Safety, Threat and Connection: Understanding Polyvagal Theory

Join us for an enlightening session with Dr. George Thompson, MD, as he delves into the intriguing world of Polyvagal Theory in our event, "Safety, Threat and Connection. Discover how our bodily responses to safety and danger shape our connections with others and influence our emotional well-being. This presentation will provide valuable insights into the physiological mechanisms behind fight, flight, and social engagement, offering practical strategies for enhancing resilience and fostering deeper connections in our lives. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of how these concepts can transform your personal and professional relationships. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the critical intersection of safety, threat, and connection in our everyday lives!

The event will consist of a presentation, followed by a Q&A. There will be an opportunity to purchase Dr Thompson's latest book "Working with Relational Trauma in Children's Residential Care: A Guide to Using Dyadic Developmental Practice".

Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available.

About Dr George Thompson, MD

Dr. George Thompson is a child psychiatrist and founder of The Listening Parent Community, an online support for parents based on DDP, Polyvagal Theory, and Thompson’s 30+ years’ experience. He specialises in the residential treatment of traumatised youth and polyvagal-informed crisis response. As Medical Director of crisis services for ReDiscover’s psychiatric urgent care center in Kansas City and two psychiatric residential programs in Kansas, he focuses on creating emotionally safe, curious, coherent, and collaborative healthcare cultures. As neuroscience lead for SonderWorx, he trains community responders in trauma-informed care. Additionally, as a certified DDP therapist, Dr. Thompson develops parenting strategies that nurture a child's heart-felt knowledge that their lives matter to their families, community, and future generations, regardless of the challenges they have faced.

Dr. Thompson was appointment Chairman of the Polyvagal Institute’s board of directors in June 2024, and also serves as a core faculty member for PVI’s certificate course. He is Treasurer of the board of directors for the Kansas Chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness. He was on the board of the DDP Institute from 2014 to 2020, serving as Treasurer for that board as well.

Dr. Thompson is the co-author of Polyvagal Theory and the Developing Child as well as Working with Relational Trauma in Children’s Residential Care. He is working on a third book due in 2026, The Polyvagal Parent. He is a volunteer Clinical Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, where he teaches compassionate doctor-patient communication, and the University of Kansas School of Medicine, where he supervises adult and child psychiatry residents. Dr. Thompson's research in medical education, particularly on medical professionalism, has been published in Academic Medicine and recognised with awards. He also teaches the Avatar® Course, promoting personal empowerment and compassionate service.

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