Somatic Adjuncts to Polyvagal-Informed EMDR: Tools to Support Nervous System Regulation Between Sessions
- jcardozalmft
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
As EMDR clinicians, we know that healing trauma isn’t just about accessing memories—it’s about helping clients stay within their window of tolerance while processing, integrating, and restoring safety in the body.
In Polyvagal-informed EMDR, we anchor this process in nervous system regulation. To support clients between sessions, it’s helpful to offer adjunct practices that build ventral vagal tone and reinforce safety cues.
Six somatic and holistic tools aiding nervous system regulation
Here are six somatic and holistic tools I commonly suggest to clients navigating trauma recovery—particularly midlife women navigating perimenopause, where hormonal shifts can increase dysregulation:
Embodiment skills (body scans, grounding, orienting)
Binaural beats (sound entrainment for calm)
Yoga Nidra (guided rest, great for post-session integration)
Essential oils (olfactory anchors for safety)
Breathwork (vagal activation through paced breathing)
Movement (cross-lateral motion or rhythmic walking)
These are not “interventions”—they’re nervous system supports, ideally introduced within the client’s capacity and scope. They are especially helpful for in-between session regulation, managing perimenopausal anxiety, and reinforcing ventral vagal states.
Recognizing Sensations: A Body Scan Tool for Nervous System Skills
As part of my somatic, Polyvagal-informed EMDR approach, I’ve created a guided Recognizing Body Scan tool to support interoceptive awareness and nervous system regulation between sessions. This handout invites clients and clinicians to gently name and notice sensations across the body—building language for internal states, stretching the window of tolerance, and deepening embodiment.
Use this resource alongside breathwork, mindfulness, or bilateral stimulation practices. It’s especially helpful for those navigating trauma recovery, burnout, or midlife transitions.
Download the Free Tool
Created by Julie Cardoza, LMFT, 2025. All rights reserved. For personal or professional use only. Do not modify or distribute without permission.
Disclaimer:This blog and the accompanying materials are for educational and informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or psychotherapy. The tools and practices shared here are offered as adjuncts to support nervous system awareness and regulation and are not a replacement for EMDR therapy, consultation, or supervision. These resources are not intended to treat trauma independently and should be used as part of a broader, individualized care plan.
Readers are strongly encouraged to seek out ongoing support from a licensed mental health professional and to use these practices in a way that aligns with their capacity, readiness, and overall treatment goals.
Copyright © 2025 Julie Cardoza, MS, LMFT . All rights reserved.
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