Identify somatic sensations, explore Polyvagal nervous system states, configure EMDR resource anchors, and download the clinical infographic sheet.
Developed by Rachel Dean, MA, LPC-Associate under the supervision of Samara Orr, MA, LPC-S
Common physical and emotional markers experienced during periods of trauma-induced stress, shutdown, or structural dissociation:
Dissociation is a biological survival adaptation to overwhelming stress, trauma, or developmental invalidation.
Experience depersonalization/derealization following major trauma.
Of individuals with Complex PTSD report chronic dissociative detachment.
Of individuals with BPD report stress-induced dissociative episodes.
Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory shows how our nervous system shifts into immobilization when fight-or-flight fails.
Mechanism: Emergency brake activation. Lowers heart rate, depresses metabolism, and releases endogenous opioids to numb physical and emotional pain.
Mechanism: High arousal. Adrenaline spike, hyper-vigilance, racing heart, anxiety, or frantic appeasement (fawning).
Mechanism: Parasympathetic regulation. Feeling grounded, capable of self-reflection, present, and safe in connection.
Explore preferred Safe Place settings and Container designs used to configure EMDR resourcing anchors during therapy.
Essential somatic strategies used to interrupt shutdown and re-engage the Window of Tolerance:
Top-rated literature offering foundational insights into trauma, nervous system regulation, structural dissociation, and parts work.
by Bessel van der Kolk, MD
Demonstrates how trauma rewires the autonomic nervous system. Essential for understanding why "talk therapy alone" cannot fix body-based panic or dissociation.
by Janina Fisher, PhD
Explores structural dissociation. Helps clients understand dissociative detachment and "parts" as compassionate internal protectors rather than defects.
by Pete Walker, MFT
The definitive guide on Complex PTSD. Unpacks emotional flashbacks, inner critic recovery, and recovering from the people-pleasing Fawn response.
by Richard C. Schwartz, PhD
Introduces IFS parts work in an accessible way. Teaches how to access core Self to heal wounded exiles and protective parts.
Rachel Dean, MA, LPC-Associate under the supervision of Samara Orr, MA, LPC-S
Schedule
Clinical Resource Summary Sheet
🐢 Dorsal Vagal Shutdown: Emergency freeze, metabolic slowdown, physical/emotional numbness.
⚡ Sympathetic Mobilization: High adrenaline, fight/flight, hyper-vigilance, appeasement (fawning).
🌱 Ventral Vagal Engagement: Parasympathetic safety, grounding, self-reflection, safe connection.
🏖️ Safe / Calm Place Anchors: Quiet Forest Trail, Sunlit Beach, Cozy Sanctuary, Mountain Meadow, or Self-Described Place.
📦 Container Designs: Heavy Iron Safe, Wooden Chest, Titanium Vault, Granite Vault, or Custom Vessel.
👁️ 5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Grounding: Name 5 things seen, 4 felt, 3 heard, 2 smelled, 1 tasted.