Polyvagal Informed Therapy

What does Polyvagal Informed Therapy help with?

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Polyvagal Informed Therapy is an approach to therapy that is based on the Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. This theory explains how our nervous system reacts to stress, danger, and safety, and how these responses impact our emotions, relationships, and behaviors.

In therapy, a polyvagal-informed approach helps clients understand their nervous system, recognize when they’re stuck in survival states (like fight, flight, or freeze), and learn how to return to a place of calm, connection, and safety.

  • Helps maintain control of self in a stressful situation

  • Increases awareness of feelings in the body

  • Helps to effectively navigate situations where one feels threatened or attacked

  • Re-establishes feelings of safety in the midst of intense emotions

  • Validates the body’s survival mechanism, reducing shame and guilt

  • Connects overwhelming experiences in the present with one’s past

  • Increases mindfulness

trauma,

dissociation,

panic attacks,

stress & anxiety,

chronic pain,

emotional overwhelm,

trauma, dissociation, panic attacks, stress & anxiety, chronic pain, emotional overwhelm,

  • “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take a step.”

    -Naeem Callaway

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What you can expect at Selah

We know that every person carries unique experiences and circumstances with them to therapy.

We believe your counselling experience should integrate a process that seeks to bring you hope and change through the following steps:

  1. You will pick whether you want to attend in-person, virtual or hybrid. 

  2. You will get started with your initial session. Relationship building is the most crucial stage during this appointment, as trust and connection are vital in the therapeutic process. It takes “on average”, two or more sessions before you can determine your fit with the therapist. We always say, “Don’t give up on counselling, but connect with a new counsellor if not a good fit.” Don’t hesitate to contact our Intake Coordinator at 519-281-1845 or intake@selahsupport.ca if not a good fit. 80% of your change in therapy is about the relationship with your therapist. 

  3. During your initial sessions, you will share your current circumstances and areas you would like to see changed, and then we will go from there. We want to get to know you.  

  4. Once you and your therapist feel you are comfortable and present concerns and desires are shared, you will begin to work through various activities, skills, and treatment methods We aim to work with you in partnership, helping you gain insight and new skills that create an environment for change. 

Let’s work together.