Polyvagal Card Deck

Deb Dana is the leading clinical translator of Stephen Porges’s influential polyvagal theory. Here she further extends the reach of this groundbreaking perspective on mental wellness in the form of a card deck.

These cards have been thoughtfully created to provide polyvagal concepts and prompts grouped into four areas representing three sections of the autonomic hierarchy: ventral; sympathetic; dorsal (a section about regulating the system); and a bonus section exploring play, stillness and change. The cards will enable clients to enhance a broad understanding of their nervous system as well as guide them through a process of tuning in.

Clinicians can use the cards at the beginning of a session to frame the work or at the end to create a plan for ongoing work. Clients can reach for the cards any time they want some nervous system support.