Resources for Leaders and Facilitators

Here are some of my favorite resources for learning nervous system fundamentals including Polyvagal Theory. You will also find equally important self-compassion practices that support nervous system regulation. This collection is a perpetual work in progress and is presented in no particular order.

Audio interview of Dr. Steven Porges, the creator of Polyvagal Theory.

Dr. Steven Porges: The Nervous System Circuitry of Safety, Sound and Gratitude

Rebecca Ching interviews Deb Dana, January 31, 2025.

Deb Dana, a gifted lecturer, author and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is my favorite translator of the work of Dr. Steven Porges and Polvagal Theory into language and practices that are accessible to ordinary people.

The Unburdened Leader Podcast EP 123: Befriending Your Nervous System: Building Capacity for Regulation with Deb Dana

Here are great self-compassion resources--including supporting scientific research--from the collection of Dr. Kristen Neff, of the Compassion Institute. Dr. Neff is Associate Professor of Human Development and Culture, Educational Psychology Department, University of Texas at Austin.

Self-Compassion Test

Self-Compassion Practices: Cultivate Inner Peace and Joy

Self-Compassion: Theory, Method, Research, and Intervention