In This Body

Befriending your Nervous System through Polyvagal Theory with Deb Dana

• Ailey Jolie • Season 1 • Episode 24

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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' Podcast
  • 01:03 Exploring Trauma Healing with Deb
  • 04:41 Deb's Journey to Polyvagal Theory
  • 08:17 Understanding Polyvagal Theory
  • 17:46 Misconceptions and Clarifications
  • 27:17 Finding Clarity Through Nervous System Awareness
  • 29:55 Identifying Dysregulation and Triggers
  • 31:12 Understanding the Triggers and Glimmers Map
  • 34:11 The Importance of Celebrating Moments of Regulation
  • 34:58 Sociocultural Influences on Nervous System Regulation
  • 42:26 Building Resilience in a Challenging World
  • 44:56 Creating a Personalised Self-Care Menu
  • 48:23 Gentleness in Trauma Healing
  • 50:50 Final Thoughts on Embodiment and Healing

You can read the show transcript here.

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