The Safe & Sound Protocol, Polyvagal Theory Made Simple and the Art of Finding Safety - with Paul North - Episode #64

Paul North is an Author and Principal Psychologist at his practice, PartnershipsPlus, based in Canberra, Australia. Paul was the inaugural Chair of the Restrictive Practice Panel for the Senior Practitioner, ACT. Paul has over 35 years of experience in the disability sector. Having also worked with children in Out of Home Care and past and serving Veterans, Paul is passionate about reducing suffering and mental illness by enhancing health and well-being.

Paul is an early adopter and constantly reviews the literature on trauma treatments and the leading evidence-based techniques for helping people recover and thrive in the world at large. Paul is also trained in the Safe and Sound Protocol developed by Prof. Stephen Porges ( who created Polyvagal Theory) and welcomes opportunities to teach people about this brilliant therapeutic application.

He has co-authored a polyvagal-informed children's book with Dr Lydia So entitled Safe and Sound, A story of a little girl who overcomes fear. The book has been endorsed by Dr Stephen Porges, Distinguished University Scientist and creator of The Polyvagal Theory. Paul is now working on a companion book to the Children's book that will be entitled “Safe and Sound - The Science of Parenting and Teaching."

Today’s conversation covers all of these areas and more. We discuss:

• Paul’s journey through his career and the settings in which he's worked, and applied Polyvagal Theory
• Polyvagal theory and how Paul uses this is in work, and life
• How Paul discusses Polyvagal Theory with his patients to make it simple and to reduce guilt and shame
• The Safe and Sound Protocol
• Paul’s book and the desire to create resources that support parents and teachers to help their children regulate their nervous systems
• What’s next for Paul and the future resources he wishes to create to further support the health and well-being of more people

This is a great discussion - and the first of three from Polyvagal Theory experts and members of the Polyvagal Institute, all of whom have worked with Dr Stephen Porges himself.

We start this mini-series with Paul - and with the perfect primer, and some very practical take-homes, on Polyvagal Theory and nervous system regulation for furthering wellbeing.