Keywords: cpt , cptsd , dbt , emdr , ifs , narrative , polyvagal , ptsd , rebt , somatic experiencing , trauma , trauma treatment , triggers

One of the most valuable pieces of information I learned about trauma and PTSD is that it often involves a “nervous system dysregulation.” Our nervous systems consist of 3 states–sympathetic, parasympathetic, and ventral vagal. Those are some big words, so let me break it down further. Ventral vagal is when we are inside our “window of tolerance.” This means we might feel joy, grounded, happy, content, passionate, mindful, curious, open, etc. A “home base” if you will. The other two states, when we are outside our window of tolerance, is sympathetic and parasympathetic. Some more well known terms are fight, flight, freeze. Fight–rage, anger, irritation, and frustration. Flight–panic, fear, anxiety, worry, and concern. Freeze–helplessness, depression, numbness, dissociation, shame, hopelessness, trapped. Situations throughout our life trigger these responses. If we are able to process these emotions in a healthy way, we will file them in our brains as experiences in the past, make some sort of meaning of it, and move forward.

https://thedaring.blog/2021/05/07/trauma-and-ptsd-the-3-levels-of-psychotherapy-treatment