Befriending your Nervous System through Polyvagal Theory with Deb Dana

Join Ailey Jolie and Deb Dana, a clinician, consultant, author, and international lecturer on polyvagal theory-informed work, for this episode of In This Body. The conversation explores Deb's contributions to adapting polyvagal theory for trauma therapy, emphasising the importance of understanding and befriending our nervous systems to enhance well-being. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of core polyvagal principles, the significance of co-regulation, and practical steps to build resilience and reconnect with their bodies. The discussion also sheds light on the nuanced and deeply individualized nature of nervous system regulation and trauma healing, encouraging a slow, patient approach. They discuss In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to 'In This Body' Podcast01:03 Exploring Trauma Healing with Deb04:41 Deb's Journey to Polyvagal Theory08:17 Understanding Polyvagal Theory17:46 Misconceptions and Clarifications27:17 Finding Clarity Through Nervous System Awareness29:55 Identifying Dysregulation and Triggers31:12 Understanding the Triggers and Glimmers Map34:11 The Importance of Celebrating Moments of Regulation34:58 Sociocultural Influences on Nervous System Regulation42:26 Building Resilience in a Challenging World44:56 Creating a Personalised Self-Care Menu48:23 Gentleness in Trauma Healing50:50 Final Thoughts on Embodiment and HealingYou can read the show transcript here.To find out more about Deb Dana: Find: WebsiteExplore: Befriending Your Nervous SystemLearn more about Ailey Jolie:Find: WebsiteFollow: InstagramExplore: SubstackExperience: Online CourseEmail: [email protected] follow along with the In This Body podcast:Follow: Instagram Find: WebsiteEmail: [email protected] more about Ailey Jolie:Find: WebsiteFollow: InstagramExplore: SubstackExperience: Insight TimerSign up: InBodyMethodEmail: [email protected] follow along with the In This Body podcast:Follow: InstagramFind: WebsiteEmail: [email protected]