Co-regulation — the calming of our nervous system through connection with a regulated other — is one of the most powerful and underappreciated impulse control disorders interventions.
What Co-Regulation Is and Why It Matters for Impulse Control Disorders
Humans are social mammals whose nervous systems are literally designed to be regulated through connection. When someone calm and safe is with us, our nervous systems naturally mirror theirs.
This is why impulse control disorders tends to worsen in isolation and improve with genuine connection.
Co-Regulation in Impulse Control Disorders Treatment
The therapeutic relationship provides co-regulation — a calm, regulated presence that directly helps the client's nervous system settle during impulse control disorders.
Safe relationships in daily life serve the same function. This is part of why social isolation is so damaging for impulse control disorders.
Building Co-Regulatory Relationships for Impulse Control Disorders
- Identify people whose presence tends to calm rather than activate your impulse control disorders
- Intentionally spend time with these people during difficult impulse control disorders periods
- Pets provide co-regulation for many people with impulse control disorders
- Therapeutic relationships (therapist, psychiatrist) provide professional co-regulation