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Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Reset Your Nervous System. Reclaim Your Life.

At A Mindful Talk, we understand that healing from anxiety, trauma, and chronic stress requires more than talk therapy alone. That’s why we offer Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)—a powerful, science-backed method to help restore calm, safety, and regulation to the nervous system.

The vagus nerve plays a central role in your body’s ability to regulate emotions, stress responses, digestion, heart rate, and even immune function. By supporting this vital communication pathway, VNS helps lay the physiological foundation for deeper, more effective mental health treatment.

What Is Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)?

Vagus Nerve Stimulation is a therapeutic technique that uses gentle electrical impulses or sound-based modalities to stimulate the vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the body. Often described as the “command center” of the parasympathetic nervous system, the vagus nerve helps the body shift from states of fight, flight, or freeze into states of rest, digest, and repair.

At our practice, we use non-invasive VNS technologies such as auricular (ear-based) stimulation, breathing techniques, sound therapies, and specialized neuromodulation devices that deliver subtle signals through the skin—no surgery or implants required.

Why the Vagus Nerve Matters in Mental Health

The vagus nerve acts like a bridge between the brain and the body. When it’s functioning optimally, you feel emotionally balanced, physically grounded, and mentally clear. But when trauma, chronic stress, or anxiety dysregulates this system, the body can remain stuck in high-alert survival modes.

Stimulating the vagus nerve helps recalibrate the nervous system, so it no longer reacts as if danger is always present. Over time, this can lead to profound changes in mood, resilience, and the ability to feel safe—both emotionally and physiologically.

Benefits of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Mental Health Care

  • Calms the Nervous System: Encourages the parasympathetic “rest and digest” response, reducing symptoms of anxiety and panic.
  • Improves Emotional Regulation: Helps reduce emotional reactivity and fosters a more balanced mood.
  • Supports Trauma Recovery: Enhances feelings of safety and embodiment, which are critical for processing trauma.
  • Improves Sleep and Digestion: Regulates physiological systems affected by stress and trauma.
  • Increases Mind-Body Awareness: Enhances the connection between brain and body, supporting somatic-based therapies.

How VNS Complements Psychotherapy and Trauma Therapy

Vagus Nerve Stimulation is not a replacement for therapy—it’s a powerful enhancement that makes psychotherapy more accessible and effective by helping the nervous system stay regulated during emotional processing.

In Psychotherapy:

Clients often struggle with talk therapy when their nervous systems are dysregulated. VNS helps create a baseline of safety and calm, enabling deeper reflection, clearer insight, and more productive sessions.

In Trauma Therapy

VNS is particularly valuable for trauma survivors who experience dissociation, hyperarousal, or emotional flooding. By stabilizing the physiological stress response, VNS makes it easier for clients to stay present during trauma work, facilitating integration without overwhelm.

A Gentle Entry Point for Healing

For many clients, VNS becomes a first step in reconnecting with the body after years of living in survival mode. It is especially helpful for those who:
Struggle with body-based anxiety
Have difficulty tolerating traditional trauma therapy
Experience physical symptoms like IBS, chronic fatigue, or tension
Need help learning what “safe” feels like again

What to Expect in a Session

Our VNS services are individualized and can be integrated into a broader treatment plan. Sessions may include:

Use of a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (ear or neck area)
Breathwork and guided vagal toning exercises
Sound therapy (e.g., Safe and Sound Protocol or frequency-based music)
Gentle, body-based awareness practices to support regulation
Most sessions last 2 to 4 minutes and are offered in combination with psychotherapy or as a stand-alone support. Many clients report feeling calmer, clearer, and more grounded even after the first few sessions.

Is VNS Right for You?

You might benefit from Vagus Nerve Stimulation if you:
Experience anxiety, panic, or trauma-related symptoms
Feel chronically “stuck” in a state of stress or numbness
Are interested in body-based or somatic approaches to healing
Want to enhance the effectiveness of your current therapy

Get Started Today

Healing starts in the nervous system. If you’re ready to calm your body, quiet your mind, and deepen your therapeutic work, Vagus Nerve Stimulation could be a meaningful part of your path.

Contact Us

Krystal Roldan

Krystal Roldan is a dedicated neurofeedback technician with a passion for mental health and wellness. Currently pursuing a degree in Psychology with a focus on Mental Health, she is committed to helping individuals improve their cognitive and emotional well-being through innovative neurofeedback techniques. Krystal has developed a strong understanding of how neurofeedback can support mental health treatment and enhance overall quality of life. She believes in the power of personalized care and is driven by a desire to empower clients on their journey to better mental health.

Jordan Marsh

Jordan Marsh is a student at Hunter College, CUNY, and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in behavioral neuroscience. She is passionate about helping individuals.has been trained and works as a qEEG technician at A Mindful Talk, which has deepened her understanding of innovative, efficient approaches beyond traditional psychotherapy. She has witnessed remarkable physical, mental, and emotional transformations in her clients, observing firsthand the positive impact of her work—whether through personal observation or clients sharing their progress.

Debbie Moore

Sharyn Hahn

Yoga Therapist| Holistic Wellness Consultant
Sharyn Hahn, C-IAYT, RYT-500, received her 800-hour IYT certification through the Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy. She has been teaching yoga and related healing practices since 2015 to students of all ages and levels. Additionally, in her role as a Middle School teacher, Mindfulness and SEL have been a part of her curriculum since 2018. Her personal journey as a cancer survivor deepened her appreciation for following a healthy lifestyle. This awareness led her to pursue an accreditation in fitness as an ACE Personal Trainer, as well as several Yoga certifications. Sharyn shares her passion for guiding others on their own path to healing with an invitation to explore and balance the chakras, practice pranayama, tap into mindfulness, and delve into a physical practice that embraces asana to enhance wellness objectives. This holistic approach reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, and balances the five koshas, with an emphasis on the physical, energetic, and emotional connections.

Carmella Stone

Carmella Stone Klein is an art therapist and Iyengar instructor that educates and heals through mindfulness practices and therapeutic techniques. She helps others overcome health issues and emotional struggles in order to cultivate stability and contentment in their lives. She began her personal journey to help others as an Art Therapist decades ago, after earning a BA in Creative Arts in Human Services from Russell Sage College, and her MA in Art Therapy from New York University, Carmella worked with children at the Henry Ittleson Center in the Bronx, a school for emotionally disturbed children. She then spent six years helping people with HIV and AIDS at the Home for Aged Blind to express themselves through creativity and self exploration. After a decade of education in yoga practice, in 2016 Carmella traveled to Pune, India to study at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Institute. She now brings her years of expertise to help others to overcome physical and emotional struggles and find well-being at A Mindful talk in Lynbrook, NY. She hopes to help lead clients on a path to find health, peace, emotional and spiritual growth, and freedom from pain.

Pauline Louis

Pauline Louis is a dedicated mental health counselor with a deep passion for supporting individuals on their journey toward healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. With a client-centered approach, she is committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and empowering therapeutic space where clients can explore challenges, build resilience, and achieve meaningful change. Pauline integrates a variety of evidence-based modalities to meet the unique needs of each client, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Approaches. Her clinical focus includes helping individuals manage anxiety, overcome relationship difficulties, navigate life transitions, and cultivate greater emotional clarity and well-being. Known for her warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented style, Pauline partners with clients to identify their inner strengths and develop practical strategies for long-term success. She believes in the transformative power of therapy and is honored to support individuals as they move toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Milena Uribe

Milena Uribe is a seasoned and compassionate social worker with over two decades of dedicated service within the New York City Department of Education. Throughout her career, she has positively impacted the emotional and social well-being of students, families, and school communities by offering trauma-informed, culturally responsive care rooted in empathy and equity. Milena’s practice extends beyond traditional social work by integrating wellness modalities such as yoga, mindfulness, and restorative practices. Her holistic approach fosters resilience, healing, and empowerment—meeting individuals where they are and helping them reconnect with their inner strength and wisdom. A passionate advocate for mental health and community well-being, Milena also facilitates healing circles, mindfulness-based programs, and interactive workshops designed to nurture emotional, mental, and spiritual growth. Her work is grounded in compassion, cultural humility, and a profound belief in the transformative power of collective healing. Milena continues to inspire and uplift communities through her unwavering commitment to wellness, education, and social justice.

Maggie Laventure

Maggie Laventure was born in Haiti and immigrated to the United States, where she began her high school education. Demonstrating an early passion for human development and social impact, she earned an Associate’s degree in Human Services and Mental Health from LaGuardia Community College. She continued her academic journey at Queens College, where she received a dual Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. Driven by a deep commitment to serving others, Maggie pursued and obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University. Her professional career spans more than two decades in the field of social services, including extensive experience with the Human Services Administration. Throughout her tenure, she has cultivated a strong reputation for excellence in client services and has consistently demonstrated leadership, empathy, and integrity in her work. Maggie is the founder of Bright Future for Haiti, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting orphans and vulnerable children in Haiti. The organization provides critical services such as nutrition, healthcare, food security, sanitation and hygiene, emergency response, financial assistance, and education. Under her leadership, Bright Future for Haiti empowers children to thrive and become healthy, responsible, and contributing members of Haitian society. A devoted wife and proud mother of two daughters, Maggie embodies dedication, passion, and grace in all aspects of her life and work. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting communities both in the U.S. and Haiti continues to inspire all who work alongside her.

Lisa Livermore

Finding the right therapist can feel like a daunting and vulnerable task but know you have taken the first courageous step on a journey towards healing and growth. Life throws curveballs at us, and at times, it can feel overwhelming to navigate these challenges alone. As a counselor, my priority is to provide a safe, non-judgmental and compassionate space for you to explore your emotions, thoughts and experiences. I believe in the power of empathy and validation and am here to offer you the support you seek. Together we can embark on a collaborative journey towards discovering your inner strengths, developing healthier coping strategies and embracing positive change in your life. I work with teens, adults and elders (65+) with specialized experience working with college and graduate students. Therapeutic interventions I have experience with: CBT DBT Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Family Systems Issues I have experience with or want to work with: Women’s issues Body image issues Aging Relationship issues Codependency Addiction/Harm reduction Life transitions LGBTQ…issues with sexual orientation, gender identity Depression Anxiety Stress Procrastination, low motivation, executive functioning Grief Trauma

Lee Anne McCarthy

I received my Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University, and have experience applying theories of social work to assist clients in a variety of topics and settings. As a practitioner, my goal is to use strength-based strategies to help you achieve wanted results through interpersonal change. I will work with you to identify where you would like to begin your journey, focus on addressing your challenges, and together we will reach your destinations.

Dominique Whiteman

As a License Mental Health Professional, my goal is to support clients by utilizing skills and resources to improve their wellbeing. I love to empower my clients and provide a safe space to be vulnerable. I have experience working with a variety of individuals from different backgrounds to help manage their mental health struggles and needs. I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma and psychotic disorders but always aim to expand my knowledge and competence. It is important to build a positive therapeutic alliance to help achieve your personal and life goals.

Dinorka Ogando.

With over 20 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families, Dinorka Ogando brings a unique, heart-centered approach to mental health and emotional healing. Dinorka uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—evidence-based modalities that help individuals manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in healthy, constructive ways. Part of her therapeutic work is grounded in Restorative Justice, Mediation, Conflict Resolution and Meditation, creating a holistic approach that treats the whole person—not just the symptoms. She works closely with teens navigating identity, relationships, and independence, helping them discover their inner voice and resilience. Dinorka also supports families struggling to communicate during emotionally difficult times, including the unique challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Every session with Dinorka is built on empathy, active listening, and the belief that healing begins when we feel truly heard.