Deb Dana, MSW, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, author, and speaker whose work focuses on honoring the role of the autonomic nervous system. She is a founding member of the Polyvagal Institute, a consultant to Khiron Clinics, and an advisor to Unyte. Deb is widely known for translating Polyvagal Theory into clear, accessible language and for pioneering the Rhythm of Regulation® methodology—tools, techniques, and practices that continue to make Polyvagal Theory usable for professionals and curious people from all walks of life.

Deb believes that we all benefit from understanding how the nervous system works and learning how to become active operators of this essential system. This passion has led her to offer workshops in partnership with groups and communities outside the clinical arena, bringing the Polyvagal perspective into the ordinary—and sometimes extraordinary—experiences of daily life.

Her clinical work, published with W. W. Norton, includes The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation; Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client Centered Practices; the Polyvagal Flip Chart; the Polyvagal Card Deck; and Polyvagal Practices: Anchoring the Self in Safety. She also partners with Sounds True to bring her work to a general audience through the audio program Befriending Your Nervous System: Looking Through the Lens of Polyvagal Theory and her print book Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory.