korrents

Polyvagal theory

Stephen Porges’s account of the vagus nerve as the switch between defence and social connection. Widely used in trauma therapy and contested in physiology.

3 positions, 1 person.

  1. AS

    Arielle Schwartz quoted

    Clinical psychologist, EMDR consultant and yoga teacher in Boulder, Colorado

    Our readingPolyvagal theory survives the 2026 "untenable" critique: what the critics contested was mechanism and evolutionary framing, not the clinical proposition.

    Their wordsThe central clinical proposition of polyvagal theory-that autonomic state functions as an organizing platform shaping perception, emotion, and relational behavior-was not empirically disproven in the critique.

    ↗Clinical Reflections on the Critique on Polyvagal Theory proposed by Grossman et al., (2026)drarielleschwartz.com

  3. AS

    Arielle Schwartz quoted

    Our readingRegulation must precede reflection: cognitive insight fails while a nervous system is in defensive dominance.

    Their wordsPolyvagal theory provided me with a coherent framework for understanding why cognitive insight alone often fails when a nervous system is in defensive dominance. In such states, higher-order cortical processes are functionally constrained.

    ↗Clinical Reflections on the Critique on Polyvagal Theory proposed by Grossman et al., (2026)drarielleschwartz.com

  4. 18 months earlier
  5. AS

    Arielle Schwartz quoted

    Our readingEFT tapping improves brain connectivity, heart rate variability, vagal tone, and reduces inflammation.

    Their wordsEFT tapping helps improve connectivity within the brain and creates improved heart rate variability, improved vagal tone, and reduced inflammation.

    ↗Brain and Body Integration for Trauma Recoverydrarielleschwartz.com 3rd of 3 in this piece