In this powerful continuation of our Vagus Nerve series, hosts Susan Robbins (certified epigenetic human performance coach) and Kate King (licensed psychotherapist and award-winning author) welcome one of the most respected voices in trauma recovery: Dr. Arielle Schwartz.

A clinical psychologist, author of The Complex PTSD Workbook and The Polyvagal Theory Workbook for Trauma, and founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy, Dr. Schwartz brings both deep science and profound compassion to the conversation on nervous system healing.

What is Polyvagal Theory, And Why Does It Matter?

Unlike traditional models of the vagus nerve, polyvagal theory expands our understanding of how connection, safety, and early life experiences shape our stress responses and long-term health.

Inside This Episode:

• What polyvagal theory teaches us about trauma, survival, and healing
• The link between early attachment wounds and adult stress responses
• How to re-parent and rewire your nervous system at any age
• Natural vagus nerve stimulation: small, daily practices that shift everything
• Why community, compassion, and co-regulation are vital to health
• The power of yoga, breathwork, and touch in restoring vagal tone
• How over-empathy and caretaking can become dysregulating

Your body remembers, and it’s doing the best it can to protect you. But healing is possible. You can learn to work with your nervous system, not against it. And in doing so, you not only change your health.

Learn more about our guest Dr. Arielle Schwartz:

Dr. Arielle Schwartz is a clinical psychologist, internationally sought-out teacher, and leading voice in the healing of trauma. She is an internationally sought-out teacher, leading voice in the field of trauma recovery, and author of seven books including The Complex PTSD Workbook, The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook, and Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga. As the founder of the Center for Resilience Informed Therapy, she offers a mind-body approach to therapy for trauma and informational mental health and wellness updates through her writing, public speaking, social media presence, and blog. She believes that the journey of trauma recovery is an awakening of the spiritual heart.

About Susan Robbins and Kate King

Susan and Kate come from two very different, but perfectly complementary, worlds in the health and wellness space. Together, their synergy is magnetic. Think: science meets soul, strategy meets intuition, real talk meets radical transformation.

RESOURCES:

Connect with Dr. Arielle Schwartz:

Website: www.drarielleschwartz.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5LUxnXbReV7I5cEzvb46sQ

Learn More about Dr. Arielle’s Books:

https://drarielleschwartz.com/books-by-dr-schwartz/

Find all of Kate and Susan’s Resources and links in the show notes: https://healthyawakening.co/2025/08/25/episode72

Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/

Connect with Kate: https://theradiantlifeproject.com/

Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcast

Find listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/links

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