Modern understanding of conversion therapy increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many conversion therapy presentations.
The Nervous System in Conversion Therapy
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to conversion therapy:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type conversion therapy
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by conversion therapy
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type conversion therapy
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Conversion Therapy
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Conversion Therapy
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving conversion therapy
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in conversion therapy