March 27, 2025

44. FEELING SAFE ENOUGH TO ENJOY LIFE ~ Deb Dana on The Nervous System, Polyvagal Theory, and Regulation through the Nervous System

1 hour 15 minutes

Episode Overview

In this episode of Spiral Deeper, our host, Gaby Azorsky, speaks with Deb Dana. Deb Dana 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. 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’s work shows how an understanding of Polyvagal Theory is applicable across the board to relationships, mental health, and trauma. 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.

Together, they dive into rhythms of life, polyvagal theory and her work, our nervous systems, the organizing principles of neuroception, hierarchy, and co-regulation, and more. They also talk about attachment and attunement, safe others to feel nourished, what it means to be regulated as friends/partners/parents, and some ways to start resourcing ourselves to be able to be with what is. Gaby highly recommends this episode if you would like to begin to better understand how our nervous systems function unconsciously, and how we can learn to listen and co-regulate with ourselves and with each other to create lives that are more joyful, grounded, and resilient. Thank you for joining us, and enjoy the episode!

To celebrate the growth and magic of Spiral Deeper (and the launch of Season 3!), I am hosting a giveaway with some of my favorite brands. The winner will receive: 1 planner from In Flow, 1 Anxiety Support bundle with Reishi and Lion’s Mane from Rainbo Mushrooms, 3 triangle soaps from Wild Lather, 1 copy of the vintage collectors book Country Women with a little prayer bell from the small shop, The Bell up in Mendocino, 1 beaded healing mat for your altar made by Elle McDaniels, and 1 Ritual Rainforest Serum by Earth Archive. To enter: subscribe to the podcast, leave a written review on Apple Podcasts, and share Spiral Deeper on Instagram by tagging Gaby (@gaby.azorsky) and @spiral.deeper in your IG Stories.

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