The Polyvagal Card Deck, authored by Deb Dana, is a guidebook that presents the latest findings and theories on the nervous system's functioning. The book includes a deck of 50 cards, which explain how the vagus nerve works and how it connects to the body's many physiological and emotional systems. The cards are organized into five categories: Social Engagement, Safety, Fight/Flight, Shutdown, and Connecting. Each category corresponds to a different state of the nervous system, which can be activated under specific circumstances.
The Polyvagal Card Deck is designed to be used by therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals who work with people who have experienced trauma. The book includes detailed instructions on how to use the cards to help clients understand their own nervous system's reactions and learn to regulate their emotions. The exercises presented in the book can be used to help clients develop a sense of safety, learn to self-soothe, and restore a sense of connection to themselves and others.
The author, Deb Dana, is a licensed social worker and an expert in the field of trauma treatment. She draws on her years of experience working with clients to develop the Polyvagal Card Deck. Her goal is to provide mental health professionals with a tool that can help them more effectively treat clients who have experienced trauma.
The Polyvagal Card Deck is based on the polyvagal theory, which proposes that the nervous system is composed of three distinct branches, each of which is activated under different circumstances. The polyvagal theory explains how the vagus nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body, plays a crucial role in regulating the nervous system's response to stress and trauma.
The Polyvagal Card Deck is organized in such a way that it can be used by mental health professionals who have varying levels of familiarity with the polyvagal theory. The book includes an introduction to the theory, as well as a glossary of terms that are used throughout the book. The cards are color-coded to correspond to different states of the nervous system, making it easy for therapists to quickly identify which exercises would be most helpful for their clients.
The exercises presented in the Polyvagal Card Deck are evidence-based and have been shown to be effective in helping people who have experienced trauma. The book includes case examples and client stories that illustrate how the exercises can be used in a therapeutic setting. The exercises are designed to be used in conjunction with other trauma treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and EMDR.
The Polyvagal Card Deck is a valuable resource for mental health professionals who work with clients who have experienced trauma. It provides a framework for understanding how the nervous system responds to stress and trauma and offers practical exercises that can be used to help clients regulate their emotions and restore a sense of safety and connection. The book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it an easy read for mental health professionals who are new to the polyvagal theory.
Overall, the Polyvagal Card Deck is a comprehensive guidebook that offers mental health professionals a valuable tool for treating clients who have experienced trauma. The book is based on the latest research in the field of trauma treatment and provides evidence-based exercises that are easy to use and highly effective. Mental health professionals who work with clients who have experienced trauma will find the Polyvagal Card Deck to be an invaluable resource.
Details of e-book Polyvagal Card Deck
- Author(s): Deb Dana
- Title: Polyvagal Card Deck
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 base on 110 reviews
- Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (August 16, 2022)
- ISBN-10: 132401976X
- ISBN-13: 9781324019763
- Language: English
- Print length: 60 pages
- Categories: Medical Books
Thea Bell
I really liked the style of the book. It's easy and fun to read. The best part is, it's filled with actionable tips and examples that show you how to do the job for yourself.
Katherine Stevenson
Books like this are usually full of theory and jargon; this is different. It has some of that, but it's minimal and has some detailed information that comes mostly from the writer's own experience. Some chapters have been fundamental, especially when it comes to content, but towards the end.
Tasha Cobbett
I usually don't spend a huge amount on a single book. For thirty dollars, I expected more. There was plenty to go here or email for more. But 4/5 for concepts that I think will be useful, even if there seems little hope of gaining a massive following without paying.
