Emotional Regulation

The mantra of the therapeutic approach suggested by new developments in nervous system research: ‘regulation, regulation, regulation!’ Nervous system regulation means adaptability to the current environment, its demands and opportunities. The nervous system is capable of heightening arousal to respond to immediate stressors, such as physical danger and physical exertion. It can also downregulate arousal in sleep and rest (or situations of immobilizing fear). When there is no threat present and we are awake and aware, we want our nervous system to be capable of enjoying social interactions, feeling relaxed, and allowing the body to perform restorative functions. The key to strong mental and physical health is the flexibility of the nervous system to transition between arousal states.

Deeply entrenched patterns of nervous system dysregulation impair our ability to experience the full range of emotions and nurture satisfying relationships. Increasingly, emotional dysregulation is being viewed as a common thread in seemingly distinct mental health diagnostic categories. Importantly, we can cultivate nervous system balance through social engagement, face-to-face interaction, somatic awareness, physical grounding, and simply being in the presence of safe others.

By offering both counselling and craniosacral therapy, my intention is to meet each person’s needs for reestablishing a sense of safety and a regulated nervous system.