"With ... explanations of the organizing principles of polyvagal theory, this complex theory is translated into clinician and client-friendly language. Using a unique autonomic mapping process along with worksheets designed to ... track autonomic response patterns, this book presents ... ways to work with clients' experiences of connection. Through exercises that have been specifically created to engage the regulating capacities of the ventral vagal system, therapists are given tools to help clients reshape their autonomic nervous systems"--Dust jacket flap.

"A Norton professional book."

Secion I: Befriending the nervous system. Safety, danger, and life-threat: adaptive response patterns -- Autonomic surveillance: neuroception -- Wired to connect -- Section II: Mapping the nervous system. The personal profile map -- The triggers and glimmers map -- The regulating resources map -- Section III: Navigating the nervous system. Compassionate connection -- Safely aware and able to attend -- Creating safe surroundings -- Sectiopn IV: Shaping the nervous system. The autonomic nervous system as a relational system -- Toning the system with breath and sound -- Regulating through the body -- Vagal regulation with the brain in mind -- Intertwined states.