Stephen Porges

From Polyvagal Theory pioneer Dr. Stephen Porges comes a new resource sharing the origin and best practices of his groundbreaking new protocol, and highlighting real-life stories of transformation and healing. We all want to live and share our truth, but when we don't feel safe, it can be impossible to fully express or even know who we really are. The nervous system impacts daily well-being, to our benefit or detriment. Understanding how may be key to truly knowing yourself and better supporting the challenges holding you back. "When the nervous system regains its capacity to feel safe," say Porges and Onderko, "individuals can express themselves genuinely, engage comfortably with others, and embrace a life of greater openness and ease." The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a groundbreaking therapy based in Polyvagal Theory, which looks at the role the autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve play in regulating health and behavior. SSP involves listening to music that's been filtered to prioritize frequencies of human speech, providing auditory input that enables the nervous system to reset to its homeostatic state. Porges and Onderko offer a glimpse into this innovative approach, highlighting not only the origin of SSP and its best practices but also real-life stories of transformation. They showcase clinical evidence demonstrating SSP's impact on emotional dysregulation, social interaction difficulty, and auditory sensitivity, providing a comprehensive understanding of its therapeutic potential. Some features and conditions addressed include: - Depression- Perfectionism- Addiction- Suicidal ideation- COVID recovery- Navigating gender identity- Living with Parkinson's disease- Hypermobility- Autism- ADHD- Dyslexia Whether patient, family member, friend, or clinician, you'll find a deeper understanding of the nervous system and tools for a more resilient experience. Illustrating the incredible range of application and how autonomic regulation can lead to significant improvements--from stress and anxiety to grief and trauma--Safe and Sound demonstrates how SSP can promote a state of safety and calm, facilitating the foundation for long-awaited healing.

An illustrated meditative journey of the nervous system experience through the lens of The Polyvagal Theory-the reader moves through the different nervous system states and the 'felt' experience of dysregulation. The author shares co-regulation techniques to empower and furnish the reader with the self-help tools to shift nervous system states. Its meditative structure aims to reduce anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress, while creating mental wellness and emotional security. From the Afterword written by Stephen W. Porges, PhD, creator of The Polyvagal Theory: "The Tree & Me elegantly captures the essence of Polyvagal Theory by highlighting the importance of connection, safety, and nurturing experiences in achieving a state of well-being and wholeness. The poem serves as a beautiful reminder of the profound impact of our relationships and environment on our mental and physical health." From Kirkus Reviews: "This rhyming poem was inspired by psychologist and neuroscientist Stephen Porges' polyvagal theory, which dealt in part with the vagus nerve's role in trauma response. Dickson uses a tree metaphor to describe the impact of trauma on the human nervous system. The book accurately depicts aspects of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms ... the illustrations effectively contribute to the book's soothing aesthetic."

An illustrated meditative journey of the nervous system experience through the lens of The Polyvagal Theory-the reader moves through the different nervous system states and the 'felt' experience of dysregulation. The author shares co-regulation techniques to empower and furnish the reader with the self-help tools to shift nervous system states. Its meditative structure aims to reduce anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress, while creating mental wellness and emotional security. From the Afterword written by Stephen W. Porges, PhD, creator of The Polyvagal Theory: "The Tree & Me elegantly captures the essence of Polyvagal Theory by highlighting the importance of connection, safety, and nurturing experiences in achieving a state of well-being and wholeness. The poem serves as a beautiful reminder of the profound impact of our relationships and environment on our mental and physical health." From Kirkus Reviews: "This rhyming poem was inspired by psychologist and neuroscientist Stephen Porges' polyvagal theory, which dealt in part with the vagus nerve's role in trauma response. Dickson uses a tree metaphor to describe the impact of trauma on the human nervous system. The book accurately depicts aspects of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms ... the illustrations effectively contribute to the book's soothing aesthetic."