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Therapy Chat

491: Polyvagal Theory Helps Us Weather The Storm Together with Deb Dana

Therapy Chat

Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

Social Sciences, Science, Mental Health, Health & Fitness

4.4728 Ratings

🗓️ 28 July 2025

⏱️ 53 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode of Therapy Chat, I interviewed returning guest Deb Dana, LCSW. We explored the profound impact of Polyvagal Theory on emotional regulation and connection. We discussed the importance of co-regulation, the role of nature in fostering a sense of safety, and the significance of recognizing micro-moments of joy and connection in our daily lives.

We talked about the current trend of regulation "hacks" and challenged the idea that our goal is to be regulated. We also touchedthe power of glimmers as reminders of safety and connection. We talked about how we can move forward when things seem dark and discouraging. Ultimately, this conversation offers hope and practical insights for fostering emotional well-being in a dysregulated world, through the power of connection.

Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, author and speaker. Deb’s work delves into the intricacies of how understanding and befriending the nervous system can change the way we navigate our daily lives. She is well known for translating Polyvagal Theory into a language and application that is both clear and accessible and for her significant contribution pioneering Rhythm of Regulation® methodology, tools, techniques and practices which continue to open up the power of Polyvagal Theory for professionals and curious people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life.

Deb’s clinical work published with W.W. Norton includes The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy, Polyvagal Exercises, the Polyvagal Flip Chart, and the Glimmers Journal. Her work with Sounds True for a general audience includes Anchored and The Nervous System Workbook.  

Learn more about Deb Dana's work and books via her website

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Find a trauma therapist near you via findtraumatherapy.com! We believe that trauma is real, healing is possible and help is available at Trauma Therapist Network. 

TherapyNotes® is the highest-rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health professionals. Its all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice, from connecting with clients via secure messages, to scheduling, to notes, to billing, and more; you can trust TherapyNotes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service. It's beyond easy to get help over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives. The best time to give TherapyNotes a try is now! Sign up for your free trial by going to TherapyNotes.com, clicking "Start my free trial", and accessing your first two months free with the promo code CHAT. See why TherapyNotes is the most trusted EHR for behavioral health professionals today.

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Podcast produced by Vaudeo Productions - https://vaudeoproductions.com



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Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

Therapy Notes is the highest rated EHR, practice management, and billing software for mental health

0:05.1

professionals. It's all-in-one platform is designed to streamline all aspects of your practice,

0:10.2

from connecting with clients via secure messages to scheduling, notes, billing, and more.

0:15.0

You can trust Therapy Notes has you covered. And one of the best parts? 24-7 customer service

0:20.3

with a live person. It's beyond easy to get help

0:23.1

over the phone or by email at any time of day from their knowledgeable and friendly representatives.

0:27.9

The best time to give Therapy Notes a try is now. Sign up for your free trial by going to

0:32.2

TherapyNotes.com, clicking Start My Free Trial, and accessing your first two months free with the promo code chat.

0:38.6

CY Therapy Notes is the most trusted E.HR for behavioral health professionals today.

0:43.4

Therapy Chat Podcast, episode 491.

0:47.9

This is the Therapy Chat Podcast with Laura Regan, LCSWC.

0:54.6

The information shared in this podcast is not a substitute for seeking help from a licensed

0:59.6

mental health professional.

1:01.9

And now, here's your host, Laura Reagan, LCSWC.

1:07.5

Thank you. SWC.

1:25.4

Hi, welcome back to therapy chat. I'm your host, Laura Reagan.

1:39.4

And this week I'm sharing with you a beautiful conversation with a guest who's been on therapy chat a few times before, the wonderful Deb Dana. In our conversation, we talked about the profound impact of polyvacal theory on our understanding of

1:46.6

emotional regulation, co-regulation, and connection. We talked about the role of nature in

1:53.7

fostering a sense of safety and the significance of recognizing micro moments of joy and connection

2:00.2

in our daily lives, which are happening,

2:03.1

even when things are hard, awful, horrific, terrifying. There can be moments, tiny moments of joy and

2:13.7

connection, and that's what helps us sustain our connection to our humanity in such

...

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