For episode 267, Deb Dana makes her first appearance on the Metta Hour for our ongoing Anxiety Series.
In this series, Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers and different researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times. This is the seventh episode in the series.
Deb Dana, LCSW, 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. She is also the author of many books, her most recent 2025 release, Glimmers Journal: Reflect on the Small Moments That Bring You Joy, Safety, and Connection.
In this conversation, Deb and Sharon speak about:
- Overview of Polyvagal Theory
- How Deb came to her work
- Understanding our nervous system
- How Polyvagal Theory impacts anxiety
- Being with anxiety vs being hijacked by it
- The spaciousness of Ventral Regulation
- Sympathetic versus parasympathetic
- The biological imperative of connection
- History of co-regulation in PVT
- The Autonomic Ladder
- Impact of a clinician’s compassion
- Transmitting cues of safety to others
- Savoring the practice of 30 seconds
- The difference between inconvenience and danger
- The Rhythm of Regulation
- Breath as a regulatory tool
- Gathering Glimmers
- Building the capacity to face suffering differently
- Breakdown of a glimmer practice
- Having a sensitivity to our trauma
Deb closes the conversation with a guided practice on the Story of the Three States.