Lecture Notes on Polyvagal Theory with Dr. Stephen Porges

Introduction

• Host: Justin Sincere
  • Therapist and coach
  • Creator of Polyvagal Trauma Relief System
  • Podcast: "Stuck Not Broken"
• Guest: Dr. Stephen Porges
  • Creator of Polyvagal Theory
  • Discussion on critiques and new additions to the theory
  • New book: Our Polyvagal World
  • New paper: The Vagal Paradox, A Polyvagal Solution

Overview of Polyvagal Theory

• Initially rooted in scientific research, targeting academic colleagues
• Originally developed from work in obstetrics on high-risk babies
• Paradox: How can the vagus nerve lead to both bradycardia and heart rate variability?
• Polyvagal Theory explores the nervous system's role in health, growth, and restoration

New Book: Our Polyvagal World

• Target Audience: General public, written with accessibility in mind
• Co-authored with Seth Porges (son of Dr. Porges), who brought a more relatable voice to the book
• Discusses the nervous system's evolutionary heritage and human interaction
• Topics include: solitary confinement, oxytocin, and mixed states like fawn and appeasement

Mixed States and Behavioral Adaptations

• Appeasement: A super skill that involves convincing a predator you are on the same team
  • Requires access to social engagement systems
• Fawning: A more reflexive, potentially dangerous survival response
• Conceptualization of Mixed States: Potentially infinite, includes states like play and stillness

Vagal Stimulation and Neural Exercises

• Polyvagal Theory views the vagus as a conduit, not an organ
• Stimulation is more about sensory input to the brainstem
  • Social engagement and activities like singing act as natural vagal stimulators
  • Popular notions like "vagal hacks" are often oversimplified

Scientific Critiques and Responses

• Main Critiques: Misunderstandings and misrepresentations by some scientists
  • Polyvagal Theory is often misinterpreted
• Dr. Porges' Response: Focus on the theory's scientific basis and explanatory power
• New paper highlights the foundational principles and corrects misconceptions

Vagal Efficiency and Future Directions

• Vagal Efficiency: A measure of brainstem function and autonomic regulation
• Potential for predicting and addressing disorders related to autonomic dysfunction
  • Examples: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, cyclic vomiting

Conclusion

• Polyvagal Theory continues to provide a framework for understanding human responses to safety and threat
• The theory is supported by extensive literature and research
• Encourages looking at the nervous system through a holistic and evolutionary lens

Additional Resources

• Our Polyvagal World (Book)
• The Vagal Paradox, A Polyvagal Solution (Paper)
• Polyvagal Trauma Relief System (Courses)