Book Review: Anchored by Deb Dana - A Guide to Healing Trauma with the Polyvagal Theory
Before I start my book review, I do want to admit my bias. I have been a huge Deb Dana fan for quite some time now. Her Polyvagal Flip Chart lives next to my office chair for easy access, and I use it often in therapy sessions with my clients. When she releases any new resource, I can’t dig into it fast enough. Anchored was no different!
Anchored by Deb Dana is a remarkable exploration of the Polyvagal Theory (PVT) and its application in healing trauma. Drawing upon her knowledge and experience as a therapist and educator, Dana skillfully guides you through the intricate workings of the nervous system, providing invaluable insights into the physiological and psychological aspects of trauma.
In Anchored, Dana's expertise shines as she seamlessly weaves together scientific research, case studies, and practical exercises to demystify the complex topic of trauma. One of my favorite things about this book lies in its accessibility; Dana adeptly breaks down complex concepts into digestible morsels, ensuring readers from various backgrounds can comprehend and apply the knowledge she presents. As a therapist, I have a lot of passion for helping my clients understand and utilize PVT, and I deeply appreciate how Dana presents PVT in a language that is easily sharable for professionals and non-professionals alike. Even if you’ve never heard of PVT, Dana helps guide you through the concepts of PVT, and you’ll walk away from Anchored with not just understanding of the theory, but also tangible ways to implement the theory into your daily life.
At the heart of Anchored is the Polyvagal Theory, which offers a profound understanding of how our nervous system responds to stress and trauma. Dana explores the three branches of the autonomic nervous system—the ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal—explaining how they influence our responses to perceived threats. By delving into the ways these systems interact, Dana empowers you to identify your own nervous system patterns and develop strategies for self-regulation and healing.
Another highlight of Anchored is Dana's compassionate approach. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of safety and connection, both within ourselves and in our relationships with others. Through her insightful storytelling and practical exercises, Dana guides you toward cultivating self-compassion, expanding your window of tolerance, and building resilience. I feel like a broken record sometimes with how often I reference self-compassion, and I love how Dana integrates self-compassion with PVT in this book. If you aren’t familiar with Dana, I would also highly recommend finding one of many podcasts she has done to pair the pattern and rhythm of her voice with her words on the page to feel her genuine compassion. And for those of you that prefer Audiobooks, Dana narrates Anchored herself!
Anchored is a vital resource for therapists, trauma survivors, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of trauma and its impact on the nervous system. This book serves as an enlightening and empowering guide that bridges the gap between science and practical application. Deb Dana's expertise and compassionate approach make this book a valuable tool for both personal growth and professional practice in the field of healing trauma. By integrating the wisdom of the Polyvagal Theory into our lives, we can begin to heal the wounds of trauma and foster a greater sense of safety, connection, and resilience. We can embark on a journey toward reclaiming our lives and rediscovering a sense of safety, connection, and wholeness.
Anchored may leave you looking for even more explicit instructions and guidance. You may find yourself longing for more concrete steps or examples to follow, particularly when it comes to implementing the suggested exercises. If so, a next step for you may be starting a search for a PVT informed therapist near you who may be able to provide you with this additional guidance, building on the foundation of understanding gained in reading Anchored.
