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