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