Anchored, How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory

Deborah Dana, LCSW

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PeoplePsych says:

The concept of trauma remaining in the body and the mind body connection have become increasingly a part of our zietgiest. This book is a helpful primer not only to better understand the science of how human neurobiology is impacted by trauma but also what we can do. This is a great book for anyone interested in better understanding the science of trauma, which can be helpful in de-stigmatizing day to day challenges and trauma’s impact. This is also a helpful book for anyone looking for specific activities and tools for managing trauma symptoms. Each chapter offers activities for connecting with the body both in trauma states and calm states as well as activities for becoming grounded with life has thrown an individual off balance.

I feel that we all benefit from learning more about our bodies and how to get back into states of connection and safety when life is stressful or challenging. I think this is a great book for anyone with a body who wants to live in a present and compassionate manner. Our society often assumes a mind body split and this book has helped me to practice staying connected to my own body, I hope the activities and concepts in this book will be equally helpful to others.

Discover your body’s neural pathways to calmness, safety, and connection.

An intense conversation, a spat with a partner, or even an obnoxious tweet―these situations aren’t life-or-death, yet we often react as if they are. That’s because our bodies treat most perceived threats the same way. Yet one approach has proven to be incredibly effective in training our nervous system to stop overreacting and start responding to the world with greater safety and ease: Polyvagal Theory.

In Anchored, expert teacher Deb Dana shares a down-to-earth presentation of Polyvagal Theory, then brings the science to life with practical, everyday ways to transform your relationship with your body. Using field-tested techniques, Dana helps you master the skills to become more aware of your nervous system moment to moment―and change the way you respond to the great and small challenges of life.

Here, you’ll explore:

• Polyvagal Theory―get to know the biology and function of your vagus nerve, the highway of the nervous system
• Befriending Your Nervous System―attune to what’s going on in your body by developing your “neuroception”
• Using Your Vagal Brake―discover key techniques to consciously regulate the intensity of your emotions
• Connection and Protection―learn to recognize and influence your internal cues for safety and danger
• Your Social Engagement System―find ways to create nourishing relationships with others and the world around you
• Practices and guidance to gently shape your nervous system for greater resilience, intuition, safety, and wonder

Through guided imagery, meditation, self-inquiry, and more, Anchored offers a practical user’s manual for moving from a place of fear and panic into a grounded space of balance and confidence. “Once we know how our nervous system works, we can work with it,” teaches Deb Dana. “We can learn to access an embodied, biological resource that is always present, available, and there to guide us toward well-being.”

Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician and consultant specializing in using the lens of Polyvagal Theory to understand and resolve the impact of trauma and create ways of working that honor the role of the autonomic nervous system. She developed the Rhythm of Regulation Clinical Training Series and lectures internationally on ways Polyvagal Theory informs work with trauma survivors. She is a founding member of the Polyvagal Institute, clinical advisor to Khiron Clinics, and advisor to Unyte. Deb’s clinical publications include The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation and the Polyvagal Flip Chart: Understanding the Science of Safety.

Deb is delighted to partner with Sounds True to bring her polyvagal perspective to a general audience through Befriending Your Nervous System: Looking Through the Lens of Polyvagal Theory and Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory.

To learn more, visit rhythmofregulation.com.

Life can be complicated, messy, and rarely progresses in a straight line. At PeoplePsych, a Chicago-based psychotherapy group, we specialize in helping adults who seek profound change in their lives. We offer services that affirm the dignity, worth, and value of each individual, and we are committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore the challenges they face, whether related to mental health, emotional struggles, or life transitions.

To start your journey toward change, please contact our Clinical Coordinator at (312) 252-5252 or intake@peoplepsych.com.