Poly Vagal Theory (PVT)

The residue of trauma is imprinted on the Vagas Nerve - it affects how we percieve the world 

Dorsal Vagal (back side if the VN) - responds to cues of EXTREME danger

Freeze - the body's innate drive for self-preservation 

we cannot shift out of a freeze state with a change in our thoughts (telling ourselves we are safe)

Safety = FEELING (not a thought or an idea) / must work within the body at the level of the NS to restore a FELT sense of SAFETY (this is done by incorporating somatic practices into treatments and therapies)