Stuck Not Broken Deb Dana's Essential Polyvagal Theory Contributions: Bridging Science and Trauma Recovery
Jan 2, 2024
Explore Deb Dana's valuable contributions to Polyvagal Theory, including triggers vs. glimmers, the concept of 'Home Away from Home', and the importance of cultivating moments of safety. Dive into the relationship between thoughts and autonomic state, and unravel the intricate workings of the autonomic ladder in regulating nervous system responses.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Polyvagal Ladder
- Deb Dana's Polyvagal Ladder describes the sequential nature of autonomic state changes.
- We move through safe/social, fight/flight, and shutdown states in order, not randomly.
Triggers and the Vagal Brake
- Triggers activate defensive states (fight/flight or shutdown), overwhelming the vagal brake (safety).
- Traumatized individuals may experience triggers from benign stimuli that are associated with past trauma.
Glimmers of Safety
- Glimmers are micro-moments of safety that activate the ventral vagal complex.
- Accumulating glimmers can strengthen the safety state and improve autonomic regulation.