Welcome to the Resource Center

This month, more than 40 of today’s brightest luminaries came together at the historic and prestigious Oxford University for one of the largest events in the trauma-healing and mental health profession. Here are three key takeaways we learned from this event.

Maggie presented in January 2022 with long COVID. Symptoms listed were, but not limited to, brain fog, headaches, memory loss, post-exertional malaise, fatigue, chest tightness and pain, shortness of breath, urinary incontinence, insomnia and weight gain. After the SSP her activities of daily living (ADLs) have much improved, as has her brain fog and energy.

Marvin presents with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and is withdrawn and highly anxious in new situations. After the SSP he felt more aware and grounded in life, not fearing panic attacks.

RC presents with selective mutism, constipation, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), temper tantrums, impulsivity and a low frustration tolerance. After the SSP, she became less impulsive and more flexible, and her temper tantrums decreased significantly. She became more communicative and has learned to communicate in multiple ways.

Jack presents with spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological disorder affecting the voice, with stress on his vocal cords. After the SSP, Jack has had multiple people comment on how they can hear and understand him better. Most importantly, he is able to talk with his grandchildren without his wife interpreting for him.

Anne is chronically fatigued as a result of long COVID and struggles with physical exertion. After the SSP she reported being more energized and able to more easily handle stress without shutting down.

What is the vagal paradox? Polyvagal Theory explains how the brain and body have adapted over a long period of time. The vagus nerve itself has changed, in location and function, to serve these two roles alongside the sympathetic system, which is commonly known as the “fight or flight” response. Together, these poly (many) roles of the vagus nerve help us survive and, even better, to thrive in the modern world.

Peter presents with autism and is easily overstimulated by sensory input, tiring him out. This causes him to lack energy by the end of the school day and to become completely drained of energy by the end of the week. At school, he had more energy, and after completing the five hours of the SSP, he was no longer drained of energy toward the end of the week as he used to be.