The Pandemic, Zoom and Polyvagal Theory

Robert Schwarz, PsyD, DCEP • May 5, 2020

I recently saw a pre-publication version of an editorial by Stephen Porges, “The COVID-19 Pandemic is a Paradoxical Challenge to Our Nervous System: A Polyvagal Perspective.”1


In it he says, “The pandemic impacts on our biological imperative to connect.”


Polyvagal theory says that as mammals we need to connect to co-regulate. In fact, we use the minimal cues that come from the face and the tone of voice of each other to co-regulate our nervous systems. These cues let us know we are safe. 


The problem is that during the pandemic, we are being given the imperative that we need to stay away from each other in order to be safe. Dr. Porges says, “Thus, our nervous system is simultaneously being challenged by incompatible demands demanding both avoidance of contact with the SARSCov2 virus and the fulfillment of our biological imperative of connecting with others to feel calm and safe.”


Dr. Porges goes on to talk about the use of video conferencing to help mitigate this paradox. He says, “To reduce the burden on our nervous system and on [others’] nervous systems, we need to retrain ourselves in the use of the portals for social communication that we have available. This will mean that we are more present and less distractible, while providing cues of safety and connectedness through spontaneous reciprocal co-regulatory facial expressions and vocal intonations.”


So that got me thinking. How can we maximize the use of teleconferencing technology to provide the cues for safety toward each other to increase co-regulation?

Here are a few ideas that can be useful in different contexts. Feel free to comment with your own ideas. It might also be important to recognize that having the intent to do this may be as helpful as the technique itself.     


  1. Make sure that you smile and you have a pleasing, good tone of voice.
  2. Bring your face closer to the camera and with a calm voice, friendly face, and friendly eyes say positive and supportive things that are relevant for the context.
  3. Sing together or do “om”s together while you teleconference.
  4. Breathe together while looking into the camera.
  5. Laugh together (even fake it first – that will eventually trigger real laughter)
  6. Do a brief energy healing exercises together (See http://r4r.support)


I look forward to seeing your ideas.


Author


Robert Schwarz, PsyD, DCEP has been a licensed psychologist for 30 years. Bob has trained therapists internationally on trauma treatment, panic and anxiety, energy psychology. For the last 12 years Bob has served as executive director for the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology. He has organized over 25 conferences on energy psychology trauma treatment, Ericksonian hypnosis, brief therapy, that trained over 18,000 therapists. Bob also designed ACEP’s online program The Science of Energy Healing. He has authored 3 books: Tools for Transforming TraumaPTSD: A Clinician’s Guide and We’re No fun Anymore as well as numerous articles and papers.


energypsych.org


Want to learn more about energy psychology and ways you can help your clients more effectively? Join us online for the 22nd International Energy Psychology Conference, “The Art & Science of Transformational Change.” Livestreaming May 14-17, 2020.

1Porges, S. W. (2020) The COVID-19 Pandemic is a Paradoxical Challenge to Our Nervous System: A Polyvagal Perspective.  Clinical Neuropsychiatry (in press)


Photo by Ekaterina Bolovtsova

By Ted Blickwedel, LICSW, MSW, MEd April 9, 2025
After retiring from the military, I conducted individual and group therapy with combat veterans as a clinical social worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the VET Center in Warwick, RI. In my work, I've had many experiences showing the power of energy psychology to help heal trauma . One of these amazing stories occurred during my tenure at the VA. Veteran suffers from PTSD A 70-year old Vietnam Veteran suffered for 45 years from chronic PTSD as a result of life-threatening events he endured and injuries he sustained during combat. Let's call him Joe (not his real name). His symptoms included nightmares and waking up profusely sweating every night since he returned from the war 45 years ago. Joe also had insomnia and anger issues. Conventional therapies and medication were not able to alleviate the adverse impact of his trauma. Unfortunately, Joe's experience is common among a vast number of Veterans receiving treatment for PTSD at the VA. Energy psychology resolves trauma-related symptoms In the first energy psychology session, I introduced Joe to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and explained the process and its efficacy. During the next 6 sessions, he tapped on the EFT meridian points for 2-3 rounds on each combat trauma we addressed. While he tapped, I guided him to verbally release related negative emotions. We did this until he no longer experienced any disturbance associated with these challenging events, as determined by muscle testing. The results were inspiring. At the end of six 50-minute sessions, Joe reported that his nightmares and night sweats completely stopped, and he felt more rested, peaceful, and significantly less anxious. Joe was even able to stop taking most of his anxiety and depression medication. His wife said she noticed a huge positive shift in his demeanor. Lasting results Over the next 3 years, Joe used EFT on his own to clear other developmental traumas and negative core beliefs. During this time, he only had four nightmares during one two-week period, which were triggered by watching a war movie. Afterwards, he did not have any recurrence of PTSD symptoms. Joe felt joy that he did not experience previously, and he was more emotionally open and affectionate with his wife. This heart-warming story shows the power of EFT to heal rapidly and effectively, with results that last. It's why I love using it. Going forward What a difference could be made with Veterans and their families if the VA and Department of Defense (DOD) used energy psychology techniques like these! They would be free of the devastating impact of PTSD, have better relationships and an improved quality of life. Many ACEP members have stories of hope and healing. Let’s share them! When we tell our stories, we can help inspire practitioners to adopt energy psychology methods that are powerfully grounded in effective healingwith long-lasting outcomes. Get trained and make a difference Are you a teacher or school employee? If so, get trained to bring powerful energy psychology techniques to your school by enrolling in ACEP’s free Mind Body Tools for Children training. If you are a clinician or stakeholder wanting to offer energy psychology to your community, enroll in ACEP’s free Emotional First Aid training . If you would like to get trained in using Emotional Freedom Techniques with clients, sign up for ACEP’s online training that begins with EFT Professional Skills 1 . Author Ted Blickwedel, LICSW, MSW, MEd, is an ACEP member and recipient of ACEP's 2021 Special Recognition Award. He is a retired Marine, combat veteran, former VA VET Center counselor, VA whistleblower, and author of Broken Promises: Marine Combat Veteran Turns Whistleblower Exposing Compromised Mental Health Care at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Photo by RDNE Stock Project
By Maria Limardo, PhD, CEPH April 3, 2025
In our quest for optimal health, longevity, and deeper connection, we often overlook the microscopic powerhouses driving every function within our bodies: the mitochondria. These remarkable cellular structures don't just produce energy—they may hold the key to extended lifespan, enhanced consciousness, and perhaps even our spiritual experiences.
By Lori Chortkoff Hops, PhD, DCEP March 26, 2025
Energy healing method is linked to recoveries from cancer in mice. Visualization directed at water or cotton is retrieved later for healing. Silent recordings of energy healing sessions are linked to genetic changes. 
More Posts