Andrea
Andrea Ashley
212: The Survive and Thrive Spiral: Combining IFS and Polyvagal Theory w/ Ruth Culver
212: The Survive and Thrive Spiral: Combining IFS and Polyvagal Theory w/ Ruth Culver
212: The Survive and Thrive Spiral: Combining IFS and Polyvagal Theory w/ Ruth Culver
Wednesday 7th January 2026
Explore trauma recovery through IFS and Polyvagal Theory with Ruth Culver. Learn how these approaches aid sobriety and healing.
Explicit
70 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Supportive
About this podcast
Author:
Andrea
Overview:
Categories:
Healing Relationships
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Recovery from Trauma
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Links:
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Episodes:
436 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Healing Trauma with IFS and Polyvagal Theory
Episode Overview
- Understanding the nervous system can aid in trauma recovery.
- The 'Survive and Thrive Spiral' combines IFS and Polyvagal Theory.
- Drawing can externalise feelings and aid personal healing.
- Grounding techniques are crucial for managing multiple nervous states.
- Community support is vital in overcoming trauma.
"I thought the problem was in my head, but apparently it's also in my shoulders, my gut, my jaw, and my nervous system."
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? In this captivating episode, Andrea Ashley chats with Ruth Culver, a certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, who shares her unique blend of IFS and Polyvagal Theory. Ruth introduces her innovative 'Survive and Thrive Spiral,' a model that combines these two powerful approaches to healing trauma. This episode offers listeners a chance to explore how understanding the nervous system can aid in recovery from dysfunctional family dynamics and addiction.
Ruth's journey into trauma healing began when she faced serious health issues, which led her to hypnotherapy and eventually to IFS. Her insights on how the state of our nervous system influences the stories we tell ourselves provide a fresh perspective on managing trauma. Andrea and Ruth delve into the complexities of navigating multiple nervous system states simultaneously, highlighting the importance of grounding techniques and self-compassion.
For those interested in somatic healing, this episode is a treasure trove of practical advice. Ruth's approach to externalising feelings through drawing offers a creative way to connect with parts of oneself that might be too overwhelming to face directly. This method not only helps in personal healing but also fosters a sense of community and co-regulation, essential elements in overcoming trauma.
Whether you're new to these concepts or looking to deepen your understanding, Ruth's compassionate guidance and Andrea's relatable anecdotes make this episode both informative and inspiring. Ready to explore how your nervous system affects your recovery journey? Tune in for an engaging conversation that might just change the way you view healing.