The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation

by Deb Dana, Stephen W. Porges PhD (Foreword by)

Overview

The polyvagal theory presented in client-friendly language.

This book offers therapists an integrated approach to adding a polyvagal foundation to their work with clients. With clear explanations of the organizing principles of Polyvagal Theory, this complex theory is translated into clinician and client-friendly language. Using a unique autonomic mapping process along with worksheets designed to effectively track autonomic response patterns, this book presents practical ways to work with clients' experiences of connection. Through exercises that have been specifically created to engage the regulating capacities of the ventral vagal system, therapists are given tools to help clients reshape their autonomic nervous systems.

Adding a polyvagal perspective to clinical practice draws the autonomic nervous system directly into the work of therapy, helping clients re-pattern their nervous systems, build capacities for regulation, and create autonomic pathways of safety and connection. With chapters that build confidence in understanding Polyvagal Theory, chapters that introduce worksheets for mapping, tracking, and practices for re-patterning, as well as a series of autonomic meditations, this book offers therapists a guide to practicing polyvagal-informed therapy. 

The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy is essential reading for therapists who work with trauma and those who seek an easy and accessible way of understanding the significance that Polyvagal Theory has to clinical work.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393712377
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	06/12/2018
Series:	Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	187,009
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, and speaker specializing in complex trauma. She is the leading translator of Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory for both clinical and general audiences, and the best-selling author of Polyvagal Practices, Polyvagal Card Deck, The Polyvagal Flip Chart, Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection, The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy, and co-editor with Dr. Stephen Porges of Clinical Applications of The Polyvagal Theory. She trains therapists around the world in how to bring a Polyvagal approach into their clinical practice, and also works with agencies and larger systems to explore how to incorporate a Polyvagal perspective.

She is founding member of The Polyvagal Institute, a consultant to Khiron Clinics, and an advisor to Unyte. Visit her website at http://rhythmofregulation.com/.

Stephen W. Porges, PhD, originator of Polyvagal Theory, is a Distinguished University Scientist and founding director of the Kinsey Institute Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at Indiana University, and a professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina. He lives in Atlantic Beach, Florida.

Table of Contents

Foreword Stephen W. Porges ix

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction xvii

Section I Befriending The Nervous System 3

Chapter 1 Safety, Danger, and Life-Threat: Adaptive Response Patterns 17

Chapter 2 Autonomic Surveillance: Neuroception 35

Chapter 3 Wired To Connect 44

Section I Summary 49

Section II Mapping The Nervous System 53

Chapter 4 The Personal Profile Map 58

Chapter 5 The Triggers And Glimmers Map 66

Chapter 6 The Regulating Resources Map 72

Section II Summary 78

Section III Navigating The Nervous System 81

Chapter 7 Compassionate Connection 83

Chapter 8 Safely Aware And Able To Attend 100

Chapter 9 Creating Safe Surroundings 110

Section III Summary 119

Section IV Shaping The Nervous System 121

Chapter 10 The Autonomic Nervous System As A Relational System 123

Chapter 11 Toning The System With Breath And Sound 134

Chapter 12 Regulating Through The Body 151

Chapter 13 Vagal Regulation With The Brain In Mind 164

Chapter 14 Intertwined States 178

Section IV Summary 191

Conclusion 192

Appendix: Autonomic Meditations 204

Worksheets 215

References 267

Index 283

Editorial Reviews

"Deb Dana has written the definitive guide to integrating the concepts, maps, language and applications of polyvagal theory into any therapeutic modality. Working with the regulation of a client's nervous system through the power of the polyvagal lens guides clinicians to interventions with trauma survivors that are immediately and reliably effective in teaching clients to manage their survival responses and recover safety in connection. This clear and comprehensive book is much needed and very much welcomed."

Linda Graham

"[M]akes the Polyvagal theory accessible and provides numerous examples of how to implement the theory into clinical work. Beginning therapists especially will find the book helpful with its many suggested maps and methods for using the theory. . . . Advanced therapists not familiar with the Polyvagal theory or with the nervous system in general will appreciate this."

Somatic Psychotherapy Today

"Polyvagal theory has been a godsend for trauma therapists and survivors alike, helping them understand symptoms and reactions that had been mysterious and uncontrollable. Until now, however, therapists lacked a method for putting PT into practice. With this well-written book, Deb Dana not only explains the theory clearly but also offers therapists practical steps for helping survivors remain regulated."

Richard C. Schwartz

"[O]ffers a window into the inner life of a traumatized person and a way out of trauma and back into finding joy, connection, and safety through enlightening theory, rich experiential practice, and practical steps."

Psych Central

"Deb Dana’s gift for language invites us to enter the Polyvagal Theory cognitively and experientially. As we deepen into awareness of its importance for our clinical endeavors, she then guides us in developing processes that help us identify and influence the ebb and flow of the autonomic nervous system in ourselves and our clients. Rich in experiential practices, this book offers a much-needed concrete roadmap for every practitioner."

Bonnie Badenoch

"[M]akes for essential reading. In addition to a thorough exposition of the theory, The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy offers practical steps and tools to help clients reshape their automatic nervous systems."

Sussex Counselling and Psychotherapy News