Polyvagal Theory and Trauma - Deb Dana

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The autonomic nervous system is at the heart of daily living powerfully shaping experiences of safety and influencing the capacity for connection. Polyvagal Theory, through the organizing principles of hierarchy, neuroception, and co-regulation, has revolutionized our understanding of how this system works. We now know that trauma interrupts the development of autonomic regulation and shapes the system away from connection into patterns of protection. For many clients, states of fight, flight, and collapse are frequent, intense, and prolonged while the state of safety and connection is elusive. Their autonomic nervous systems now respond in characteristic post-traumatic patterns of hyperarousal, hypervigilance, disconnection, and numbing.
A Polyvagal approach uses an updated map of the autonomic circuits that underlie behaviors and beliefs so clinicians can reliably lead their clients out of adaptive survival responses into the autonomically regulated state of safety that is necessary for successful treatment. Polyvagal Theory gives clinicians a guide to help clients safely tune into their autonomic states, reshape their nervous systems, and rewrite the trauma stories that are carried in their autonomic pathways.
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Deb Dana, LCSW is a clinician and consultant specializing in working with complex trauma. She is a consultant to the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium in the Kinsey Institute, Clinical Advisor to Khiron Clinics, and an advisor to Unyte. She developed the Rhythm of Regulation Clinical Training Series and lectures internationally on ways Polyvagal Theory informs work with trauma survivors. Deb is the author of The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation, Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client-Centered Practices, co-editor of Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory: The Emergence of Polyvagal-Informed Therapies, and creator of the Polyvagal Flip Chart. For more information, please see: rhythmofregulation.com
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Links:
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- Deb Dana’s books: amzn.to/3lkgTUO

[@sacredwomensbusiness6799]

I’ve just experienced the biggest aha, mentally, & internally, since trying to find support for coping w an horrendous tragedy. It’s like no one is trained to address what I’m experiencing. But at least now I’ve got a starting point (amongst all the other coaching processes & family constellations, breathwork etc). I’ve been asking professionals can you recommend tools or practices only to be told, ‘oh you want a quick fix, … there isn’t one”?!! Only a couple of ppl were able to really “meet me” recently & one a volunteer w lived experience & another a personal friend. I’m so greatfull for this. This lady’s voice alone has the ability to bring me back home. I’ll need to watch this a few more times & do the exercise. I will be doing more research bc previous info has not had this impact. Thankyou both so much to collaborate to get this out to us. Sending deep Mumma Bear hugs to you & the community here in the page💖. Blissings 🙌🏽

[@merrilynstanger7241]

The presenter has a calming voice , excellent presentation . You calm me as I watch this !

[@nenegh51]

Polyvagal and safety theory has become one of the largest piece of the puzzle I had yet to encounter to find peace inside my own body, be able to better express my needs, include in the process of understanding my childhood experiences, open to new possibilities in my 70s and I could go on, thank you to all involved for sharing your work. Amazing 🤗🌺 from Chile 🇨🇱

[@glenanson6963]

The messenger is the message. She is uplifting, comforting and enriching.

[@Kuutamo73]

During this Pandemic, the challenge is that the longing to connect and the drive to survive cannot meet in the same way as before for months...years. The effects of this disconnection on us are profound

[@Victor-gs9yk]

For me, this was the very first presentation on polyvagal theory that actually gave me concrete tools to understand myself better and deal with my anxiety. I'm immensely thankful for this material, it has brought me back to my balanced embodied being

[@pawelkapica5363]

That image of the dorsal state reminded me of a reoccuring nightmare I had as a kid of a black hole swallowing everyone I love and me. I think I finally realized that I am traumatized. I would always say: but my childhood wasn't that bad, there are people who had it much worse. But the states that were dexcribed mach what I feel like the majority of the time. All my life feels like a struggle because I try to force me to function but inevitable there will come a point where the anxiety and stress kick in and then at some point I shut down. I used to think its burn out or depression, but now I understand the real causes. All my life I was dreaming of getting away from everything. Quitting jobs is a very common theme for me, that always made me feel like a failure. Noone would understand me (myself included) and I felt judged and unworthy. Finally there is a light at the tunnel, I was close to giving up.

[@hmmcinerney]

Hoping your life is balanced and peaceful. We are all seeking 😊❤❤

[@jackielawlor5986]

This session is immensely powerful. I took so much from it. Thank you Deb Dana for sharing your knowledge so generously and in a way which is easy to follow and to apply.

[@nilgiridreaming]

Second time i have watched this & I have again benefited. My health is so connected to my neural system ...

[@hustlemami8732]

I cried so much during this presentation... It was so validating to my experiences

[@cherylwilsherlimberlife7210]

your experiences are valid, how you feel is valid, you are important and needed in the world

[@user-ib6sk9ts2z]

@@cherylwilsherlimberlife7210 ...

[@kariannelalli7894]

Yes

[@fractalofgod6324]

My biggest gripe with all of this is the cost, a lot of people who could really benefit from SSP are not in employment because of the trauma and therefore cannot afford such treatments. 400 dollars for one listen to SSP , come on.

[@fractalofgod6324]

I've been unable to work since 2012 so I simply cannot afford to access this help and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

[@fractalofgod6324]

And yes I do understand that people have to make a living, of course but the cost these treatments are prohibitive to a certain section of society. Don't we all deserve help with our problems.

[@lilah3078]

I agree, that sounds like a lot of money. However, I have found out that where I live (Europe), there are organizations that pay for somatic trauma therapies such as somatic experiencing (includes a few things from polyvagal theory but also from many other theories from psychology, neuroscience etc.) or offer things like trauma-focused yoga for very little money. The trauma expert Peter Levine has also published audio books with a wide range of exercises that help people self-regulate and process sensations / emotions. I have found them very helpful but if you prefer other types of therapy there are also other self-help books by trauma experts, f. ex. Ruth Lanius, Janina Fisher etc. I hope you'll find something that is accessible and helpful to you.

[@fractalofgod6324]

@@lilah3078 thank you Amy,I appreciate it. Not really much in the UK free along those lines unfortunately.i have read some of peters books but I think for me I would need a more hands on intervention.

[@dianegilbank5095]

So so amazing what a wonderful voice to listen too and such knowledge! It’s like how can I get to 64 and not know any of this. It’s been hugely healing and given me such space for thought and listening to my body. Thank you so very much. X

[@ts3858]

Her voice trails off so that I can't hear.... But I resonate w her calm voice...🙏

[@wendyfisher8609]

her voice is the most calming cue!

[@marilyn4146]

I thought so too!

[@greenness7387]

Just some feedback - I haven't completed it yet, but I felt that I needed to see Deb up close at the beginning, in order to connect with her....the slides and tiny image were off-putting to me. I will persevere and listen to the whole podcast though.

[@yolandairizarry5602]

Lloyd

[@paulineerickson]

Same here

[@tanjabijleveld4606]

A soothing modulation in the voice…being visual the images are too small on my phone.

[@nova4005]

Same

[@Martyrich]

Same. Far away and feeling non connecting

[@CraigWeinerDC]

Just brilliant Deb, so clear, so well communicated, I hung on every word....

[@dreamingofnaomi]

Currently reading her book Polyvagal exercises for safety and connection. Happy to hear directly from her.

[@Creativehealing444]

Ahhh yes inspirational video got me excited enough to explore further and attend more training. I have also just listened to the audible version of Anchored. It was so soothing and just what I needed as a busy play therpaist. I have just ordered my copy of: "Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client-Centered Practices ", which i hope will enable my nervous system to better support the nervous systems of those I am blessed to work with. Big respect 🙌 deep gratitude 😊 and much love love love. ❤❤❤

[@elizabethmansfield3609]

What a brilliant presentation, thank you!! I really appreciated the slides as I find it hard to keep track of things when it is just verbal. I’ll be doing the exercises and the art work, for sure.

[@amanda.strutt]

SO. FANTASTIC. What an incredible workshop, session whatever you call it!! I'm feeling quite empowered after watching and doing the practices, wow. Biggest thank yous to both of you 🙏🏼💜

[@emmaspillane2088]

What an excellent session - thank you.

[@catherinecoincon3580]

It's been such a pleasure to watch this video. I have a lot of questions so I run to her website and probably her book.. Thanks again. And thank you for your smiles young man, when you dialogue with your guests. It's always very comforting.

[@kirstinstrand6292]

These stages of our nervous system describe where I spend my days throughout each week; I'm fully cognizant of each stage. I have used other verbs to describe the Dorsal Vagus state, such as regressive (back to childhood), where I lose connection with myself, because I never felt connected to my family, anyway. Thank you for helping me. I've never heard, or learned about the Polyvagal Theory. I will say that without adequate sleep, my entire day will be spent in a dark brown state of mind. Usually, I'm in the Flight or Fight state; however, before the Ukraine/Russia War, I experienced many Ventral Vegus days. I LOVE being able to know why I feel as I am!

[@drsandhyathumsikumar4479]

Wonderful explanation so clearly shared . It is very helpful . much sppreciation and gratitude to you Deb Dana and week end university . Bravo !

[@marysaraha1580]

This is just incredibly profound,, illuminating, revelatory and nourishing! I am gobsmacked…

[@acertree1980]

Thanks for this Excellent presentation!! It simplified and solidified SOooo much for me. Knowing why I'm feeling in a particular way and being able to apply tasks/strategies to become more Cognizant about the situation is the Best Gift Ever 💝🎀💝 This is exactly what I needed to hear at this stage in my recovery from trauma 😊

[@87jennlynch]

Wow this was so incredibly helpful and so wonderful. Thank you! ❤️

[@drsandhyathumsikumar4479]

Deb dana and Neil with grateful thanks DebDana.beautiful and brilliant practical showing of the polyvagal theory ..i have been struggling with this for a long time Om peace peace and peace

[@reglagirl5802]

We "co-regulate" with music, and they call it music therapy but my comment is that I found this video informative once you got to explaining the details of nervous system, as seen from this particular model.

[@sbsman4998]

Read "Polyvagal Theory" years ago, challenging reading for sure but Deb's videos greatly explain this most complex subject, thank you. Having fully recovered from two life threatening cancers, I found daily Coffee Enemas my main detox/meditation therapy and retaining a quart of fluid in distal colon for 20 min relaxed quite challenging, requiring an awareness of how anxious thoughts/moods can activate involuntary colonic peristalsis = messy! Also having regular bowel movements limits inflammatory nerve inputs to brain from constipated. Portal circulatory system drains entire intestines/organs into liver effecting bile production while diaphragmic breathing heightens neuroceptive awareness to calm the thoughts, indeed how one thinks has autonomic responses, best made aware ~~

[@Creativehealing444]

At last!!! Thank you dear Deb , i stumbled across your awesome desk top flip chart last year and many of my friends and work colleagues have borrowed it. Big respect and much love for shining your light into our hearts and simplifying what has always felt like such an awesome but complex theory. 🌸🌟💜 🙌

[@rosemaryforbes-adamo]

Wonderful, thank you Neil for keeping us connected even on lockdown!

[@carolinakerridge3995]

this was a great presentation but the image box was just too small so very hard to connect with Deb visually. I full video intro the the beginning would be really helpful.

[@jeanneaustin7508]

About the moving head, Ive had so much trauma in my neck, and I have fibromyalgia so Im stiff and it hurts to move it. Ty for pointing it and as I gain more access to my Vagus place of safety, I need to relax my shoulders. Ty Dana

[@ujatadu457]

Thank you. I appreciate your werk. And tha fact that you hav given freely iz beautiful. It speaks volumes of your character. 🌹

[@suzansadie8185]

Superb session. Thank you so much

[@allenwillis567]

Its amazing watching this. Having links or connections come to me around the Seven Essene Mirrors, shadow work, transmutation, law of attraction, placebo/nocebo, chronic pain, addiction and their links to our nervous systems.

[@doreenplischke7645]

Thank you for the valuable contribution.

[@philly111]

Thank you for this video, much appreciated!

[@Angeli993]

Thank you for your knowledge. 💜

[@paysonadams4597]

Also - what is up with the picture? I cannot see you in the little frame at the top. It would be nice to be able to enlarge that frame And I can't see the graphics clearly, either! Very frustrating.

[@pursuehappiness8962]

There are certain bodies of knowledge to learn that will allow you to navigate through the world seamlessly, this is one such subject. What a great treasure of knowledge here!!!! Thank you 🙏 very much!!

[@ficoman]

Thank you so much! This is wonderful!!!

[@nilgiridreaming]

thanks so much - what a revelation!

[@micheller3731]

A other fascinating talk. Thank you.

[@marilynryman6096]

I suffer with complex trauma. I found your exercises brought me to disconnection because I can no longer judge situation/ person/ inside. My trauma has happened on what I was taught were safe places. I now automatically go into fight/ flight all the time and physically disconnect.

[@lovesarita]

Sounds awful Marilyn. The most nuanced, gentle and effective nervous system regulation method I've found is Organic Intelligence. You might check it out.

[@kendrahelmes5024]

Stephen Porges has mentioned that this can happen. Seeing an experienced practitioner to help you take it slow is important.

[@lindazanocco3523]

That’s huge insight. Many of us were entrained to judge safety by another person’s values. The speaker actually did this in his presentation. You recognized it. Good for you! Watch youtube talks of Stephen Porges himself explaining polyvagal theory & the ways clinical psychologists are applying it. Trust your gut instinct. This guy is pandering.

[@marilynryman6096]

@@lindazanocco3523 thank you.

[@douglasreichwein6768]

Hi Marilyn, I just want to say that there is a way out of that cycle. First, know that you are doing your best to take care of yourself. Please don't judge or blame yourself for not "being ok." Your body is doing its best to keep you safe. It is a matter of retraining your nervous system to neurocept accurately. This takes time. Please check out Peter Levine. He is in my view the foremost authority on how to do the retraining process. Little bits at a time. Find one little space of safety. Then build on that. And yes find a really good practitioner to make your journey with. How do you tell a really good practitioner? Besides for credentials and reviews, imagine how it would be to hold their hand for an hour. If the thought of that feels good then you have found your person and guide. If the idea of holding their hand repulses you, then that is your dorsal vagal system warning you off and keeping you safe. Good Luck

[@Eflodur]

Beside the weak sound quality, great kontent! Thx

[@sgurule1437]

Agree. Really like Deb Dana’s soothing voice but it is overshadowed by the poor sound quality. Love the content though!

[@rwilkinson291]

I am inspired by this talk. I would like to be part of a community that understands this approach. Is there anything out there yet, or is it something that needs to be created?

[@sandiebroomfield6245]

Thankyou so much. This is so helpful. I've just ordered the flip chart, am going to draw up some of the maps for myself then order the Polyvagal theory in therapy book to work through. Off to visit the website now 😊

[@Mark1Mach2]

Great

[@brendahornung1990]

Thank you!

[@misspy1153]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@AnthonyL0401]

1:04:00 Feeling the three bodily states

[@philipsmale4721]

Brilliant,thank you.😇😇😇

[@letiziamarin8799]

Exellent!!! Thanks !!

[@IngridHurwitz]

Really one of the best I have seen. thank you so much.

[@candacejohnson6864]

Thank you

[@peterhardie4151]

Wow, I know this from experience.

[@Fefe559]

I need this CPTSD all day, constant :( for over 50 years. Will find someone near me…

[@karaliblick7887]

Hope you’re right on the cusp of finding the right thing to help. 💛

[@greenthirteen5356]

Incredible ty

[@LaurinaDream]

What a beautiful soul she is! I am a therapist and scheduled to take a course with Stephen Porges on his Polyvagal Theory in January 2022. This talk is a wonderful foundation for my learning in this area. Blessings!

[@nobodynothing2594]

How do you get to do course with Mr. porges? Could you share some links or details? Thanks in advance

[@IvanaKontra]

Ya thats true

[@holistic_radical]

I really need to learn to regulate. But I get nothing from my non-thought nervous system for all these questions she's asking. I understand the concept of neuroception, and yet I get no reactions that I can identify, not in the way Dana is suggesting. I don't know what to do.

[@Kuutamo73]

Below the diaphram there is also the pelvic area. Any thoughts on that?

[@merrilynstanger7241]

What if you have an extremely faulty autonomic nervous system , DYSAUTONOMIA I was born to soar high , I was born to be a stand out dancer . Leader , played many sports , snow skiing , tennis , ice skating. , table tennis , played piano by ear , I was gifted in so many areas but my faulty fight. / flight has been a huge disability in my life journey ….. I have had three traumas involving claustrophobia . It comes back when we are in lock downs I returned to dance though after 11 visits to a private hospital , ECT , then breast cancer , I returned to my authentic self my sanctuary and I have many sanctuaries but I hurt myself so badly I had a fall , I had pain surpassing induced labour pain , all through lockdowns I lost friends I found a friend dead ! I knew my body could not heal as I was in Fight / flight 24/7 even on a good day I am healing but slowly My pain is better , Oh Forgot to mention I was living in BLACK MOULD I do get respite by playing certain classical ballet pieces . Not all , a certain few put me into sympathetic nervous system within minutes . And especially if I do my beautiful long bendy arm work I have had a narcisstic sister though and 63 now , she still baits me . She turned my child against me along with my ex husband ….,. I have been through HELL in body and mind but I am ready to do what it takes to calm this really easily fired parasympathetic nervous system , into a healthy sense of danger / fear. , I know a lot of that is my dance movement , Being in nature I need a cat ! How many though were fired up from lockdowns ….?? Bless all those reading my. long post MUSIC can change your sense of ‘CALM ‘ It’s tough having a faulty autonomic nervous system from birth ….. the bigger the event though The less anxiety I have ! Interesting !

[@eirintowne]

Interesting topic! I wish I was able to overcome my oversensitivity to sound quality, so that I could get through this session, but it is obviously not possible at the moment.

[@peterhardie4151]

Nice, a bit of levity.

[@merrilynstanger7241]

I will follow your suggestions as since the narcisstic abuse by my ex husband , my sister ganging up on me , I am full of fear and loneliness

[@trigramhypnosis8233]

Your explanations of ventral and sympathetic do not concord with Porges. He explains sympathetic can be activated but postive. Your explanation has more in common with traditional archetypes than Porges' model.

[@raffaelexu6452]

I only listened to 18 minutes so far. It feels quite invalidating as I'm autistic and that's not how I communicate. I'd like some good resources on healing trauma for autistic people

[@sparky791000]

Interesting, but audio is broken up and too hard to understand.

[@susydyson1750]

Wondering how this would be called in Spanish Teoría Polyvaga

[@teresatestrake4639]

The information is phenomenal but I find her voice ove

[@teresatestrake4639]

I find the overly "soothing" tone of the presenter's voice artificial and distracting.

[@theoldgod9]

I'm 30 minutes in and this gives me a lot of ideas about what's really happening with humans now a days! I like the intonation of her voice. I wish if the host could chip-in some ohh, hmm, hmmm!? in between. 🙃

[@akrossmann1631]

Please acknowledge Stephen Porges the originator of polyvagal theory!

[@paysonadams4597]

This is an amazingly informative and practical training. May I suggest, though, learning to enunciate and support your vocalizations through the ends of your words, phrases and sentences, please? Nearly every sentence ends in a breathless rush of garbled words tossed away. It's distractingly annoying to have to rewind the end of so many sentences to listen very very attentively to what you are whispering out and fading away from at the end of every point! The word restoration' seems to be some sort of secret that needs to be breathlessly imparted without energy. I could not understand what your actual words were at many time and it was frustrating because every word you spoke became important to me and I wanted to hear it and let your exercises resonate through me, but I could not relax and trust I was hearing you. I kept having to strain to differentiate your words and rewind and turn it up and turn it down to comprehend your message. Too bad because this is potent information. I kept wanting to say, " Please! slow down the ends of your sentences. Impart the words to me one. At. A. Time. Please! I want to hear and feel it, but I can't so I'm fighting myself trying to tune out of the annoyance. " All of which is ENTIRELY counterproductive to calming and trusting exercises! Thank-you, though. Very, very valuable work, just delivered very unevenly.

[@rheannalake6974]

My upper nose gets a reaction of aversion from the single teddy bear. I am from the sub tropics so , my brain is not quiet when I am looking at something with dusts and mold. 🌹

[@scarred10]

is there actually any evidence for the polyvagal theory at all,I could never find any credible reseach to back it up.

[@lilah3078]

In this article there are sources other than Stephen Porges: "Isn’t Polyvagal Just a Theory?" (by Kelly Beins) and on PubMed there are many articles by people applying aspects of polyvagal theory in various studies. I'm sure there isn't evidence for everything and some things will have to be adjusted but there is certainly evidence that many therapists and psychiatrists find this model to be a useful addition.

[@catherinecoincon3580]

oh can I add smthing ? I'm quite embarrassed you suport amazon selling books because this company is destroying their people and the "buiseness" of little libraries. In France we try to struggle against it. And I swore to buy books on other websites with good core values... Thank you for reading this.

[@M.Oui.]

No...people do not look at other people when they wear masks. Less eye contact with masks.

[@paulajzenman2344]

In public, I look at eyes when people wear masks to find an opportunity to connect, most briefly, to acknowledge our environment and our place in it. Any connection is a ventral vagul neuroceptic experience for me.

[@janetennyson131]

Is the moderator Scottish?

[@AxelSituation]

All theory. I have not found any solutions that have worked.

[@JP-mn5iv]

Psilocybin man... it helps immensely with trauma and reworking the neruopathways that said... it’s definitely not for everyone and set/setting/intention/mindset has everything to do with a positive experience. “Happy” or upbeat music helps.

[@bonlevina5621]

"A story that the world is unsafe"? A STORy? When has the world ever been a safe place?

[@johnglenn2539]

0:11:40 I'd be curious to hear Deb's views on the crimes against humanity that have been the "lockdowns" & house arrest stemming from a v1rus of unknown origin. My experience of therapists & psychologists & psychiatrists has been of willing accomplices of these barbaric policies. How braaaaaaaaaave

[@tdetrik4705]

The sound is off putting. Can't watch this. Very bad way to make a presentation.

[@theoldgod9]

Dorsal af.