An Interview with Dr. Stephen W. Porges

Abstract

During the 51st American Dance Therapy Association conference, Dr. Stephen W. Porges, Distinguished University Scientist at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University Bloomington and Research Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, gave the keynote address, Connectedness as a Biological Imperative: Understanding the Consequences of Trauma, Abuse, and Chronic Stress through the Lens of the Polyvagal Theory. Post-conference, Dr. Porges spoke with this author in an audio-recorded interview, summarized portions of his address, and described the supporting neural mechanisms involved in optimizing mental and physical health. This unique interdisciplinary collaboration aids the profession of dance/movement therapy in understanding the principles for establishing safety and stabilization of the Autonomic Nervous System and, in particular, reciprocal movements with social engagement behaviors—a core mechanism in dance/movement therapy. This article is an edited transcription of the original audio.