Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal theory revolutionizes our understanding of the autonomic nervous system, revealing how safety, threat, and connection live in our bodies. By mapping and consciously recognizing nervous system responses for what they are, we can cultivate intentional regulation in ourselves and our clients. This framework has far-reaching potential for transforming trauma treatment, relationship work, and stress management by grounding interventions in neurobiology. These articles explore polyvagal applications for clinical work to help clients feel safe. Learn from Stephen Porges, Deb Dana, and others about nervous system-informed practice.
At the moment, I’m happy to be in my own home, self-quarantining, because I’ve recently been around the world on a training tour. I was in Rome twice... Read more
The coronavirus pandemic is testing us all. But what do we do when our anxiety, loneliness, or grief gets overwhelming? Therapist and author Deb Dana shares... Read more
I’ve begun to worry that in our headlong rush to embrace teletherapy, we’re going to train ourselves out of expecting the depth of connection and intimacy... Read more
Life in quarantine is testing our relationships with family members and romantic partners. It's also impacting our nervous system, says therapist Deb Dana. She... Read more
Polyvagal Theory widens the perspective on managing kids’ challenging behaviors. Read more
Stephen Porges, originator of the Polyvagal Theory, transformed the way we understand the underlying mechanisms of traumatic response and how safety, caring... Read more
How can we leverage the power of prosody, facial expressions and eye-contact to enhance therapy? Read more
Stress responses aren't only vested within the sympathetic nervous system’s capacity to support fight-or-flight behaviors. There’s another defense... Read more
How can therapists acquire neuroscientific knowledge without becoming brain scientists themselves? Even more pressing, what real-life practical therapeutic... Read more
For decades therapists have been taught that there are two sides of the autonomic nervous system complementing each other. But according to Stephen... Read more
Psychophysiologist Stephen Porges’s research on the polyvagal nervous system provides insight into the evolutionary roots of trauma and anxiety, and how... Read more
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