Stephen W Porges

Professor Porges is Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium. He is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and Professor Emeritus at both the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland.

Polyvagal Theory emphasizes the role that the autonomic nervous system – especially the vagus nerve – plays in regulating our health and behaviour. Created and developed by Stephen Porges, the theory describes the physiological/psychological states which underlie our daily behaviour as well as challenges related to our wellness and mental health. By applying Polyvagal Theory to our personal lives as well as to disciplines such as medicine, education, and management, we can understand how safety, co-regulation, and connection are paramount to a healthy human experience.