Conversations with Dr. Tony: What Are Polyvagal Practices and Why Are They Important?
The behavioral healthcare system has embraced the importance of understanding the role of adversity, trauma and resilience on one’s overall health and wellbeing. Much of the information about trauma and resilience has focused on the psychological, behavioral and physical health consequences of trauma as well as the protective resiliency factors. To ensure a truly bio-psycho-social perspective, we need to understand how the biological nervous system is affected by trauma, what we can do to regulate our nervous system and how we can integrate this knowledge in our work with clients.
The Polyvagal Theory offers a neurophysiological framework to better understand and resolve the impact of adversity and trauma and create ways of working that appreciates the role of the autonomic nervous system as people move through states of protection and connection in an ongoing effort to find a safe and regulated emotional space.
Dr. Tony and Deb Dana discuss the polyvagal theory, why it is important for behavioral health providers to know and how polyvagal theory may add value to our work with the various populations we serve.
Resources:
Blank Personal Profile Map
Quick Guide to Creating Your Personal Profile Map
Vagal Break
Polyvagal Theory: Principles & Practice
March 22nd Part One: Polyvagal Theory: Principles & Practice PowerPoint Slides
March 30th Part Two: Polyvagal Theory: Principles & Practice PowerPoint Slides
About the Presenter:
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-ILS. She is trained in Internal Family Systems, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Tapas Acupressure Technique, and completed the Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies at the Trauma Center. Deb developed the Rhythm of Regulation Clinical Training Series and lectures internationally on ways the Polyvagal Theory informs work with trauma survivors.