Co-regulation — the calming of our nervous system through connection with a regulated other — is one of the most powerful and underappreciated post-traumatic stress disorder interventions.
What Co-Regulation Is and Why It Matters for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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 post-traumatic stress disorder tends to worsen in isolation and improve with genuine connection.
Co-Regulation in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment
The therapeutic relationship provides co-regulation — a calm, regulated presence that directly helps the client's nervous system settle during post-traumatic stress disorder.
Safe relationships in daily life serve the same function. This is part of why social isolation is so damaging for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Building Co-Regulatory Relationships for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Identify people whose presence tends to calm rather than activate your post-traumatic stress disorder
- Intentionally spend time with these people during difficult post-traumatic stress disorder periods
- Pets provide co-regulation for many people with post-traumatic stress disorder
- Therapeutic relationships (therapist, psychiatrist) provide professional co-regulation