Finding the best polyvagal theory in therapy suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology)
Description
The polyvagal theory presented in client-friendly language.
This book offers therapists an integrated approach to adding a polyvagal foundation to their work with clients. With clear explanations of the organizing principles of Polyvagal Theory, this complex theory is translated into clinician and client-friendly language. Using a unique autonomic mapping process along with worksheets designed to effectively track autonomic response patterns, this book presents practical ways to work with clients' experiences of connection. Through exercises that have been specifically created to engage the regulating capacities of the ventral vagal system, therapists are given tools to help clients reshape their autonomic nervous systems.
Adding a polyvagal perspective to clinical practice draws the autonomic nervous system directly into the work of therapy, helping clients re-pattern their nervous systems, build capacities for regulation, and create autonomic pathways of safety and connection. With chapters that build confidence in understanding Polyvagal Theory, chapters that introduce worksheets for mapping, tracking, and practices for re-patterning, as well as a series of autonomic meditations, this book offers therapists a guide to practicing polyvagal-informed therapy.
The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy is essential reading for therapists who work with trauma and those who seek an easy and accessible way of understanding the significance that Polyvagal Theory has to clinical work.
2. Polyvagal Theory in Therapy / Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory Two-Book Set
Description
Collections of new developments bringing the Polyvagal Theory into practice.
This product includesClinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory, edited by Stephen W. Porges and Deb Dana, and The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy by Deb Dana.The books are packaged as a shrink-wrapped set.3. Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory: The Emergence of Polyvagal-Informed Therapies (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology)
Description
Innovative clinicians share their experiences integrating Polyvagal Theory into their treatment models.
Clinicians who have dedicated their work to bringing the benefits of the Polyvagal Theory to a range of clients have come together to present Polyvagal Theory in a creative and personal way.
Chapters on a range of topics from compassionate medical care to optimized therapeutic relationships to clinician's experiences as parents extract from the theory the powerful influence and importance of cases and feelings of safety in the clinical setting.
Additionally, there are chapters which:
- elaborate on the principle of safety in clinical practice with children with abuse histories
- explain the restorative consequences of movement, rhythm, and dance in promoting social connectedness and resilience in trauma survivors
- explains how Polyvagal Theory can be used to understand the neurophysiological processes in various therapies
- discuss dissociative processes and treatments designed to experience bodily feelings of safety and trust
- examine fear of flying and how using positive memories as an active "bottom up" neuroceptive process may effectively down-regulate defense
- shed light on the poorly understood experience of grief
Through the insights of innovative and benevolent clinicians, whose treatment models are Polyvagal informed, this book provides an accessible way for clinicians to embrace this groundbreaking theory in their own work.
4. Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism
Feature
NORTH ATLANTICDescription
This practical guide to understanding the cranial nerves as the key to our psychological and physical well-being builds on Stephen Porgess Polyvagal Theoryone of the most important recent developments in human neurobiology. Drawing on more than thirty years of experience as a craniosacral therapist and Rolfer, Stanley Rosenberg explores the crucial role that the vagus nerve plays in determining our psychological and emotional states and explains that a myriad of common psychological and physical symptomsfrom anxiety and depression to migraines and back painindicates a lack of proper functioning in the vagus nerve.Through a series of easy self-help exercises, the book illustrates the simple ways we can regulate the vagus nerve in order to initiate deep relaxation, improve sleep, and recover from injury and trauma. Additionally, by exploring the link between a well-regulatedvagusnerve and social functioning, Rosenbergs findings and methods offer new hope that by improving social behaviorit ispossibleto alleviate some ofthe symptoms at the core of many casesofautism spectrum disorders.Useful for psychotherapists, doctors, bodyworkers, and caregivers, as well as anyone who experiences the symptoms of chronic stress and depression, this book shows how we can optimize autonomic functioning in ourselves and others, and bring the body into the state of safety that activates its innate capacity to heal.
5. Autonomic Nervous System Table: Laminated Card
Description
A full-color desk reference depicting the states of arousal in the Autonomic Nervous System.
This product is a laminated 8-1/2 in. x 14 in. version of the Autonomic Nervous System table that appears in Babette Rothschild'sThe Body Remembers, Volume 2.6. The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology)
Description
Bridging the gap between research, science, and the therapy room.
When The Polyvagal Theory was published in 2011, it took the therapeutic world by storm, bringing Stephen Porgess insights about the autonomic nervous system to a clinical audience interested in understanding trauma, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. The book made accessible to clinicians and other professionals a polyvagal perspective that provided new concepts and insights for understanding human behavior. The perspective placed an emphasis on the important link between psychological experiences and physical manifestations in the body. That book was brilliant but also quite challenging to read for some.Since publication of that book, Stephen Porges has been urged to make these ideas more accessible and The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory is the result. Constructs and concepts embedded in polyvagal theory are explained conversationally in The Pocket Guide and there is an introductory chapter which discusses the science and the scientific culture in which polyvagal theory was originally developed. Publication of this work enables Stephen Porges to expand the meaning and clinical relevance of this groundbreaking theory. ---
7. The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology)
Feature
W W Norton CompanyDescription
A collection of groundbreaking research by a leading figure in neuroscience.
This book compiles, for the first time, Stephen W. Porgess decades of research. A leading expert in developmental psychophysiology and developmental behavioral neuroscience, Porges is the mind behind the groundbreaking Polyvagal Theory, which has startling implications for the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, and autism. Adopted by clinicians around the world, the Polyvagal Theory has provided exciting new insights into the way our autonomic nervous system unconsciously mediates social engagement, trust, and intimacy.8. Nurturing Resilience: Helping Clients Move Forward from Developmental Trauma--An Integrative Somatic Approach
Description
A practical, integrated approach for therapists working with people (both adults and children) who have been impacted by developmental trauma and attachment difficultiesKathy L. Kain and Stephen J. Terrell draw on fifty years of their combined clinical and teaching experience to provide this clear road map for understanding the complexities of early trauma and its related symptoms. Experts in the physiology of trauma, the authors present an introduction to their innovative somatic approach that has evolved to help thousands improve their lives. Synthesizing across disciplines--Attachment, Polyvagal, Neuroscience, Child Development Theory, Trauma, and Somatics--this book provides a new lens through which to understand safety and regulation. It includes the survey used in the groundbreaking ACE Study, which discovered a clear connection between early childhood trauma and chronic health problems. For therapists working with both adults and children and anyone dealing with symptoms that typically arise from early childhood trauma--anxiety, behavioral issues, depression, metabolic disorders, migraine, sleep problems, and more--this book offers fresh hope.
9. 150 More Group Therapy Activities & TIPS
Description
Bestselling author Judith Belmont has created another treasure chest of hands-on and easy-to-use handouts, activities, worksheets, mini-lessons and quizzes that help clients develop effective life skills.150 More Group Therapy Activities & TIPS, the fourth in her Therapeutic Toolbox series, provides a wealth of psycho-educational ideas with Belmont's signature T.I.P.s format (Theory, Implementation, and Processing).
Ready-to-use tools include:
-Interactive strategies for leading successful group experiences
-DBT, CBT, ACT and positive psychology-inspired resources
-Communication skills-building activities
-Coping skills using mindfulness and stress resiliency practices
-Self-esteem and self-compassion guides for changing thoughts
-Fun team building exercises and ice breakers
-Practical resources for adults, adolescents & children