From Fight or Flight to Focused and Present: A New Coaching Approach

I have just completed a 6-month foundation programme in Polyvagal Theory with 30 other therapists and coaches across the USA.

“Poly what” I hear you all cry!

Based on the work of Stephen Porges, at the heart of the training is an understanding of how our nervous system works and getting to understand our own and the impact it can have on our day-to-day experiences.

We can unintentionally activate our fight, flight, freeze systems when we need to have a difficult conversation – an old part of our brain perceives its threat to life.

It’s been fascinating.

So what does it mean back in the day job? How could it be useful for clients in coming for coaching?

Here are just a few examples:

• The new manager who has just got their first management role and is looking to build their confidence
• The senior leader who is constantly in overwhelm and disconnects from their team by hiding away
• The experienced manager who finds it hard to focus and can’t seem to get stuff done
• Anyone who jumps on Instagram for some mindless scrolling or binges on a Netflix box set when it would be more helpful to go to bed!

Techniques from the world of polyvagal theory can help us better manage our emotional response and energy levels and feel a lot more present.

As I start to introduce it into my coaching, clients are already reporting its positive impact.

If you are a coach and curious to know more I am looking to run an online introductory taster session in the summer so please contact me if you want to be added to the waiting list.