The POLYVAGAL THEORY was developed by DR STEPHEN PORGES, university scientist , researcher, author and founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium.
Polyvagal theory was first presented in the mid nineties. It has been referred to as the SCIENCE OF SAFETY as it looks at how our nervous system has been HABITUATED to RESPONDING to cues of danger (CHALLENGES AND STRESSORS) and the adaptive survival responses that ensue. It also highlights how our innate NEED FOR CONNECTION can bring our system back into a state of SAFETY, REGULATION and ENGAGEMENT.
Polyvagal theory has been further developed by DEB DANA, clinician, author, consultant and speaker, specialising in complex trauma, adapting this work to be applied in a clinical setting.
If we think of our AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM as a surveillance system, it is constantly scanning the environment for cues of danger and safety. When challenged, a set of neurophysiological processes occur (secretion of HORMONES, such as ADRENALINE and neuro transmitters) to let us know that we NEED TO REACT to overcome the situation we are faced with. This happens BELOW OUR CONSCIOUS AWARENESS, which is why we may not clearly recall what occurred, and some of our responses may seem surprising and out of character.