Tag Archives: Brain stem

Stephen Porges on Treating Trauma and Compassion

Dr. Stephen Porges discovered in 1994 that trauma in humans comes from our most ancient “reptilian” freeze reflex. He calls it the Polyvagal Theory, as I wrote last week. But Porges also says we can use our mammalian attachment system … Continue reading

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Posted in Attachment Disorder, Attachment Theory, Brain Science, Dissociation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

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

“General Theory of Love” on Mammals

“A General Theory of Love”  by Thomas Lewis MD,  Fari Amini, MD, and Richard Lannon, MD, is all about why it’s so important that we are mammals.  They say it’s vital that we value our mammalian attachment system and stay … Continue reading

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

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

Is Our Medical System Traumatizing Us?

Hey, it happens to us all. I’m healthy as a horse, but a body part was bugging me, so at my annual check up I asked to see a specialist.  I love my family doc, er I mean “primary care,” … Continue reading

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Posted in Attachment Disorder, Brain Science, Fight-Flight | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

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: Re-Wire Your Brain

Like I say, Dr. Dan Siegel introduced me to brain science, and I write about brain scientists like him ‘cos they saved my life.  It was all an accident… or a God-send. In August 2010  I heard psychologist Dr. Henry … Continue reading

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Posted in Attachment Disorder, Attachment Theory, Brain Science | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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