Integrating Polyvagal Theory into EMDR Therapy with the Safe and Sound Protocol

Originator of the Polyvagal Theory and creator of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. is a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium in the Kinsey Institute. He is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and Professor Emeritus at both the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland.  He served as president of the Society for Psychophysiological Research and the Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences and is a former recipient of a National Institute of Mental Health Research Scientist Development Award. He is the originator of the Polyvagal Theory, a theory that emphasizes the importance of physiological state in the expression of behavioral, mental, and health problems. He is the creator of a music-based intervention, the Safe and Sound Protocol ™ , which is used by more than 3,000 therapists to improve spontaneous social engagement, reduce hearing sensitivities, and improve language processing.

LCSW, Approved EMDR Consultant and Trainer

Rebecca Kase, LCSW, is an EMDR consultant and trainer. She is the owner of Kase & CO Training and Consulting, an EMDR and trauma training company. She is also the author of Polyvagal informed EMDR: A Neuro-Informed Approach to Healing and the Applied Polyvagal Theory Flipchart. Rebecca facilitates EMDR training and advanced clinical training for psychotherapists. She is a keynote speaker and voice of inspiration, teaching others how to befriend their nervous system and how to be humble and brave.

M.Ed., LPC, Approved EMDR Consultant

Rotem Brayer is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a specialty in trauma therapy. With a dedication to healing and a wealth of counseling experience, Rotem has gained recognition as a respected leader in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. As the founder of The EMDR Learning Community, Rotem has cultivated a nurturing environment where EMDR therapists come together to expand their knowledge and skills. Through this platform, he provides insights into EMDR therapy and its synergies with other therapeutic modalities, empowering clinicians to elevate their practice and foster profound change in their clients. In his private practice, Rotem treats individual clients, taking an “EMDR first” approach. Rotem is also the author of  “The Art and Science of EMDR: Helping Clinicians Bridge The Path From Protocol to Practice,” a guide for clinicians seeking to deepen their understanding of EMDR and refine their therapeutic skills.