How Connection Creates Regulation

As a therapist, I'm passionate about exploring the intricate relationship between our brains and bodies. For years, I've been on a personal and professional journey to understand how our physical sensations impact our mental well-being.

Like many, I struggle with anxiety and have developed coping mechanisms that aren’t always healthy. They provide a semblance of control but leave me disconnected from my body's cues. If you're here, I sense you're curious about this mind-body connection and eager to feel more regulated and connected.

The Low Down On Regulation

Regulation is about understanding how we can ground ourselves in the present moment, even amidst life's chaos. But here's the thing: self-regulation often starts with co-regulation. We lean on safe others to help us find our footing before we can do it ourselves.

Ever heard of Maya Angelou's quote, "People won’t remember what you said, they won’t remember what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel"?

That’s what co-regulation is all about. It’s how we influence each other's nervous systems without even realizing it. Have you ever sensed a shift in mood when someone walks into the room? That's the power of co-regulation.

And then there's self-regulation - the art of pausing, gathering our thoughts, and grounding ourselves in the present. It's about responding to life's ups and downs in a way that aligns with our values, not our automatic reactions.

Reality Check

Nobody's perfect at this! Seriously, NOBODY. We all have moments when we react instead of respond and that's okay. It's all part of the journey towards understanding and embracing our nervous systems.

If you're ready to dive deeper into this world, check out my Understanding Your Nervous System Workbook. This is a beginner-friendly guide to understanding your nervous system, designed to help you find moments of regulation, safety, and connection. Consider it Nervous System 101 and while it may not cover every aspect of polyvagal theory or somatic work, it's a great starting point for anyone curious about this therapeutic approach.

Remember, the goal isn't to be regulated all the time - it's about learning to bring ourselves back into balance when life throws us off track. So let's embark on this journey together, one step at a time!