Polyvagal Ladder Worksheets | Nervous System Regulation Tool | Trauma-Informed Therapy Resource

Unlock a deeper understanding of your body’s trauma and safety responses with the Polyvagal Ladder Worksheets—a trauma-informed resource inspired by Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory. These worksheets help individuals visualize and track shifts in their autonomic nervous system using the metaphor of a ladder, making complex neuroscience accessible and actionable.

Whether you’re a therapist, educator, or individual exploring emotional regulation, these worksheets guide you through recognizing your current nervous system state—ventral vagal (safe & social), sympathetic (fight/flight), or dorsal vagal (shutdown/freeze)—and offer strategies for climbing back up the ladder toward connection and calm.

What You’ll Learn & Do:

✔ Understand the three states of the nervous system in Polyvagal Theory

✔ Explore where you currently “are” on the ladder

✔ Reflect on what shifts you up or down the ladder (triggers & resources)

✔ Develop personalized coping strategies for nervous system regulation

✔ Use visual diagrams to track your state and build nervous system literacy

Includes:

• Visual Polyvagal Ladder Infographic

• Ladder Mapping Worksheet

• “Climbing the Ladder” Strategy Sheet

• State Identification & Journaling Prompts

• Triggers & Anchors Reflection

• Weekly Tracking Chart

• Suitable for therapists, clients, and self-guided reflection

• 10 Pages | PDF | A4 + US Letter Sizes

Benefits:

• Promote emotional regulation

• Support trauma-informed therapy sessions

• Increase body awareness and nervous system tracking

• Enhance client insight and healing in somatic or polyvagal therapy

• Great supplement for somatic therapy, EMDR, CBT, and mindfulness practices

Note: This resource is for educational and therapeutic use and is not a substitute for professional care. If you’re facing severe distress, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional.

Start your journey to a more regulated, connected, and empowered nervous system with the Polyvagal Ladder Worksheets—a grounding tool for trauma recovery and nervous system resilience.