Polyvagal informed therapy, based on Stephen Porges' Polyvagal theory, offers a practical way to work with the patterns and behaviors that often get in the way of well-being and freedom. 

Through the lens of the autonomic nervous system's mechanisms for seeking safety, we can see that all of our adaptations are in the service of our survival. 

When we understand that those mechanisms are not driven by cognitive, reasoning parts of the brain, but rather by more primitive regions running far outside of conscious awareness, we can break out of the frustrating cycle of feeling like we should be able to change simply because we "know better." We can start to work with our nervous system, reregulating our physiological responses, rather than battling ourselves.