therapy methods
Polyvagal Therapy near SF Bay Area, California
What is Polyvagal Therapy (PVT)?
Main Points
→ Polyvagal therapy focuses on regulating the autonomic nervous system to improve your emotional and physical well-being.
→ It uses the vagus nerve to promote safety and calm, and help you shift from fight-or-flight mode to relaxation & connection. Techniques include the vagus nerve stimulation.
→ Polyvagal therapy also encourages social engagement and connection to foster healing and resilience.
→ This approach is effective for treating PTSD, trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, depression, relationship issues, attachment issues, emotional dysregulation, and others.
Polyvagal therapy (PVT), based on Dr. Stephen Porges' polyvagal theory, focuses on the physiological responses of the body, particularly the role of the vagus nerve in regulating the body’s stress response.
It emphasizes the parasympathetic nervous system, especially the ventral vagal pathway, which helps regulate heart rate and other physiological responses to promote feelings of safety and calm.
PVT uses techniques like vagus nerve stimulation, grounding, movement, breathing, and mindfulness. Through this therapeutic approach, individuals can learn to shift their autonomic nervous system from a state of stress or threat to one of safety, supporting emotional regulation and trauma recovery.
This therapeutic approach is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and other trauma-related conditions. PVT is applied in clinical settings by therapists like Deb Dana to help individuals experience a greater sense of safety and healing by supporting a more regulated and balanced nervous system.
I believe Polyvagal Informed Therapy can help you experience a state of calmness, safety, & connection.
Polyvagal Therapy Can Treat Issues Related to …
How Polyvagal Therapy can Help You.
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Polyvagal therapy helps regulate your autonomic nervous system, shifting your body from a state of stress to calm and relaxation.
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By calming your body's stress response, Polyvagal Therapy helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and emotional dysregulation, fostering emotional resilience and healing.
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Polyvagal Therapy fosters a sense of safety, which can improve your ability to connect with others, promoting healthier relationships and greater emotional support.
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Polyvagal therapy helps you reconnect with your body, release stored tension or trauma, and restore your sense of groundedness and emotional well-being.
Hello. I’m Dr. Priscilla W. Malm, your Polyvagal Informed Therapist in the SF Bay Area, California.
As a holistic psychologist in California with a trauma-informed and neuroscience background, I believe that regulating your autonomic nervous system is key to emotional healing, connection, and overall wellness.
My approach to Polyvagal Therapy is warm, empathic, collaborative, and empowering. By actively listening to your needs and integrating Polyvagal Therapy with other methods like CBT, DBT, EMDR, and somatic therapy, I offer a comprehensive and holistic framework for healing that addresses both your mind and body.
I invite you to take the next step whenever you are ready.
The Process - Polyvagal Therapy
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Step 1: Contact Us
The therapy process begins when you reach out to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.
You may reach out to us by filling out an inquiry through our contact page, call (650-257-0126), or email (info@growandwell.com) us.
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Step 2: Consultation
In the free 15-minute phone consultation, we will discuss the reasons you are seeking polyvagal therapy and explore what you are hoping to achieve.
You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and determine if my approach and style align with your needs.
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Step 3: Intake Session
In our first appointment, we will take time to get to know you more deeply. We will start with questions about your background, mental health history, and any current challenges you're facing.
We may also discuss and set treatment goals to guide our work together.
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Step 4: Ongoing sessions
In our sessions, we will create a safe space to explore your emotions and physical experiences, deepen body awareness, release tension, and regulate your nervous system using techniques like vagus nerve stimulation and mindfulness to support your healing.
