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Self-Regulation Therapy

Self-Regulation Therapy (SRT) is a non-invasive mind/body approach; it doesn't use hypnosis or other immersion methods, keeping the client fully present during the process. With neurobiology at its core, SRT is aimed at reducing excess activation in the nervous system. SRT accomplished this by using trauma informed techniques to connect clients with their innate capacity to flexibly respond to new situations. Overwhelming events at any time in one's life can result in changes to the nervous system, negatively impacting how people feel, and relate to others. These changes can profoundly diminish one's ability to respond to everyday situations effectively and with confidence. Our neurobiology may change when we're forced to evoke the “fight or flight” response which helps us recognize and react to potential threats. Using SRT, we can regulate and modify responses to threats so that instead of immobilizing us, they help us cope with the stressors of everyday life.Self-regulation therapy is used to alleviate anxiety, trauma, pain, and other disorders that involve activation of the nervous system. For patients experiencing biological disequilibrium due to excess activation in their nervous system, SRT can alleviate this imbalance and reduce the physiological symptoms that accompany it.

How does SRT work?

SRT enables clients to work through stressful and traumatic events by restoring balance to the nervous system. In a safe environment, the client is encouraged to assess how they respond to stressful situations. Using methods based in neuroscience, the therapist helps the client correct the neural pathways leading to negative responses. This process requires the client to reflect and project their goals for future desired states, connecting cognition with action. The goal is to open a window of opportunity for clients to exercise greater cognitive control over triggering events so that they can flexibly manage everyday challenges without being overwhelmed by anxiety. As the nervous system is restored, clients can experience a multitude of benefits including greater joy, closeness in relationships, physical vitality, and resilience. SRT helps clients live with confidence and ease, uninhibited by automatized fearful responses triggered by the nervous system. As a result, their innate potential is awakened.

What can you expect from SRT?

Considering that SRT is a non-invasive approach, you can expect to feel a sense of control and well-being at the end of a session. You may experience a discharge of excess energy from the nervous system through heat, tingling, or trembling. Occasionally, there might be a temporary increase in pain because of the energy discharge, but it typically dissipates quickly. When your central nervous system is relaxed and balanced, an innate reservoir of energy becomes available. This energy helps clients feel confident and empowered. Although the overall effect of SRT is a decrease in nervous system activation (e.g., less anxiety, tension, and/or pain), clients will sometimes experience a temporary increase of cerebral activation (i.e., increase in the sensory experiences, both positive and negative) as their nervous system learns to balance the newly released energy.

What issues can be addressed with SRT?

Most anxiety-related symptoms are caused by dysregulation of the nervous system. Throughout life, especially during early developmental stages, the nervous system may struggle to respond to emotional and behavioural responses following traumatic events. When unprocessed, these traumatic experiences may manifest as trauma disorders, anxiety disorders, phobias, and mood or personality disorders. Physical symptoms that can be alleviated and resolved through the application of SRT include insomnia, migraines, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, asthma, allergies, and addiction problems.

How many sessions will it take?

SRT may bring about profound results in a significantly shorter time than conventional therapies. You may actually feel much better after a few sessions. It's important to set clear goals, so that you can track and evaluate your progress towards your desired result.

SRT

Reference Maes, S., Karoly, P. (2005). Self-regulation assessment and intervention in physical health and illness: a review. International Association for Applied Psychology, 54(2), 267-299.

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