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