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