Polyvagal Institute

the art and science of human connection

Polyvagal Institute is a not-for-profit dedicated to creating a new paradigm for health and wellness. We provide training, support community and facilitate research centered around a revolutionary understanding of the body and mind, as presented in the work of Stephen Porges and Polyvagal Theory.

Take a Course

Join PVI Community

What is Polyvagal Theory?
We're glad you asked...

To help newcomers to PVT, we asked some experienced polyvagalists from a variety of disciplines how they explain it and we compiled their responses into this short video which ends with Dr. Porges himself giving us a brief summary.

As in the parable of the 5 blind men and the elephant, we hope that these different perspectives will, collectively, give you a more complete sense of what Polyvagal Theory is and why it's more important than ever in today's world.

Polyvagal Theory: Background & Criticism

New Commentary from Dr. Porges

PVI is pleased to release commentary from Dr. Stephen Porges regarding his Polyvagal Theory (PVT). It includes an introductory description, prerequisite information and the primary principles; the last section addresses criticism of the theory since its original publication in 1995.

View Commentary

Dive in!

Learn

Polyvagal-Informed Certificate for Organizations

The Polyvagal-Informed Certificate Program is designed to help organizations develop an awareness around the need for safety and to assist with creating healthy cultures of connection and belonging. The program is customized for 3 types of organizations: clinical, non-clinical, and trauma-informed.

View Details