Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory (2022) Deb Dana
The Polyvagal Theory explains the anatomy of the Autonomic Nervous System (as part of the larger Central Nervous System) and how it contributes to our survival—both in sustaining automatic functions of our internal organs, as well as how it also can shift things into gear to help us survive a potential threat. Additionally, much of the theoretical research has explored specifically how the experience of trauma can impact autonomic functioning and/or how our autonomic nervous system adapts to these experiences in a way that protects our survival, but often with negative consequences. Deb Dana, LCSW is a long-term colleague/collaborator of the originator of Polyvagal Theory, Stephen Porges, PhD. She has done well to translate the anatomical and medical information into more of a clinical language to help therapists apply this theory to clinical practice by helping us to understand this theory as the “science of safety and connection”. In this book, she breaks things down even further to make it palatable and applicable for the general public. The theory is gently broken down into small bites and presented throughout the book. Each of the chapters reviews different facets of the theory and is followed by practical application as presented by both anecdotal examples provided by the author, as well as prompts for various activities the reader can practice to get a sense for how each of these concepts shows up for them in their own nervous systems–each with a goal to help the reader increase their capacity to self-regulate by “befriend(ing)” their nervous system (as outlined by the book’s title) and building resilience. Given the body-based nature of the theory itself, these exercises take on the form of movement, breath, imagery, narrative, and journaling to process the verbal and non-verbal information provided by the integrated feedback loops embedded into the theory.
As someone who has studied Polyvagal Theory pretty extensively (I have done many trainings and have read many of Deb Dana’s clinical books for therapists), it’s all fairly repetitive. And considering I have read Deb Dana’s Beginner’s Guide to Polyvagal Theory packet with my clients more times than I can count, I recognized a lot of overlap. All that to say, if you’ve read some of her other books, I can’t say I noticed any new information in this one. But if you’re looking for ways to help translate it for your clients and/or you’re looking for something your clients can read to help support work you are doing together in sessions, this book would be helpful.
How did I hear about this book: I was looking for Polyvagal Practices: Anchoring the Self in Safety (2023) with a client and we came across this one instead. (I have yet to read the former…)
Would I recommend it to colleagues: Sure
Would I recommend this to clients: Absolutely
How do I apply this content to my work: It’s no secret (from previous posts) that much of my clinical practice is Polyvagal informed. I have completed a fair amount of professional development training, as well as self-study, on the topic and am also certified as a Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) provider. I have found providing my clients with psychoeducation regarding the Polyvagal Theory to be quite helpful as it provides a concrete explanation for what can often feel like a very vague and ambiguous experience. Additionally, the psychoeducation provides a foundation for the coping skills we then work on to help learn to self-regulate and modulate their states rather than become overwhelmed or consumed by them when triggered (think ‘relapse prevention’ for my other SUD counselors). The information in this theory also provides them with hope for healing. As such, I often focus my first few sessions with clients on this topic following intake. I’ve found it to be a great way to support the EMDR protocol (as part of Phase 2), help increase a neuroception of safety when exploring more dance/movement therapy techniques/modalities, and I’ve found it to be well-received by clients in both residential and IOP levels of care for dual-diagnosis (mental health/SUD) treatment. I have adopted many of the exercises I have learned from Deb Dana’s trainings and books, and have continued to adapt them using my DMT training, especially those of Dr. Amber Elizabeth Gray, a notable dance/movement therapist, who has also been a long-time colleague of Dr. Stephen Porges as he has been researching and developing this theory.
Disclaimers: These reviews are based on my own personal experience reading these books and do not reflect on the book’s author or publisher. I have not received any commissions or other incentives to promote my reviews. My reviews express my own unbiased opinions.
