Mental and physical health don’t operate in isolation; they influence each other in profound ways. Stress, anxiety, and emotional distress often manifest physically, whether through muscle tension, changes in posture, or even pupil dilation. But what do we do with this information as therapists? Understanding these real-time physical responses can provide deeper insight into a client’s emotional state and the effectiveness of our interventions.

Heart rate variability (HRV) plays a crucial role in emotional regulation and mental health. Research shows that higher HRV is linked to improved well-being, making it an important consideration for therapists. In this episode, Brenda continues the discussion on HRV, exploring how it connects to psychotherapy and how clinicians can integrate it into their practice.

Brenda dives into two studies about heart rate variability (HRV) in horses and humans, and how they can inform therapy practices. These studies reveal some surprising similarities between our nervous systems and those of horses, giving us new ways to think about improving therapeutic approaches.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is one of the most powerful yet often overlooked indicators of both mental and physical health. It’s closely linked to anxiety, depression, trauma, heart disease, and more. But for therapists, HRV offers even greater value—it provides insight into whether a patient is in shutdown, stuck in fight-or-flight mode, or able to engage and process emotions.