Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Critique and Clinical Implications
Questioning Polyvagal Theory in therapy Critique, Debate & Clinical Implications with Heather Mason

On Demand Seminar: Questioning Polyvagal Theory in Therapy – Critique, Debate, and Clinical Implications

£20.00

A clinically focused seminar examining the emerging critique of polyvagal theory in therapy. The session sets out the arguments presented in the Grossman paper alongside Porges’ response, providing a clear and structured overview of the current scientific debate. Emphasis is placed on how these developments may inform clinical understanding and application. A full recording of the live seminar is included.

This seminar is hosted on an online learning platform, which you will be redirected to upon clicking the purchase button.

Description

Polyvagal theory has become deeply embedded in therapy, particularly within trauma-informed and mind-body approaches. It is widely used to explain patterns of nervous system response and has shaped contemporary interventions across psychotherapy, yoga and yoga therapy, and somatic work.

In 2025, a critique co-authored by 40 physiologists and led by Paul Grossman challenged central physiological assumptions within the theory. While this has prompted concern across clinical and somatic fields, far fewer practitioners appear to be aware that Stephen Porges has published a response in the same journal.

This seminar sets out both positions clearly, enabling a more complete understanding of what is being debated and what it may mean for practice.

Seminar Overview

This seminar focuses on the critique led by Paul Grossman and the scientific challenge it presents to key tenets of polyvagal theory. It is intended for those already familiar with the primary premises of the theory and does not revisit foundational material.

The session examines the specific physiological arguments raised in the critique and places them alongside Porges’ response, allowing participants to evaluate the discussion in full.

What Will Be Covered: Using Polyvagal Theory in Therapy

In this seminar, Heather Mason, founder of the Minded Institute, will:

  • outline the key physiological claims within polyvagal theory that are currently under debate
  • present the central arguments from the critique led by Paul Grossman
  • examine Stephen Porges’ published response within the same scientific context
  • consider how these developments may influence clinical reasoning and intervention
  • provide space for questions and discussion

The seminar sets out the critique and response in full, enabling a clear understanding of what is at stake and how it may, or may not, affect practice.

Teacher

Heather Mason, MA, MSc, is the founder of The Minded Institute, a leading yoga therapy training school, The Yoga in Health Care Alliance, and joint founder of the APPG on Yoga.

She holds master’s degrees in Buddhist Studies, Psychotherapy, Medical Physiology, and has extensive education in Neuroscience. Heather has been a yoga teacher since 2001 and specialised in yoga therapy training for mental health since 2007. As a world leader on this topic, Heather has lectured at universities from Harvard to UCL and at an array of academic conferences around the world. She created a course at Boston University School of Medicine to teach future doctors about the psychophysiological benefits of yoga for patients and taught the mind-body science course at the USA’s first Master’s in Science at the Maryland University of Integrative Health.

Heather was the first person in the UK to train with the Boston Trauma Center to offer yoga for trauma, launched a yoga programme at The Maudsley’s Traumatic Stress Service, and has been training others in yoga therapy for PTSD since 2012. In 2023 Heather co-created the world’s first yoga therapy psychotherapy accredited training programme.

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