Foundations of
Emotions, Attachment, Communication, Self-Regulation
by Stephen W. Porges
~The Healing Power of Emotion Affective Neuroscience,
Development & Clinical Practice
by Diana Fosha, Daniel Siegel, Marion F. Solomon
~In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts
by Gabor Mate
~“Holding the Wound, Holding out Hope: Understanding
the Neurobiology of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”
by Penny Holland Tikkun Mag online March 4, 2011