Polyvagal Theory Is Being Challenged… What Play Therapists Need to Know

Send us Fan MailIs Polyvagal Theory still valid? And what does the latest scientific debate mean for your play therapy practice?Polyvagal Theory (PVT), developed by Stephen Porges, has become one of the most widely used frameworks in trauma-informed therapy. But recent critiques from neuroscientists and researchers are challenging key assumptions about the vagus nerve, autonomic nervous system hierarchy, and the evidence behind PVT.If you’re a play therapist using Polyvagal Theory — or teaching it to parents — you’ve probably felt that quiet question in the back of your mind: “Am I explaining this accurately… or just repeating what I was taught?”You’re not alone.In this podcast episode, we break down the current Polyvagal Theory debate in a way that actually makes sense — without requiring a neuroscience degree or a second cup of coffee just to survive it.Because here’s the truth:Even when theories are debated, your clinical work still needs to be grounded, ethical, and effective.🎯 In this week's episode, you’ll learn:✔️ A clear, simplified explanation of Polyvagal Theory ✔️ The main scientific critiques of PVT (what’s being questioned—and why) ✔️ What parts of Polyvagal Theory still hold clinical value ✔️ How to responsibly use nervous system concepts in play therapy ✔️ How to explain regulation and safety to children and parents with confidence💡 Whether you’re feeling confused, curious, or slightly betrayed by your favorite theory (yeah… we went there), this episode will help you separate what’s useful from what’s uncertain — so you can keep showing up as a grounded, confident play therapist.👇 Tell me in the comments: Are you using Polyvagal Theory in your play therapy sessions? What questions has this debate brought up for you?Here are some resources if you’d like to explore the issues in more depth:Grossman, P., et. al. (2026). Why Polyvagal Theory is untenable. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 23,(1), 100-112.  doi: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20260111Porges, W. S. (2026). when a critique becomes untenable: a scholarly response to Grossman et al.’s evaluation of Polyvagal Theory. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 23(1), 113-128.  doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20260111Ana Lund Substack articles are an interesting read from a clinician’s perspectiveScientists vs. The Polyvagal Industrial Complex is Autonomic Nervous System Literacy for Therapists: The LowdownDr. Birthe Macdonald has also written and shared some interesting articles on Substack (my new nerdy place to get some neuroscience scoop from the scientific community)Join my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground.Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts.Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills