Earlier this week I had the pleasure of interviewing Deborah Dana, an expert on Polyvagal Theory (PVT). The program was sponsored by Purposeful Planning Institute, an organization about which I have blogged here several times in the past (to see the posts, search to the right on "purposeful planning"). Below is more information about the interview and about Deborah, and a link to a recording of the interview so you can listen to this valuable hour.
Grace Under Pressure: A Polyvagal Guide to Reducing Stress and Creating Compassionate Connections
Audio File: Download/Play Recording
Date: January 31, 2017
Guest Speaker: Deb Dana, LCSW, Developer of Rhythm of Regulation Clinical Training
Host: Stephanie West Allen, JD, PPI Dean of Neuroscience and Contemplative Practices
Polyvagal Theory, developed by renowned neuroscience researcher Stephen Porges, describes the role of the autonomic nervous system in regulating our experiences of stress and shaping the ways we connect with others. The autonomic nervous system responds to sensations in our body and signals from the environment activating a trio of response possibilities: shut down and disconnected, stressed and mobilized, safe and socially engaged. Using Polyvagal Theory as a guide, we map individual autonomic states, identify common triggers to dysregulation, and discuss ways to actively engage our autonomic pathways to alleviate stress and foster compassionate connection.
Important Points [prepared by Purposeful Planning Institute staff, reviewed and edited by Deb Dana]: