- The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) as the basis of understanding the dynamics of a couple
- Three principles of the Polyvagal Theory
- Neuroception – the biology of safety and danger
- Experiential exercise
- Three nervous system states and their hierarchy of response
- Experiential exercise
- Co-regulation - purpose and meaning
- Neuroception – the biology of safety and danger
- Implicit memory
- Survival adaptations
- Attachment styles
- Co-morbidities of depression/anxiety/ trauma
- Unique factors specific to sexual difficulties
- Challenges to effective communication
- Beginnings of a session – enhancing safety; techniques for “settling” the nervous system
- Creating a structure in session – why?
- Mapping nervous system response
Once the Conversation Begins
- How to facilitate a conversation between two nervous systems
- The value of mirroring; case ex: Sasha and Lilly
- Experiential exercise
- Tracking the body for subtle signs of nervous system activation into fight/ flight or emotional shutdown; case ex: Gillian and Steve
- Overwhelm and underwhelm; case ex: Brad and Sara
- Strategies for regulation
- Experiential exercise
Repair and Healing Inside the Dyadic Relationship
- Using the language of body as a resource for therapeutic inquiry; case ex: Larry and Ben
- Specifics unique to addressing sexual difficulties; case ex: Gina and Dan
- Repairing ruptures in connection
- Memory reconsolidation; case ex: Mark and Alicia
- Finding safe harbor in co-regulation as the path to healing
