Using the Polyvagal Theory to Balance Your Nervous System with Deb Dana

You know the feeling when your nervous system kicks into overdrive. Maybe you freeze in place or your heart starts racing, your body pumping with adrenaline. This automatic response often feels like it overtakes us. But what if you could control and balance your nervous system instead of it controlling you?
In today’s show, I’m interviewing the incredible Deb Dana, one of the leading experts on the nervous system and the Polyvagal Theory. The Polyvagal Theory offers us cutting-edge insight into the third nervous system response that Porges calls the social engagement system, based on the Vagus Nerve. In this episode, we talk about how we can both understand and balance our nervous system - from the different ways we respond to fear or danger (including fight, flight, freeze and a new one you might not be aware of) to how we can change our response to stressors over time. We explore how we can stop moralizing our nervous response, how to listen and pay attention to our nervous system and how others’ nervous systems can help us regulate. It is FASCINATING!
Listen to discover:
- What the Polyvagal Theory is and why it’s important for you to know about it
- Understanding the Polyvagal Theory to learn how to better balance the nervous system
- How the Polyvagal Theory could be linked with depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue and other ailments
- How we can reshape our nervous system
- Specific ways to self-regulate when you are stressed, based on YOUR unique nervous system
This blends attachment theory, stress response, self-regulation, co-regulation and SO much more. The big takeaway is that you have a choice! Even though you don’t get to choose how your nervous system is wired, you can eventually shift how you respond to situations and regulate your own system - which is so empowering!
“We don’t get to choose our survival response.” - Deb Dana
“We want to stretch our nervous system but not stress our nervous system.” - Deb Dana
LINKS & RESOURCES:
Deb Dana’s Website: www.rhythmofre...
The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy by Deb Dana:
www.amazon.com...
The Adult Chair Coaching Certification:
theadultchair....
The Adult Chair Membership:
theadultchair....
The Adult Chair Workshop - Nashville:
theadultchair.com/events
STAY CONNECTED:
Instagram: @michelle.chalfant
Facebook: MichelleChalfantfanPage
The Adult Chair Facebook Group: groups/theadultchair

[@thinkfirstt]

Looking at people thru the lens of their nervous system. Good advice.

[@Sharon-uv9gz]

Not everyone understands balance in the Autonomic nervous system. Its something that I had felt many years before I found the correct counselor to help me find myself first, and then the awareness of ANS, became my own personal guide.
This episode 201 is helping me learn more, and there are people out there who understand.

[@cloud9soundcafe]

Interview actually starts at 6:15.

[@AnshumanKumar007]

Thank you.

[@kidsthrive7945]

Beautiful curiosity and mapping out of the nervous system. This is a great listen for those interested in self and social re-regulation and connection, particularly for those of us working with children. Great job Michelle. What a great laugh and warm connection you make. And Deb, hearing your empathetic cooing in response to stories of disregulation, shows such heart. Well done, you two. Onwards, ever onwards!

[@mariemonn8912]

Based on my experience with abusive husbands I drew that energy towards me and I ignored all the warning signs and there had to be something in my nervous system to match that for me to even draw that energy and I too had a file a protection order yet I also blocked him so he wasn’t able to communicate with me by text or by phone...So I believe wherever our mental state in our nervous system is at that time will pull in the same kind of energy that’s why it’s vital to get healthy mentally before starting another relationship and do your own work by yourself and not have anyone waiting on you

[@bandieboo8102]

Fabulous interview. Thanks very much! 💕

[@oislack]

Great interview. Well done. Very helpful

[@cloud9soundcafe]

Loved this interview. I had a few aha! moments that helped me to connect more dots. Btw, there is an error in your link to Deb's website. You have one too many in the address link.

[@Michellechalfant]

Great catch @Tammy I'll get my team on correcting that right away!