Category Archives: Dissociation

Polyvagal Theory: Trauma as Reptilian Freeze

CLICK to BUY “Don’t Try This Alone” Neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges appeared in my last few blogs; let’s explore his 1994 discovery of the Polyvagal Theory.  Dr. Porges runs brain-body research at top psychiatry departments (University of Chicago and University … Continue reading

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Posted in Attachment, Attachment Disorder, Attachment Theory, Brain Science, Dissociation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Mammalian Attachment System Heals Trauma

Dr. Stephen Porges writes in his groundbreaking “Polyvagal Theory” that mammals like us aren’t made for trauma.  We’re made primarily to attach to other mammals, which makes us feel safe, secure and good.  When that fails, we’re also made to … Continue reading

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Posted in Attachment, Attachment Disorder, Brain Science, Dissociation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Fire Up the Right Brain

When we last left Stewart the 92-year-old lawyer in Dan Siegel’s office June 25,  “the presenting problem was:  his wife got sick, and he became more socially withdrawn… losing himself in his books,” Siegel said. “Rather than confronting what the … Continue reading

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Dan Siegel: Creating a Joyful Brain

I’ve got some great short videos here by Dr. Dan Siegel, MD  — and even his friend comedienne Goldie Hawn makes an appearance. I’ve also had a lot of demand for my book — but it’s not done. I’ve been … Continue reading

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Posted in Attachment, Attachment Disorder, Attachment Theory, Brain Science, Dissociation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dan Siegel on Explicit Memory

Dr. Daniel J. Siegel uses his “hand model” of the brain to show schools kids, and the rest of us, how we need all three of the brain’s main parts to be working, and to work together.  Say the wrist … Continue reading

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Posted in Brain Science, Dissociation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Dan Siegel on Re-Membering Trauma

Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, MD (far left) introduced me to brain science, and I write about brain scientists like him ‘cos they saved my life. Without them, I’d still be a successful, all-head talk technical writer for Pentagon sales.  I’d … Continue reading

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Posted in Attachment Disorder, Brain Science, Dissociation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Readers Defend Van der Kolk

I had the most comments ever last week, as readers spoke up to defend Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (left) and his ideas about somatic (body) healing for trauma, after the sideswipes against science by the New York Times May … Continue reading

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Excommunication Blues

#16 in my book blogs from “Don’t Try This at Home,” Chapter 3 Last time, I wrote that just when I thought 2008 couldn’t get any worse, October-November 2008 with Mom in the hospice in Florida turned out to be … Continue reading

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Posted in Attachment, Attachment Disorder, Attachment Theory, Brain Science, Dissociation, Emotional pain | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

From the Butt End of Evolution

Fear with a capital F has been bred deep into our neurons since man first walked the earth. Neurobiologists call it the “negativity bias” of the brain.  For most of history, our brains needed to fear a stick far more … Continue reading

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Posted in Attachment, Attachment Disorder, Attachment Theory, Brain Science, Dissociation, Neuroscience | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

No Tears for Dad

#9 in my ongoing book series; original post September 27, 2013 After my 27-year marriage fell apart, by late 2007 I was reduced to writing long poems for Dan the East Coast rebound affair, in a bizarre attempt to figure … Continue reading

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Posted in Attachment, Attachment Disorder, Dissociation, Divorce, Emotional pain | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment