Polyvagal Theory Resources & Information

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, can provide a good lens from which to view our own nervous system responses to our environment and internal experiences. The theory suggests there is a biological order to our different nervous system states: fight/flight/mobilization, freeze/shutdown/immobilization, and safety & connection. Our nervous systems move through these different states daily, depending on how safe we are feeling in the moment. Traumatic experiences can impact how quickly and effectively our nervous systems shift back to safety & connection, causing us to get stuck in either mobilization (anxiety) or immobilization (depression). I have put together a list of resources here that I hope are useful to you.

*Please note these resources do not constitute medical or mental healthcare. Please use at your own discretion.

What is Polyvagal Theory? — Polyvagal Institute

A Beginners Guide to Polyvagal Theory — by Deb Dana, LCSW

Polyvagal Theory Made Simple — YouTube by Mind Known

Befriending Your Nervous System: Looking through the lens of Polyvagal Theory — by Deb Dana, LCSW

The polyvagal theory: New insights into adaptive reactions of the autonomic nervous system — NIH research article on polyvagal theory

I’m always trying to add more resources, so if you have any to recommend please let me know! If there are any broken links, please let me know as well. Thank you!