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Polyvagal Intro

My "Polyvagal Intro" is the perfect place to start learning about the Polyvagal Theory. Learn quickly, with simple language and links to deepen your learning.

the basic polyvagal idea:

The Polyvagal Theory is the science of how mammals connect, but also how they respond to danger. PVT connects biology to emotion, thought, relationships and more.

A core piece of the Theory is the hypothesis that our bodies can exist in three distinct evolutionary survival states: safety & social engagement, flight & fight mobility and shutdown immobility.

pvt for beginners

primary article

pvt one-pagers

what everyone gets wrong...

safe & social

Allows for social connection, executive functioning, play, stillness, health, growth and restoration.

Active when the external & internal worlds are perceived as safe.

primary states

Mammals can be prepared for safety, mobilization or immobilization.

what is shutdown?

shutdown

how to heal shutdown

still stuck in shutdown?

what "safety" means

primary article