Sober Synthesis

What is Co-Regulation and How Does It Support Physical and Mental Health?

• Co-regulation is the unconscious process by which one person’s autonomic nervous system is calmed, balanced, or energized by others.
  • “A dance of neural regulation” that strongly influences overall well being.
  • The process of sending and receiving signals of safety with others.
    • Often non-verbal signals such as tone of voice, facial expressions, touch and postures.
  • A biological need that is as important for mental health, as food and water are for physical health. 
    • Strongly influences our biological homeostasis (e.g. heart rate, breathing) to manage stress.
  • Co-regulation supports our ability to recover from the challenges in life.
    • Resilience is our ability to bounce back from adversity.
    • Healing is the process by which we recover from injury, trauma, or stress. 

How Does Trauma and Addiction Impact Co-Regulation?

• Trauma can significantly disrupt the autonomic nervous system, resulting in an individual’s impaired ability to engage in co-regulation.
  • Through hyperarousal (fight or flight) or hypoarousal (numb or dissociated).
• Addiction can serve as a coping substitute for safe co-regulation connection.
  • Drugs, alcohol, food, or any addiction can simulate nervous system “calming” and/or pain relief.
  • Can become a survival strategy when human connection feels unsafe or unavailable. 
  • This nervous system coping mechanism is not a moral failure.

What Strategies Can Facilitate Co-Regulation?

• A nurturing and supportive therapeutic relationship can provide reliable cues of safety to practice nervous system alignment.
• Group settings and peer support can offer a safe space for practicing social engagement behaviors without judgment.
• Somatic interventions that focus on bodily sensations and movements to help individuals reintegrate their body and mind.

Proposed Questions for Thought/Sharing:

1. Did this information spark any curiosity? How?

Below is a link to my summary of Polyvagal Theory.

Sylvia- Automatic Nervous System Balance: Polyvagal Theory – Sober Synthesis

Disclaimer

This summary is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed.