Page 18 - EMERGE MANUAL 2024

A healthy nervous system shifts between Ventral, Sympathetic, and Dorsal
states in response to daily life, helping maintain regulation. In a regulated state,

we primarily reside in Ventral (calm and connected) but move sequentially
through states when needed. During periods of grief or trauma, we may become
"stuck" in dysregulation and require self-regulation or co-regulation techniques
to restore balance. Awareness is key for tracking and managing this process.

CONNECTION

available for connection, curiosity +
communication
embodied, grounded, calm
VENTRAL VAGAL can acknowledge distress + explore options
clear engagement with the world —
possibilities are possible!

digestion + immunity + oxytocin (social
bonding) are online
facial expressiveness + emotional resonance

MOBILIZATION

Chaotic energy, agitation, frustration
Anxiety, unsure, unsettled
SYMPATHETIC On the lookout for threat
Mobilized to run or attack

Reactive — quick to judge or blame
Breath quickens + blood pressure rises
Rise in stress hormones like cortisol

COLLAPSE

Best chance of protection
Auto-pilot, depression, disassociation
DORSAL VAGAL Drained, hopeless, numb

Flat facial affect, hard to hear/communicate
Systems slow way down
Pain threshold goes up (endorphins)

EMERGE 2024