Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga: Therapeutic Practices for Emotional Health (Norton on Interpersonal Neurobiology)

As a yoga practitioner I return to the exercise and practice in this book over and over. Each time I feel like I learn new things. Highly recommend to those to embark in yoga therapy and for those who seek a self-help book.

Libro molto esaustivo in tema di teoria polivagale e applicazione allo yoga. L' autrice è una vera esperta in materie e approfondisce sia la teoria sia esercizi pratici. Ho seguito un corso online con lei e posso dire che è davvero una insegnante con conoscenza profonda di ciò che spiega.

This is a wonderful guide to integrating yoga therapy and polyvagal theory. It is well organized - the book has a list of practices at the beginning, excellent index and citations. Dr. Schwartz is clearly intending to support people in partnering others on their healing journey and with personal healing. She makes some of the nuanced material in yoga and polyvagal theory clear and accessible. I am very happy I bought this book.

Applied Polyvagal Theory in Therapeutic Practice is an invaluable resource for clinicians and healing professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of the nervous system and its role in trauma recovery. Dr. Arielle Schwartz distills the complexities of polyvagal theory into an accessible, compassionate, and clinically relevant framework that can be seamlessly integrated into therapeutic work. As both a trauma survivor and practitioner, I found this book to be incredibly validating and practical. Dr. Schwartz not only explains the science of the vagus nerve and autonomic regulation with clarity, but she also provides an abundance of real-world applications, somatic tools, and case examples that demonstrate how to support clients in cultivating safety, connection, and nervous system resilience. What sets her work apart is the emphasis on embodiment ~ not just intellectually understanding polyvagal theory, but learning to live it within the therapeutic relationship, as a therapist, and within one’s own healing process. Her compassionate, strengths-based approach honors both the complexity and the wisdom of the nervous system, offering hope and direction to those navigating complex trauma. I highly recommend this book to therapists, somatic practitioners, and anyone looking to work more skillfully and compassionately with the effects of trauma through a nervous system-informed lens. Dr. Schwartz’s dedication to trauma-informed care, nervous system regulation, and resilience continues to be a guiding light in the field.

Well organized, researched, and written, with helpful info for yoga teachers, therapists, and anyone who wants to understand the nervous system and practical applications of polyvagal theory. Could've benefited a lot from more diagrams.