By understanding and learning about the nervous system, Deb Dana has created the Rhythm of Regulation® to help humans resolve the impact of trauma in our lives so we may fall in love with life.

Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, author, and international lecturer on polyvagal theory-informed work with trauma survivors and is the leading translator of this scientific work to the public and mental health professionals. A founding member of the Polyvagal Institute, Deb developed the signature Rhythm of Regulation® Clinical Training Series: The Science of Feeling Safe Enough To Fall in Love with Life and Take the Risks of Living.

A clinician and consultant specializing in working with complex trauma, Deb Dana is widely credited with adapting Polyvagal Theory to trauma treatment.  She is, a clinical advisor to Khiron Clinics and an advisor to Unyte-ILS. She is trained in Internal Family Systems, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Tapas Acupressure Technique, and she completed the Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies at the Trauma Center.

Deb’s work shows how an understanding of Polyvagal Theory is applicable across the board to relationships, mental health, and trauma.  She delves into the intricacies of how we can all use an understanding of the organizing principles of Polyvagal Theory to change the ways we navigate our daily lives.  Deb is well known for translating PVT into a language and application that is both clear and accessible - and for her significant contribution, pioneering Rhythm of Regulation® methodology, tools, techniques and practices which continue to open up the power of PVT for professionals and curious people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life.​

Deb believes that we all benefit when we have a basic understanding of the ways the nervous system works and learn how to become active operators of this essential system.  Following this passion has led her to offering workshops in partnership with groups and communities outside of the clinical arena - and bringing the Polyvagal perspective to the ordinary, and sometimes extraordinary, experiences of daily living. 

Publications

Author of Polyvagal Practices: Anchoring the Self in Safety: (Introductory Guide & Nervous System Tools for Curious People) W.W. Norton

Creator of The Polyvagal Card Deck: 58 Practices for Calm & Change (Easy-to-Implement Exercises & Strategies for All) W.W. Norton

Author of Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory (Non-Clinical, Intro for Curious People) Sounds True

Author of Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client-Centered Practices (Practical Guides and Exercises) W.W. Norton

Creator of The Polyvagal Flip Chart: (Interactive Resource for Practitioners to Bring PVT into Client Sessions.) W.W. Norton

Creator of the Audio Program Befriending Your Nervous System (For Curious People, a Non-Clinical Program for All levels of Interest.) Sounds True

Co-editor with Stephen Porges - Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory: The Emergence of Polyvagal Informed Therapies W.W. Norton

Author of The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation  (Unique PVT Foundations for Clinicians / Practitioners) W.W. Norton