Book of the Month May 2023 - Polyvagal Flip Chart by Deb Dana

Polyvagal Flip Chart by Deb Dana 
 
It would be difficult to overstate how important polyvagal theory (PVT) has become in our understanding and treatment of trauma. The theory, first introduced by behavioural neuroscientist, Stephen Porges in 1994, describes how the autonomic nervous system responds to experiences and can be regulated/dysregulated via three pathways of the vagal nerve system. Although hugely valuable for trauma educators, support workers and therapists, PVT is a complex theory to understand and teach, and it is sometimes difficult to see how to make it work in practice. Deb Dana has made all of that much easier through her wonderful polyvagal resources, the latest of which is the Polyvagal Flip Chart.
 
The flip chart is a visual aid to use with therapy clients. The free-standing design allows the therapist to display diagrams and minimal text about the theory and its application to clients, while accessing explanatory notes on the back. Psychoeducation is such a valuable empowering aspect of trauma recovery and this tool makes it an interactive experience, a sharing of information which clients can use to make sense of their experiences in the moment or while recalling events that have been troubling them. I have used a similar flip chart about the impact of trauma The Living Legacy of Trauma Flip Chart by Janina Fisher (PESI) and seen it transform people’s understanding of their symptoms and behaviour. It’s amazing the relief people can experience when they realise there is a scientific explanation for why it has been so difficult for them to “pull themselves together”.
 
The Polyvagal Flipchart can help to take that process to the next level, enabling clients to understand the speed at which the nervous system responds to threat and engagement (and how it is outside conscious control), why threat responses differ and how social engagement can help with regulation. Using the chart in sessions can help clients identify and work with their own habitual responses. It also helps clients understand the link between trauma and physical symptoms such as digestive problems - so many trauma survivors experience chronic digestive disorders. Personal profile maps can help people work out their own triggers and glimmers – triggers being the cues for danger and glimmers the moments of safety and connection. Triggers are often easy to identify as they tend to be why the client comes for therapy but they may be less aware of their glimmers and resources.  Identifying these can make clients aware of their resources in times of need. There’s also a version of the map for children and a time and tone map to help chart a client’s state throughout a session or during an experience.
 
Like all resources, it is important to become very familiar with the flipchart before introducing it to clients. It can take a while to feel confident with the content as it is so complex, but an additional chart on recognising the symptoms relating to different states is a really helpful addition. Of all the information and resources available on polyvagal theory, I would rank this one highly. It’s definitely a valuable addition to a therapist’s toolkit.

Sheila Lavery

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