My latest book review is for Deb Dana‘s the Nervous System Workbook. I have been a fan of Deb Dana’s writing for the past few years and thus eagerly purchased this book right when it came out. It is a great addition to her other books. I highly recommend it!

The Purpose of the Nervous System Workbook

The workbook, like Dana’s other works, is through the lens of Polyvagal Theory. I feel like my life changed for the better both personally and professionally when I read her first book around 2018, and I highly recommend that everyone learn the basics of Polyvagal Theory. This new book basically expands upon concepts and activities Dana touches on in prior works, including the wonderfully helpful Polyvagal Maps.

Two main reasons why Polyvagal Theory is important:

• It helps reduce shame about our stress responses when we understand that our nervous system acts in ways that are meant to help us (even when it goes overboard in doing so) and makes decisions to try to keep us safe before we consciously know what’s happening
• It helps us be better able to manage our stress responses and more quickly and smoothly get back to safety and regulation, especially daily basis as we navigate the ups and down of life

This book is for anyone wanting to better understand and work with their nervous system. It is also great for therapists who would like ideas for language and activities to help clients do so.

The Structure of the Nervous System Workbook

The book is split into two parts:

• Part one is “Befriending your nervous system”
• Part two is “Coming home to safety and connection”

Things I Like Most About the Nervous System Workbook

• It has a very warm and inviting tone and encourages curiosity
• It normalizes difficulties in feeling safe and secure
• It is trauma and neurodivergent affirming
• It emphasizes the plasticity of the brain and its ability to learn to feel safer
• It offers personable examples to help you identify your own personal relationship to the material
• It incorporates expressive arts (including writing, drawing, movement, and storytelling)
• It includes QR codes for audio activities (such as meditations)

Some of my favorite sections are:

• The description and activity around the concept of “stretching vs stressing” our nervous system when doing activities that take us out of our comfort zone
• The description and activity around “restorying“, where you change one aspect or word about a memory or belief to shift the story in hopes of bringing you more towards a sense of safety
• The description and activity around “the resiliency continuum“

Contact Me

Contact me if you’re interested in working with a professional who incorporates the above concepts and activities. I work with residents in Maryland for therapy and residents anywhere for coaching.