From Depression to Connection: A Polyvagal Approach | Deb Dana, LCSW

A member of our practice is health coach Nancy Uston-John who has received special training from Aimie Apigian MD on the Biology of Trauma. There are very few people who know how to do somatic therapy, and Nancy is gifted and amazing at teaching you how to gain control of your nervous system.
We've been taught that trauma is solely an emotional reaction to an event and that psychotherapy is needed to process it. It is necessary to gain a cognitive and emotional understanding, but this only works only to a point. For some people, this is not enough. "The body keeps the score," as Bessel van der Kolk MD would say. It's not the event, but the body's response to the event that needs to be addressed. There are specific tools that one can learn that need to be utilized daily to release the trauma, retrain the vagus nerve & limbic system, and regulate your nervous system response when reminded of the trauma.
Deb Dana, LCSW is a consultant, author, and speaker specializing in complex trauma. Her work is focused on using the lens of Polyvagal Theory to understand and resolve the impact of trauma in our lives. She is a founding member of the Polyvagal Institute, consultant to Khiron Clinics, and advisor to Unyte.
Deb's work shows how an understanding of Polyvagal Theory is applicable - across the board - to relationships, mental health, and trauma. She delves into the intricacies of how we can all use an understanding of the organizing principles of Polyvagal Theory to change the ways we navigate our daily lives.

Deb is well known for translating Polyvagal Theory into a language and application that is both clear and accessible, AND for pioneering Rhythm of Regulation® methodology, tools, techniques, and practices which continue to open up the power of Polyvagal Theory for professionals and curious people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life.
She is well-published and has audio programs which will be in the show notes for your perusal.
We discussed:

• How neuroception and hierarchy impact physical and psychological well-being
• What glimmers are
• How loneliness drives survival states

Deb's clinical work published with W.W. Norton includes The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation, Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client Centered Practices, Polyvagal Practices: Anchoring the Self in Safety, Polyvagal Prompts: Finding Connection and Joy through Guided Explorations, the Polyvagal Flip Chart and the Polyvagal Card Deck.
She partners with Sounds True to bring her polyvagal perspective to a general audience through the audio program Befriending Your Nervous System: Looking Through the Lens of Polyvagal Theory and her print book Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory.
Deb can be contacted via her website: www.rhythmofregulation.com.
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