Polyvagal Theory in Trauma-Informed Music Therapy Practice

Polyvagal Theory (PVT) has emerged as a conceptual framework for both understanding autonomic nervous system function and regulating physiological and emotional responses (Porges, S. (2022). Polyvagal Theory: A science of safety. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience 16, 871227. doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2022.871227). When applied in clinical settings for the treatment of trauma, PVT offers structure and resources for healing through the re-establishment of safety and connection with self, other, and the environment (Dana, D. (2018). Polyvagal Theory in therapy: Engaging the rhythm of regulation. Norton). Given the effectiveness of musical elements, such as rhythm, on physiological regulation (Janzen, T. B., Koshimori, Y., Richard, N., & Thaut, M. (2022). Rhythm and music-based interventions in motor rehabilitation: Current evidence and future perspectives. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 15. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2021.789467), music therapists are well-prepared with knowledge and skills needed in order to effectively use PVT. The purpose of this paper is to inform music therapists about PVT, outline uses of the theory in clinical music therapy practice, and encourage continued dialogue about applications of PVT in music therapy practice.