S'ancrer dans la sécurité: Guide pratique de la théorie polyvagale

by Deb Dana

Bringing the benefits of polyvagal theory to readers through easy-to-implement exercises. Here, for the first time, is a layperson’s explanation of polyvagal theory, an approach to mental health and well-being that has taken the clinical world by storm. A polyvagal approach to life is based on the knowledge that the autonomic nervous system is shaped by early experience and reshaped with ongoing experience. This short book will offer an overview for nonspecialist readers and provide a series of exercises and meditations (practices) that will allow readers to tune into their nervous systems, providing calming prompts to build and strengthen ventral vagal connections. This book includes a never-before-published comprehensive chapter on polyvagal theory, preceded by exercises that focus on mapping, reflecting, listening, deepening, creating, and connecting. Readers who want to change a pattern and find new rhythm for their nervous systems can use this material to work toward those goals.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Health, Mental Health, Audiobook

148 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2023

About the author

Deb Dana is a clinician and consultant specializing in working with complex trauma and Coordinator of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute, Indiana University. She developed the Rhythm of Regulation clinical training series and lectures internationally on ways in which polyvagal theory informs work with trauma survivors.

Reviews

[Catelyn Hughey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think if you have a baseline for what safety feels like, this book would be helpful. There are some nice practices and good information, however I didn’t find the book as a whole particularly helpful. There is an assumption that you have a default setting for safety that has been disrupted by stressors and that you are working on returning to that regulated state. However, as someone who has existed in survival mode from my earliest days of infancy, I have such a limited ability to do some of the activities presented, particularly since there is a fair amount of “try to remember what it feels like…” without much consideration to those who have never felt that way. I hope this book can be helpful for those who are experiencing some newfound or short-term difficulties in their lives, but for those who have been chronically in survival mode, I don’t recommend this book in any way shape or form. It’s like handing a kindergartner a calculus textbook and expecting that they can understand it when they have yet to learn 2+2.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance]

Yes, I read this book, but I'm not sure I understood very much of it.

[Evan Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the accessibility of this book. Deb Dana provides a succinct definition of Polyvagal Theory and practical diagrams, techniques, and interventions to attune oneself. Anyone who is new or mildly familiar to Polyvagal Theory can pick up and begin application. I would recommend the book alone not be used as therapy. Rather, one would best benefit from combining it as a therapeutic resource with ongoing counseling.

[F Groves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings after reading this book. The Kindle sample didn't really give a clear idea of what the book consisted of but did give a clear succinct summary of polyvagal theory. The book is very much a self-help manual with exercises to follow and would be a significant commitment to follow to the letter. I'm not sure if the help and effectiveness would be from the format or the fact that these are polyvagal practices. However, for me the book improved a lot in section lV and the suggestions about 'glimmers' (of ventral experience) and savouring. Moreover, to be fair, the book did get me thinking about patterns of my own ruminating that maybe relate to a state of sympathetic activation. Finally, the author ends the book with some thought provoking ideas about how vagal states work out in the world at large, which was inspiring.

[Christa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deb Dana is a leading voice in Polyvagal Theory. This little book is full of practical wisdom and helpful exercises to incorporate polyvagal practice into your life.

[Dian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good practical exercises for familiarizing self/clients with Polyvagal theory, although they could be written more accessibly.

[Sarah Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Repeats a lot of things I've read in other books about polyvagal theory but I found the language here a lot more inclusive and accessible.

[Lalo Tirado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un libro que recomiendo a quienes buscan entender mejor cómo funciona su sistema nervioso y cómo influye en sus emociones, reacciones y decisiones diarias. Explica de manera clara las estructuras cerebrales involucradas en procesos que muchas veces damos por sentados, ayudándonos a conectar con ellos para generar cambios positivos en nuestra vida.

Lo que hace especial a este libro es que no se queda solo en la teoría, sino que ofrece estrategias prácticas basadas en mindfulness para estar más consciente y presente. Estas herramientas permiten regular el estrés, mejorar la conexión con los demás y tomar decisiones con mayor claridad.

Si te interesa la neurociencia aplicada al bienestar y quieres aprender a utilizar tu propio cuerpo y mente para mejorar tu calidad de vida, Polyvagal Practices es una excelente opción.

[Elite Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to find out how it's not just your body that is subject to the Vagal Nerve but your mind as well, then this is the book to listen to. I've learnt so much but know that I will continue with my studies, in the hope that I can rectify through exercise and diet to repair this most important nerve in my body

I learnt so much from the author and from the videos she recommends

[Iscritto Iscritti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book because it makes you think and it can help to change how you think and feel in many situations, but sometimes it lacks precise definitions (e.g. in the "From protection to connection" chapter). So at the end... useful but could be improved.

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of helpful information. 3.75 stars.

[J White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly enjoy Deb Dana's work. This book, however, felt a bit repetitive.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pocket-size version of The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy, and hence a very handy review.