Deb Dana, LCSW, is one of our keynote presenters at the 2026 PVI International Gathering in Sitges, Spain. Secure your spot, either virtually or in-person, here! She is also a Co-Founder of the Polyvagal Institute.
In this episode of Wired for Connection, Travis Goodman sits down with Polyvagal Theory expert, clinician, and author Deb Dana to explore relationship rupture and repair through the lens of the nervous system.
Deb explains why even small moments of disconnection can register in the nervous system, how fight, flight, shutdown, and dysregulation affect conflict, and why meaningful relationship repair requires enough nervous system regulation to access curiosity, courage, and connection.
We explore how Polyvagal Theory can help us understand conflict in relationships, trauma triggers, emotional shutdown, broken trust, co-regulation, neuroception, nervous system regulation, and the process of rebuilding safe connection.
Deb also explains why healthy relationships are not relationships without rupture. The ability to recognize disconnection and find your way back through repair can strengthen trust and attachment over time.
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