Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, provides a neuroscience framework that explains many aspects of unconscious in terms of the nervous system's safety-detection mechanisms.
The Three States of Polyvagal Theory and Unconscious
Ventral vagal (safe and social): Optimal state for connection, learning, and unconscious management
Sympathetic mobilization (fight or flight): Anxiety-type unconscious responses
Dorsal vagal shutdown (freeze/collapse): Depression and dissociation-type unconscious
Neuroception and Unconscious
Neuroception — the body's unconscious safety-detection — can be dysregulated in unconscious, causing false alarms (sensing danger when safe) that drive unconscious responses.
Polyvagal-Informed Unconscious Treatment
Therapy that acknowledges the body's state — helping clients move into ventral vagal 'safe and social' — transforms unconscious management.
Safe relationships, co-regulation, and body-based practices are particularly emphasized.