Episode 14: Getting Out of Survival Mode Using Polyvagal Theory

The vagus nerve is one of the most untapped and under-discussed resources in managing your mental and physical health. Learning to recognize and move through specific states in your nervous system can help ease anxiety and depression, GI issues, metabolic imbalances, and generally help you feel more calm and in control.

In this episode, Brooke Butler, LMFT-A joins Seth to discuss how trauma impacts our well-being and the steps we can take to regulate our stress response via the Polyvagal theory. Brooke uses Polyvagal theory to help clients understand their own nervous system and how many triggers and emotions they experience come from the different states of the nervous system. They can then recognize their state and use their learned tools to get out of survival mode. Brooke Butler is a relational therapist working with couples, individuals, and families who are struggling in different areas in their lives.

Brooke also works with clients using parts work (IFS), mindfulness, EFT, and cognitive-behavioral work. Brooke specializes in areas like habit change, premarital counseling, anxiety, depression, body image issues, poor relationship with food, relational issues, life transitions, struggles with sexuality, and many more.

In this episode, Seth and Brooke discuss:

• ☝ How trauma can impact your nervous system 
• 🎆 What anxiety symptoms look like and how it can affect your body
• 🤓 What is the Vagus nerve and what is it responsible for 
• ❓ What are the main components of the Polyvegal theory
• ✨ Learn the 3 states that dictate how we behave and think in the world
• Dorsall - Immobilization, can be responsible for Depression
• Sympathetic - Mobilization, Fight or flight
• Ventral - connection, feeling hopeful

Brooke’s health tip: Implement meditation or breathwork into your day to create calm and to keep a stress deficit.

Resources:

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma - Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

More About Brooks and Evolution Austin Therapy

To learn more about Brooke and Evolution Austin Therapy, head over to https://evolutionaustintherapy.wordpress.com/

Check out Brooke on Facebook and Instagram: @evolution.austin.therapy

Connect with Dr. Seth Osgood

To learn more about Dr. Seth Osgood and the GrassRoots Adaptation Program, head over to www.grassrootsfunctionalmedicine.com

Join the GrassRoots Facebook community at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/grassrootsfuntionalmedicine