Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client-centered Practices

by Deb Dana

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.

Genres: Psychology, Mental Health, Nonfiction, Counselling, Self Help, Reference, Health

Audio CD

First published April 1, 2020

About the author

Deb Dana is a clinician and consultant specializing in working with complex trauma and Coordinator of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. She developed the Rhythm of Regulation clinical training series and lectures internationally on ways in which polyvagal theory informs work with trauma survivors.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I really like the polyvagal theory, but this book was a little disappointing. I was expecting somatic-based therapeutic interventions, but, instead, this book was full of mainly cognitive behavioral (CBT) exercises. CBT is fine, but research is continuing to show that CBT is a top-down approach to therapy, which means we are not addressing the underlying cause of the trigger by using only CBT. This book definitely felt a little counterintuitive when thinking about healing the nervous system from trauma.

[Raychel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy and wanted some hands-on exercises to do with clients, this is the book for you. I started using Deb Dana's first book IMMEDIATELY in sessions and groups, before I was even finished reading it, because it was such useful information. This book is no different. I have started using the exercises with clients already and I and they are really enjoying it.

4 stars only because the last 90 pages are word-for-word identical to the exercises as they are previously presented in the book. Not sure why they included them twice, I guess just to cut out all the descriptions? It didn't change my liking of the book but it seems like a waste of paper.

[Pyroclastic Ash]

Soft DNF

Absolutely nothing wrong with this. I was listening to Audio and I feel like this needs to be one I read in hand, so I'll continue when I get the paperback.

[Joz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of valuable service to any person pursuing a career where human connection is at the heart of the profession. Or to anyone on a healing journey.

While I read “Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection” to its conclusion, it is not the end of Deb Dana’s text. It is my belief that this was intentional, if at least reflects the way I have, and will continue to, work(ed) through the book. Dana includes the exercises she mentions in her book (50 throughout chapters 4-8) word for word at the end of the book- prior to pages of references. As it is mentioned in the introduction, if you plan on implementing these exercises, you should have your own experiences to pull from. Thus, I have read all Deb Dana has to say in this book and will now begin a journey through these exercises. I aspire to be a benevolent being who can provide co-regulation for a better tomorrow.

If you have not heard of the polyvagal theory, this may be an overwhelming amount of information. Take your time, if you have to set it down for a few days- do it and come back when you’re ready.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a great book comparatively speaking but the exercises seem like obvious CBT exercises that one could think of on their own. I wish physical things like chanting and breathing techniques we're given more attention

[Linda Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opleiding Polyvagaaltheorie Theorie in Praktijk bij Deb Dana gevolgd. Fundament en deel onderbouwing van haptonomische begeleiding en interventies en dus goede gedegen therapeutische aanvulling voor met name de begeleiding van mensen met trauma.

Oefeningen helpen cliënten op een eenvoudige wijze inzicht te krijgen in hoe hun eigen autonome zenuwstelsel hun dagelijkse leven stuurt en vormgeeft. Samen tijdens een sessie onderzoeken en ook tussen sessies door kunnen cliënten hun lichaamsbewustzijn vergroten. Zodat ze beter de signalen van hun lichaam gaan opmerken en weer kunnen luisteren naar hun gevoel.

[Sammie g · Rating 4 out of 5]

“How often clients are met with attunement or misattunement, how they are seen, heard and helped, the ways they are offered the safety of coregulation — all combine to organize a personal autonomic profile.” Polgyvagel is chefs kiss

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for clinicians. Not only does Dana make the basics of polyvagal theory accessible and explainable (this allows for easy transfer of information to the client), but goes through exercises that are doable and simple. The last 90 pages of the book are an appendix of what is actually already written, so that was strange, but definitely a book worth integrating into therapy practice. I do agree with other reviews that there are many CBT-esque exercises, so one needs to be mindful of their client or adapt them to be more somatic depending on their client's needs.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The actual exercises are distributed through the narrative in the first sections of this book and then compiled as a separate, concise list in the back.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I were to give polyvagal theory a rating it would be five stars ⭐️. Polyvagal theory is providing a paradigm shift for me in the way I view mental health, emotional resilience, and really all health in general. This particular book spends less time time talking about the theory itself and how it manifests in our bodies and minds, and spends more time describing mental exercises that engage the parasympathetic nervous system. Valuable for therapy, but I might need a bigger primer before this book is more valuable for me.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a clinician and read this book for my own personal self care practices.

If like me you’re not a clinician and reading this book expecting more somatic based exercises/practices - you will not find that.

What I did get out of this book was a very thorough explanation of the various ANS states, the polyvagal theory in relation to trauma (especially during developmental years) and many exercises that were more like CBT based.

Though the exercises were not somatic I think they can be practical and helpful to get you in touch with your various nervous system states and find your way to a more ventral vagal state of safety.

A pretty dry read but will be checking out Deb Dana’s other book (Anchored) for more of an easy layman’s book.

[elon kafka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Exercises.

The Polyvagal Theory and Practice is effective and monumental.

I prefer the vocabulary of IFS though.
It is a very similar model, but easier for clients in my experience.

I think the future lies in combining both, as some are already doing.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting title, I know. Really handy and fairly accessible book for understanding polyvagal theory, and the exercises within are pretty interesting. I’m not sure how many of them I’ll be using going forward, but only because they don’t quite fit my style and I think I can adapt existing elements.

[Suzanne Henwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful complement to the previous book by Deb Dana. Practical applications and explorations of using polyvagal theory in the real world.

[Amy Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally understand polyvagal theory. It is just an expanded fight/flight/freeze response—it organizes these and adds the state of being that I shorthand call connection. The theoretical overview at the beginning was really helpful and expanded my framework for working with traumatized clients. I’ve already put the concepts to use and look forward to using some of the practical exercises to help clients deepen awareness of flooded/frozen states and increase their ability to move back to connection.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a body based trauma informed health professional this book is for you. Listened to it on audio for learning and convenience sake but will definitely purchase the text for all the exercise resources. The sentiment 'Knowledge is Power' is evidenced in this and all of Deb Dana's work, helping others to increase their ability to know more about themselves and practice what they need to heal and live a more regulated life.

[Deborah Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

A valuable guide

This book has tools to use daily that are useful for changing ones reactions to stress. The more I use it, the better the results. A must have for anyone wanting to regain the ability to connect.

[Geri Degruy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Basic, understandable education about the autonomic nervous system, how it can drive us, how we can regulate it effectively. Very useful. In this crazy world, this is essential reading for all who wish to stay at least semi-sane.

[Letecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. It has practical exercises. Getting a printed version for my personal library and quick reference.

[Catia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably way better as a physical workbook as opposed to audio but good ideas are here.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some very useful ideas here. It could be helpful for someone suffering from PTSD or narcissistic abuse.

[LeaAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my new favorite resource for use in sessions. Super helpful for Phase 2 EMDR.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful in treating trauma - or just for navigating stress more effectively.

[Sofie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful and gentle guidance through practices to promote self-regulation.

[Barbara S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved all the takeaways that I could use immediately with clients.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointed in this book.

[Carrie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very helpful book. I went through and practiced all the exercises and did all the journaling activities, now I'm ready to teach them to my clients.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book on polyvagal theory, this was oddly mental/cerebral. Most of the interventions were more CBT-style. I was hoping for something more somatic.

[Kate Barts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the simplicity of language and easy to use exercises. I’m looking forward to using these with my clients!

[Destinee Gannuscio · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️