Polyvagal Theory offers a different way of understanding emotional wellbeing. Instead of asking what’s “wrong” with someone, it explores how the nervous system adapts to experiences of safety and danger.
Learning about Polyvagal Theory can help explain:
- Why anxiety can feel automatic
- Why people sometimes shut down instead of reacting
- How trauma affects the body as well as the mind
- Why relationships play such an important role in healing
- How feelings of safety support emotional regulation
The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory
Author: Stephen W. Porges
If you’re looking for the best place to begin, this is it.
Written by the founder of Polyvagal Theory, this concise guide explains the core principles in a way that’s far more accessible than his original academic work. It introduces concepts such as neuroception, the ventral vagal system and autonomic states without overwhelming the reader.
The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory – Stephen Porges
A concise and accessible introduction to polyvagal theory from its originator. Porges explains how the nervous system influences feelings of safety, connection, and threat, making this an essential read for understanding trauma and emotional regulation.
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Ready to put theory into practice?
Explore this Polyvagal Theory Workbook, packed with practical worksheets for counselling students and therapists.
Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection
Author: Deb Dana
Deb Dana has become one of the leading voices in translating Polyvagal Theory into everyday clinical practice.
Rather than focusing purely on theory, this book includes practical exercises that help people notice, understand, and regulate their nervous systems.
Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection
A practical polyvagal resource filled with exercises to support nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and connection. This is especially useful for therapists, students, and anyone wanting hands-on ways to understand and work with the body’s threat and safety responses.
View on Amazon Listen on AudibleAnchored
Author: Deb Dana
This is one of the most approachable books available.
It explains nervous system regulation using relatable examples and gentle exercises without overwhelming readers with neuroscience.
Many people describe this as the book that finally helped Polyvagal Theory “click.”
Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory
A warm and accessible guide to understanding your nervous system through the lens of polyvagal theory. Deb Dana translates complex concepts into practical strategies that help readers build safety, resilience, and deeper connections with themselves and others.
View on Amazon Listen on AudiblePolyvagal Theory in Therapy
Author: Deb Dana
Designed primarily for mental health professionals, this book demonstrates how Polyvagal Theory can be integrated into therapeutic practice.
It includes case examples, practical interventions and ways to help clients build greater feelings of safety and connection.
The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation
Written by leading polyvagal expert Deb Dana, this book shows therapists how to apply polyvagal theory in clinical practice. It offers practical techniques for helping clients regulate their nervous systems, strengthen feelings of safety, and support lasting therapeutic change.
View on Amazon Listen on AudibleClinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory
Editor: Stephen W. Porges
This collection explores how Polyvagal Theory is being applied across different therapeutic settings.
Contributions from experienced clinicians provide practical examples of how the theory informs trauma treatment, psychotherapy and healthcare.
Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory: The Emergence of Polyvagal-Informed Therapies
Edited by Stephen Porges and Deb Dana, this comprehensive volume explores how polyvagal theory is being integrated into a wide range of therapeutic approaches. Ideal for therapists and advanced students, it bridges research with real-world clinical practice and highlights the growing evidence behind polyvagal-informed care.
View on Amazon Listen on AudiblePolyvagal Practices: Anchoring the Self in Safety
Author: Deb Dana
This practical guide builds upon Deb Dana’s earlier work by offering exercises and reflections designed to strengthen feelings of safety, connection and emotional regulation.
It’s an excellent companion to Anchored and Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection.
Polyvagal Practices: Anchoring the Self in Safety
This practical follow-up to Anchored by Deb Dana is packed with exercises, reflections, and guided practices designed to help readers apply polyvagal theory in everyday life. It is an excellent choice for building nervous system regulation skills, increasing resilience, and creating a greater sense of safety and connection.
View on Amazon Listen on AudiblePolyvagal Card Deck: 58 Practices for Calm and Change
Author: Deb Dana
This beautifully designed deck contains 58 practical cards that help you explore your nervous system, build emotional awareness and develop greater regulation. Each card offers a simple reflection or exercise grounded in Polyvagal Theory, making it ideal for daily practice or use in therapy sessions.
Polyvagal Card Deck: 58 Practices for Calm and Change
Created by Deb Dana, this beautifully designed card deck offers 58 practical exercises inspired by polyvagal theory. It's an excellent resource for therapists to use in sessions or for individuals looking for quick, accessible practices to promote calm, regulation, and a greater sense of safety.
View on AmazonPolyvagal Flip Chart
Title: Polyvagal Flip Chart: Understanding the Science of Safety
Author: Deb Dana
This visual reference guide presents the core principles of Polyvagal Theory in an easy-to-understand format. Using clear illustrations, concise explanations and practical language, it’s an excellent teaching resource for therapists and counselling students, while also helping clients better understand their own nervous system.
It’s particularly useful if you prefer visual learning or regularly explain Polyvagal Theory to others.
Polyvagal Flip Chart: Understanding the Science of Safety
Designed for therapists, educators, and trainers, this flip chart provides clear visual explanations of polyvagal theory that make complex concepts easier to understand. It is a valuable teaching aid for psychoeducation, client sessions, workshops, and professional training.
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