Dr. Anna Baranowsky
Dr. Anna Baranowsky
Using Polyvagal Theory for Healing
Using Polyvagal Theory for Healing
Using Polyvagal Theory for Healing
Saturday 28th March 2026
Dr. Arielle Schwartz and Dr. Anna Baranowsky share polyvagal-based tools to calm the nervous system, build safety, and support trauma recovery.
60 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Supportive
Healing
Honest
About this podcast
Author:
Dr. Anna Baranowsky
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery from Trauma
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Healing Relationships
Sobriety Toolkit
Spiritual & Personal Growth Journeys
Links:
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Episodes:
91 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Rewiring the Nervous System: Polyvagal Tools for Trauma Healing
Episode Overview
- Trauma is held in the body and nervous system, not just in memories and thoughts, so effective care needs to address bodily states.
- Polyvagal theory explains how ventral and dorsal vagal pathways shape safety, connection, shutdown and survival responses.
- Conscious, balanced breathing (such as a five-second inhale and exhale) can help cue the body that it is safe enough to relax.
- Embodied self-compassion practices, like gently holding the head or heart while repeating kind phrases, can quickly shift inner state.
- Co-regulation with safe, caring people often comes before strong self-regulation and helps build lasting nervous system resilience.
Trauma doesn’t only live in the memories, it lives in your nervous system, it lives in your body.
Baranowsky sets the scene with a simple idea: “Trauma doesn’t only live in the memories, it lives in your nervous system, it lives in your body.” From there, the pair break down key ideas like the vagus nerve, the social engagement system, and neuroception – that “sixth sense” constantly asking, “Am I safe?” You’ll hear how common survival responses such as fight, flight, freeze, faint and fawn show up in everyday life, and why people who have lived through trauma can feel restless, numb, or unable to fully relax, even years later.
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety when their body still feels on red alert? This conversation taps into that exact question by looking at trauma through the lens of the nervous system, rather than just thoughts and memories. Clinical psychologist Dr. Anna Baranowsky talks with trauma specialist and author Dr. Arielle Schwartz about polyvagal theory and why it’s such a shift in how trauma care is done. Dr. Dr.
Schwartz explains how patterns of breath, posture and muscle tension can quietly echo old danger, and how small, regular practices can begin to shift those patterns. The heart of the chat lies in practical tools. Dr.
Schwartz shares simple activities from her *Polyvagal Theory Workbook for Trauma*, including conscious breathing, rhythmic movement and a powerful embodied self‑compassion exercise: “Even though sometimes I feel distressed, I can hold myself lovingly.” She also explains why co-regulation with safe others is often needed before self-regulation really sticks. Whether someone is dealing with past trauma, supporting clients, or just feeling frazzled and over-wired, this episode offers gentle, body-based ways to build a felt sense of safety.
Could one small daily practice of self-kindness be the start of a calmer nervous system for you?