The Nervous System and Toxic Stress

This article by Rebecca Kase, reprinted from Polyvagal-Informed EMDR: A Neuro-Informed Approach to Healing, explores the complex and intricate workings of the nervous system, particularly in relation to stress and trauma. The nervous system is presented as a vital, intelligent system that manages everything from basic physiological functions to complex emotional responses. The article discusses how different types of stress—especially toxic stress—can disrupt the nervous system's normal functioning, leading to long-term psychological and physiological harm. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the autonomic nervous system and its role in survival responses, which can become maladaptive when triggered excessively. The article also introduces Polyvagal-Informed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (PV-EMDR) as a comprehensive therapeutic approach that integrates the understanding of both memory networks and autonomic nervous system responses, offering a path to healing trauma by addressing both cognitive and physiological aspects.

  • Understand the basic structure and functions of the nervous system, including its role in regulating physiological and emotional responses.

  • Identify the differences between various types of stress (e.g., normal stress vs. toxic stress) and their effects on the nervous system.

  • Explore the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and survival responses, including how these responses can become maladaptive.

  • Analyze how toxic stress can disrupt memory storage and integration, leading to long-term psychological and physiological consequences.

  • Examine the principles of Polyvagal Theory and its application in trauma treatment through Polyvagal-Informed EMDR.

  • Develop an integrated approach to therapy that addresses both cognitive and autonomic nervous system responses to support long-term healing from trauma.

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