logo
episode-header-image
Jul 8
1h 4m

Ep. 267 – Anxiety Series: Deb Dana

BE HERE NOW NETWORK
About this episode

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. 


To learn more about Deb’s work, you can visit her website right here and checkout her latest books: the Glimmers Journal and the Nervous System Workbook.


Check out the first episode in the Anxiety Podcast Series with Dr. Jud Brewer on Ep .260 of the Metta Hour Podcast

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next
Jun 24
Ep. 266 – Anxiety Series: Amishi Jha
For episode 266, Amishi Jha returns to 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 sixth episode in t ... Show More
1h 8m
Jun 11
Ep. 265 – Shannon Watts
For episode 265, Sharon speaks with and activist and author, Shanon Watts about her new book, Fired Up.Shannon is the founder of Moms Demand Action, the largest grassroots group fighting gun violence in the U.S. Known as the ‘summoner of women’s audacity,’ she has been named one ... Show More
1h 12m
May 27
Ep. 264 – Anxiety Series: Soren Gordhamer
For episode 264, Soren Gordhamer returns to 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 fifth episod ... Show More
1h 23m
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
Jenny Taitz (on stress resets)
Jenny Taitz (Stress Resets, How to Be Single and Happy) is a licensed clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at UCLA. Jenny joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the initial modalities that inspired her to become a psychologist, ... Show More
1h 42m
Nov 2017
Episode 259: Trauma, EMDR & Mindfulness Jamie Marich & Stephen Dansiger
This week, I have back on the podcast two former guests, Jamie Marich and Stephen Dansiger. Together they’ve just written a new book, Trauma, EMDR & Mindfulness Jamie Marich & Stephen Dansiger. Jamie Marich, Ph.D., LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, REAT, RMT travels internationally teaching on E ... Show More
53m 6s
Nov 2024
A more spacious response to life, by Judith Grisel
Judith Grisel is an internationally recognized behavioral neuroscientist and professor of psychology known for her research on the role of the brain in drug addiction. She is also a former addict. Years into her sobriety, Judy still labors to escape the painful feelings of loneli ... Show More
36m 9s
Jan 2025
Dr. Martha Beck (Oprah's Life Coach): I Nearly Died so I Stopped Lying. Surprising Way to Overcome Childhood Trauma, Stop Anxiety, Increase Intuition, and Finally Heal!
Surprising Way to Overcome Trauma, Stop Anxiety, and Finally Heal! Dr. Martha Beck, Ph.D, a Harvard-educated sociologist, NYT bestselling author & Oprah’s life coach is the leading authority on personal growth, resolving childhood trauma and fixing anxiety. Dr. Beck uncovers the ... Show More
2h 1m
Sep 2024
Natasha Daniels: Out of my shell (Social anxiety) (#453)
In episode 453 I chat with Natasha Daniels. Natasha is an anxiety & OCD therapist. She runs her online membership AT Parenting Community. And recently authored the book, “Out of my shell: overcoming social anxiety from childhood to adulthood”.  We discuss her community, her socia ... Show More
49m 49s
Jan 2024
416: The Power Of Vulnerability In Allowing Connection - With Dr. Jenny Hughes
Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week I'm joined by a fellow trauma therapist who is also a colleague and friend, Dr. Jenny Hughes.In our conversation we explore themes of building trust through allowing vulnerability, the power of connection and co-regulation in healing, the p ... Show More
1 h
Jun 4
Mindfulness in Anxiety Treatment (Part 1) | EP 318
Send in a question or comment via text.What happens when three anxiety specialists get together to talk practically about how they use mindfulness in anxiety treatment? This week on The Anxious Truth, we find out.I'm joined by Lauren Rosen, who practices in Los Angeles specializi ... Show More
40m 6s
Mar 2025
The Hidden Root Cause of Anxiety and Depression- Codependency With Dr. Sarah Michaud
Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Sometimes anxiety attacks and panic attacks are actually suppressed anger and caretaking that are showing up as Anxiety. In this conversation with Dr. Sarah Michaud, ... Show More
47m 36s
Apr 2024
Access Radical Joy By Healing Your Trauma with Dr. Arielle Schwartz | 31
Shownotes The truth that trauma healing happens in stages A practice to reach nervous system safety even when it’s unfamiliar Why it’s not actually the trauma that makes you stronger The therapy modalities that have helped each of us heal the most What happens when you realize no ... Show More
1h 19m