Therapist Uncensored Podcast How Modern Attachment Meets Polyvagal Theory with Dr. Stephen Porges (262)
Mar 25, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Stephen Porges, a distinguished scientist and founder of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium, shares insights on the intersection of modern attachment theory and Polyvagal Theory. He discusses the evolution of attachment and how our nervous systems influence relationships. Porges emphasizes the importance of vocal tone in emotional expression and explores the Safe and Sound Protocol's role in promoting engagement. He also delves into how our bodies communicate emotions and the significance of feeling safe for personal connections.
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Evolution of Attachment Theory
- Attachment theory has evolved from a categorical view to a more dynamic and hopeful one.
- Modern attachment recognizes that secure relating is a state, not a fixed trait, influenced by context and relationships.
Social Engagement Before Attachment
- Dr. Porges suggests that social engagement is a prerequisite for attachment.
- Therapies like SSP can activate the social engagement system, facilitating connection.
Misinterpreting Physiological States
- Sue Marriott shares a story about Dr. Porges interpreting her flushed face as a hot flash.
- This highlights how our physiological states are broadcast and interpreted, sometimes inaccurately.
professionally and personally.
of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium. A leading researcher in psychophysiology, he has held professorships in psychiatry and neuroscience and has published over 400 peer-reviewed papers. Dr. Porges is best known for developing Polyvagal Theory, which explores the connection between the autonomic nervous system, social behavior, and mental health. He has authored several influential books and created the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a music-based intervention for improving emotional regulation and social engagement. He is also a co-founder and Ex Officio Board Member of the Polyvagal Institute.
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