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for those living or working with the impact of trauma

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

21/5/2023

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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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Book of the Month March 2023 - Polyvagal Card Deck

1/3/2023

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Polyvagal Card Deck: 58 Practices for Calm and Change by Deb Dana

I was delighted to be asked to review the Polyvagal Card Deck; 58 practices for Calm and Change, by Deb Dana, as I find her explanations of Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory clear and accessible. 


She is one of the leading clinical translators of his theory and her understanding and ability to guide us through some complex concepts shines though this pack of cards.


In her introduction to the card deck Deb Dana explains how Polyvagal Theory has altered the way we understand the autonomic nervous system and the way it guides our responses as we move through our lives.  She succinctly explains important concepts such as Neuroception and the Autonomic Hierarchy which describes three autonomic response pathways including; ventral regulation when we feel safe and can engage with the world in a clam state, fight flight when feeling fearful, a system of mobilisation, and dorsal shut down when in fear of life. 

The cards have been categorised by each of these responses Ventral, Sympathetic and Dorsal.  There is also a Relational category which focuses on regulation and a Bonus section which focuses on stillness, change and play.  The categories are organised by gentle colours making it easy to identify which category is being addressed.  Each card has a title which gives us a glimpse of the concept that is going to be explored.  A significant concept is then explained, followed by a prompt and a tip.

The deck come in a neat, sturdy box which flips open at the top, inviting you in to take out the pack. The cards are of a great quality and feel lovely to hold.

They have been designed to support adults to understand Polyvagal Theory in relation to their own mental wellbeing.  As a Therapeutic Social Worker working in a CAMHS setting I have been using the Card Deck with parents and carers.   I have found it has helped them to gain a better understanding of the theory in relation to understanding themselves a little better, with a view to co-regulating their children. 

I am also a  PACE trainer supported by DDP Connects UK and have recently used these cards during the training to help participants connect Polyvagal Theory to themselves and the importance of self-regulation.  I have had great feedback from some of the activities outlined in the cards and  a lot of interest in having a further look at the deck.

Deb Dana does not disappoint with this card deck.  She has developed an ingenious way to experientially bring polyvagal theory into practice.  Whether you purchase these to use for yourself to support your own mental wellbeing or within your work setting, they will be a valuable resource.

Lesley Bell
Therapeutic Social Worker
MA (Hons) Psychology
BA Social Work
MSc Therapeutic skills with Young PeoplePolyvagal Card Deck: 58 Practices for Calm and Change

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