Stephen W. Porges, PhD, is a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium. In 1994, he proposed the Polyvagal Theory. This theory links the evolution of the mammalian autonomic nervous system to social behavior, and emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders. The theory has reshaped how trauma therapy is understood worldwide. 

Seth Porges is a journalist and filmmaker. He wrote, produced, and directed the documentary Class Action Park on HBO Max. He has worked with Stephen W. Porges, PhD, to bring research into the autonomic nervous system to a wider audience, giving clinicians a new lens to view the long-lasting effects of trauma. He has also contributed to outlets like Today, Good Morning America, New York, Bloomberg Businessweek, Popular Mechanics, and many others.

Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, author, and international lecturer on Polyvagal Theory–informed work with trauma survivors. She is widely credited with adapting Polyvagal Theory to trauma treatment and translating it into a language and application that is both clear and accessible. A founding member of the Polyvagal Institute, Deb developed the signature Rhythm of Regulation® Clinical Training Series: The Science of Feeling Safe Enough to Fall in Love with Life and Take the Risks of Living, which helps humans resolve the impact of trauma so we may fall in love with life. 

Arielle Schwartz, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, EMDR Therapy consultant, somatic psychotherapist, and certified yoga instructor with a private practice in Boulder, Colorado. She is the author of several books on trauma recovery, including EMDR Therapy and Somatic Psychology (Norton, 2018).

Jan Winhall, MSW, PIFOT, is a seasoned trauma and addiction psychotherapist. She is the author of Treating Trauma and Addiction with the Felt Sense Polyvagal Model; an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto; and an educational partner with the Polyvagal Institute. Jan is codirector of the Borden Street Clinic, in Toronto Canada.