Tag Archives: Fight/Flight

Stephen Porges: Social Engagement Heals

Neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges explained in my Sept.19 blog that when a survival threat pushes humans back into the ancient reptilian mechanism of freeze, that’s how trauma happens.  The autonomic nervous system (ANS in diagram below) just does this automatically; … Continue reading

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Posted in Attachment Theory, Brain Science, Dissociation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

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

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