neuroception

Neuroception – Our Subconscious Ability to Detect Threats, Risks, & Safety: Then and Now

Neuroception – Our Subconscious Ability to Detect Threats, Risks, & Safety: Then and Now

Dr. Stephen Porges has coined the term “neuroception”, which describes how our neural circuits distinguish whether stimuli are safe or dangerous. While this phenomemon is innate and serves to protect us, sometimes traumatic experiences result in faulty neuroception - which causes individuals to perceive a situation to be harmful, even if there is no presence of a threat. This post explores the implications of polyvagal theory, stress responses, and neuroception.