Ryland, S., Johnson, L. N., & Bernards, J. C. (2022). Honoring Protective 
           Responses: Reframing Resistance in Therapy Using Polyvagal Theory. 
           Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 44(3), 267– 
           275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-021-09584-8

Indiana Institute of Technology

Polyvagal theory explains how the vagus nerve can affect the nervous system and how the body reacts to external stimuli, which can cause changes such as being more defensive or varying the appraisal of a crisis. With regard to therapy, this could be seen in patients who may be having a traumatic event priming the SNS to activate. Also, positive feelings could cause the PNS to activate which leads to better rapport with a helper. 

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