The Real Mind Body Connection: Polyvagal Theory & How to get out of chronic stess with Gail Willmore

Counselor Gail Willmore and I tackle the issue of reducing our stress and explore how the vagus nerve may be the key to unlocking the mind-body connection. We know stress is a major issue in health, healing, and happiness, and yet when your doctor says "just reduce your stress!" what the heck can you actually do about that? Turns out polyvagal theory may be just the key to unlocking the actual physiologic reality to healing trauma; embodying our emotions; and how we can live from the experience of connection, belonging, and love to do just that: be less stressed and still live full busy kick ass lives.

Referenced in the Show

• Vagus nerve

• Polyvagal theory

• Polyvagal Dorsal

• Attachment Theory

• Anchored by Deb Dana

• Safety and Connection by Deb Dana

• Vagus Nerve Breathing (youtube)

• Dr. Denise Bossarte episode

• Peter Levine

• Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD 

• Stephen Porges

• Candace Pert, Molecules of Emotion

Gail Willmore LAC, PVT

Gail Willmore is a licensed associate counselor. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health at Northwestern University, and prior to her studies in counseling transitioned from a 20-year career in the financial industry and 10-year career self-development as a leader in the field of ontology. Ms. Willmore is certified in the principals and practice of Polyvagal Theory clinically and a certified hypnotherapist  and is committed to bring awareness of emotion and regulation to the work of psychotherapy in the healing process.