Resources for People with Highly Sensitive Nervous Systems
Are you a highly sensitive person or a parent of a highly sensitive child and are looking for help to regulate your nervous system? Below are a list of books that focus on practical techniques, mindfulness, and somatic practices that can help build distress tolerance and support sensitive nervous systems.
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk discusses how trauma affects the brain and body and how various therapeutic approaches, such as mindfulness, yoga, and EMDR, can help regulate the nervous system. He emphasizes the role of the body in healing trauma and how restoring a sense of safety and control is key to calming the nervous system. It provides a deep understanding of how trauma dysregulates the nervous system and offers methods to heal through body-based therapies.
“Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation” by Deb Dana
Deb Dana breaks down Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, which explains how the vagus nerve affects our responses to stress and safety. The book offers insights into how the autonomic nervous system shifts between states of fight, flight, and freeze and provides practical tools for therapists and individuals to help restore regulation. It provides a clear understanding of the nervous system’s role in emotional regulation and offers exercises that help people move out of stress responses into states of calm and safety.
“Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma” by Peter A. Levine
Peter Levine, a pioneer in somatic experiencing, discusses how trauma affects the nervous system and introduces somatic techniques to discharge unresolved tension from the body. His work is based on observing how animals naturally regulate their nervous systems after a stressful event. It focuses on how trauma is stored in the body and offers a somatic approach to help release pent-up stress, aiding in nervous system regulation.
“Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory” by Deb Dana
Anchored is a practical guide for everyday people to understand and work with their nervous systems. It focuses on simple, everyday practices that help individuals stay grounded and connected. This book makes polyvagal theory accessible to everyone and includes exercises to help regulate the nervous system and promote a sense of calm.
Learn More About the Highly Sensitive Person Trait Here.
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