A reply to a Listener voice message.  This is my opinion on the question based on my understandings and experience.  I've got a companion episode to this on my Patreon where I discuss a recent dental visit for my son, co-regulation and the Peter Levine concept of "molding."

Polyvagal Patrons access for $5/mo - https://www.patreon.com/justinlmft 

Mugs & more from Justin - https://society6.com/justinlmft

Recommended reading - https://www.justinlmft.com/books

Intro/Outro music & Transition Sounds by Benjo Beats - https://soundcloud.com/benjobeats