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‘Brain-Empowered collaborators’ by George Thompson published in ‘Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory’

21 November 2018
George Thompson

George Thompson, DDPI Board Member, has contributed a chapter to the new book by Stephen Porges, ‘Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory’.

Titled ‘Brain-Empowered Collaborators’, it has been added to the DDP Library and a PDF of the chapter has been made available for download.

“Brain-Empowered Collaborators describes applications of Polyvagal Theory to understand physician–patient relationships. Awareness of the neurophysiology underlying reactions to illness and medical treatment informs physicians of when to build trust and when to gather medical information.

By attuning to their polyvagal state and sending verbal and nonverbal signals of safety, physicians can activate the patient’s social engagement system, the optimum neurophysiology for decision making, comfort, and collaboration. A grounding in Polyvagal Theory enriches the tender and heroic partnership between patients and their physicians, offers insight into physician well-being, and suggests pathways to peace for the planet as well. Relationship becomes medicine.”

– George Thompson

Brain-Empowered Collaborators

Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory

Stephen W. Porges and Deb A. Dana

This exciting new book seeks to not only explore Polyvagal Theory but to also demonstrate practical applications for clinical settings.

It can be purchased from the publisher’s website.

“Stephen Porges has not only made one of the most profound and illuminating contributions to our understanding of the nervous system in the last 50 years, but he has made one of the most useful ones, cracking the facial code, deepening Darwin’s work—an extraordinary feat—while teaching us to understand a patient’s nervous system’s state, sometimes when even they themselves cannot. And now, in this wonderful, illuminating book, co-edited with Deb Dana and filled with contributions from some of the leading lights from across the healing professions, we see how useful a variety of clinicians find Porges’ breakthroughs. This book teaches so many practical applications and shows how creative clinicians can use this work to settle even the most distressed human beings and help them transition into the state in which they are most likely to heal.”
Norman Doidge, MD, author, The Brain That Changes Itself, and The Brain’s Way of Healing

© 2018 W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.