Skip to main content

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) automatically regulates the function of body systems outside of voluntary control. The Autonomic Nervous System handout is designed to help clients understand their body sensations and reactions to stressful situations or events.

Download or send

Choose your language

Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Translation Template

Are you a qualified therapist who would like to help with our translation project?

Tags

Languages this resource is available in

  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • English (GB)
  • English (US)
  • Estonian
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Hindi
  • Hungarian
  • Italian
  • Pashto
  • Polish
  • Portuguese (Brazilian)
  • Romanian
  • Russian
  • Slovak
  • Spanish (International)
  • Swahili

Problems this resource might be used to address

Techniques associated with this resource

Mechanisms associated with this resource

Introduction & Theoretical Background

Many clients have body sensations which they do not fully understand and subsequently experience as aversive. Others experience automatic body reactions during trauma to which they make attributions concerning responsibility and blame, with a common result being an experience of shame. The Autonomic Nervous System handout is designed to help clients understand their body sensations and reactions as the automatic operation of their nervous system. A proper understanding of the ANS can help to motivate therapeutic activities which stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. 

Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and compassion focused therapy (CFT) increasingly integrate neuroscience and it is helpful for clinicians to be able to offer explanations for client experience at biological levels. 

In summary, the human nervous system is divided into:

  • The central nervous system (CNS) which consists of the brain and spinal cord), and
  • The peripheral nervous system (PNS) which consists

Get access to this resource

View all plans and pricing options

Get Access

Therapist Guidance

This is a Psychology Tools information handout. Suggested uses include:

  • Client handout – use as a psychoeducation resource
  • Discussion point – use to provoke a discussion and explore client beliefs
  • Therapist learning tool – improve your familiarity with a psychological construct
  • Teaching resource – use as a learning tool during training

Get access to this resource

View all plans and pricing options

Get Access

References And Further Reading

  • Gilbert, P. (2009). Introducing compassion-focused therapy. Advances in psychiatric treatment, 15(3), 199-208.
  • Sapolsky, R. M. (2004). Why zebras don’t get ulcers. Holt paperbacks.
  • Schmidt, A; Thews, G (1989). “Autonomic Nervous System”. In Janig, W. Human Physiology (2 ed.). New York, NY: Springer-Verlag. pp. 333–370.

Get access to this resource

View all plans and pricing options

Get Access