Stephen Porges, PhD

Stephen Porges, PhD, is a researcher, professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and ‘Distinguished University Scientist’ at Indiana University.

Stephen developed Polyvagal Theory, a way of understanding the nervous system that has revolutionized trauma treatment by helping clients calm the body, manage threat responses, and develop the capacity for self-regulation. His work has also helped lift the shame that some clients feel when they experience the “shutdown” response to trauma.

He has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles and several books, including The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation and Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory.