Deb Dana is the foremost translator of polyvagal theory into clinical practice. Here, in her third book on this groundbreaking theory, she provides therapists with a grab bag of polyvagal-informed exercises for their clients, to use both within and between sessions.

These exercises offer readily understandable explanations of the ways the autonomic nervous system directs daily living. They use the principles of polyvagal theory to guide clients to safely connect to their autonomic responses and navigate daily experiences in new ways. The exercises are designed to be introduced over time in a variety of clinical sessions with accompanying exercises appropriate for use by clients between sessions to enhance the therapeutic change process.

Essential reading for any therapist who wants to take their polyvagal knowledge to the next level and is looking for easy ways to deliver polyvagal solutions with their clients.

Author Bio:

Deb Dana, LCSW, lectures internationally on polyvagal theory and is the leading translator of this scientific work to the public and mental health professionals. She lives in Portland, Maine, and Chicago, Illinois.

Review:

“Deb Dana has given a very clear, illuminating guide for therapists to help their clients embody deep healing. This essential book has excellent, user-friendly, and practical interventions that support polyvagal-informed treatment based on Stephen Porges’ research, which validates the success underlying all somatic therapies. This book is a must-read for any therapist working with trauma and interested in efficient and effective treatment” – Diane Poole Heller, PhD, SEP, LPC, Developer of the DARe: Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning experience therapy model, and author.

“Written with great intelligence and clarity, Deb Dana’s Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection provides clinicians with everything they need to help clients become adept at managing the dysregulating survival responses of their nervous systems. Clients can immediately learn to implement a wealth of precise and practical tools, within and beyond the therapy room, to respond to and recover from the challenges of daily living with competence and courage” – Linda Graham, MFT, author of Resilience: Powerful Practices for Bouncing Back from Disappointment, Difficulty, and Even Disaster.