Abstract The biological drive to maintain the connection with our caretakers/parents results in attachment “states of mind” that function as long-term adaptations and survival strategies. In the context of early relational trauma, a function of spiritual pursuits may be to manage a dysregulated nervous system. One adaptation to such trauma may be the phenomenon of …
Spiritual Bypassing and Dysregulation in the Nervous System
“Spiritual bypassing” is a phrase initially named by psychologist John Welwood in a 1984 paper. Since that time, the phrase has come into fairly common use, and describes the use of spirituality or spiritual techniques to “bypass” or avoid dealing directly with psychological issues such as underlying early attachment challenges, the vicissitudes of relationships, or trauma. If there is activation or dysregulation in the nervous system, one way of attempting to manage this dysregulation may be through spiritual seeking and spiritual practices. However, managing this dysregulation may not be the same as resolving or discharging it, and…
The Feeling of Safety in Relationship: A Primer on Porges’ Polyvagal Theory
Although his first book on Polyvagal Theory was published in 2011, neuroscientist Stephen Porges first proposed his theory over two decades ago. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it has revolutionized the way in which we think about safety, trauma, and even the therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy. As noted by Porges, Polyvagal …
The Nervous System and Self-Regulation
We all experience adverse events in our lives, and the ultimate result may be fear and a constricted approach to life. We now know a great deal from recent decades of research on the brain, and how this research may be of direct and practical benefit, what is called “practical neuroscience” or “self-directed neuroplasticity” (Hanson …