1122: Finding Glimmers: A Polyvagal Guide to Inner Safety with Deb Dana Part 1

In today's episode, Gina interviews Deb Dana, LCSW, a clinician and author who has implemented polyvagal theory to help heal individuals suffering with complex trauma. Polyvagal theory is highly applicable to individuals suffering with anxiety and Deb's knowledge and experience shine through in this interview to help listeners learn about its core concepts. Listen in today and begin to feel safe again!

Learn more about Deb Dana’s work at http://rhythmofregulation.com

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Chapters

0:42 Welcome to the Podcast

1:58 Exploring Glimmer's Journal

8:04 Understanding Polyvagal Theory

12:13 The Nervous System Explained

15:38 Co-Regulation and Connection

17:14 Conclusion and Next Steps

Summary

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, host Gina Ryan welcomes special guest Deb Dana, a licensed clinical social worker, clinician, consultant, and leading expert on complex trauma, who specializes in Polyvagal Theory. Deb Dana is not only a respected author of several influential books, including "Polyvagal Prompts" and "Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection," but she is also a co-editor of "Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory" with Dr. Stephen Porges. The discussion centers around her new book, "Glimmer's Journal," which encourages readers to reflect on the small moments that foster joy, safety, and connection—core themes that resonate deeply with the podcast's mission.

Gina dives straight into Deb’s journey, highlighting how she encountered Dr. Porges’ work and realized the vital role the body and nervous system play in psychotherapy. Deb recounts the pivotal moment when she first read Dr. Porges' book, likening it to finding a missing piece of the puzzle in her understanding of the human experience. She shares how her initial outreach led to a collaborative workshop with Dr. Porges, which opened the door for her to incorporate Polyvagal Theory into clinical practice and ultimately inspired the tools and frameworks she has developed.

The conversation explores key concepts of Polyvagal Theory, particularly the significance of safety and the role of the nervous system in our daily lives. Deb explains the concept of neuroception, describing how our nervous systems constantly assess safety and danger based on both internal cues—such as physical sensations and emotional states—and external cues from our environment and interactions with others. She emphasizes that an understanding of these dynamics can empower individuals to discern their feelings of anxiety and recognize them as adaptive survival responses rather than indications of personal failure.

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