Learn to recognize nervous-system shifts as they are happening and intentionally use your
voice, body, pacing, movement, proximity, and the environment to influence the energy in the room.
And we do not just talk about regulation. You will experience it in your own body.
Through hands-on somatic exercises, you will feel what activation, settling, connection, and co-regulation can actually be like, because it is much easier to recognize and influence nervous-system states in the playroom once you understand them from the inside.
This is Polyvagal Theory made practical, tangible, and usable in the moments when you need it most.
Polyvagal Theory has been making headlines lately, so I went back and checked my work.
Polyvagal Theory has faced significant scientific criticism, and Dr. Stephen Porges has responded. In this updated training, we will look at both sides so you can understand what is actually being challenged, what I would say differently today, and what remains useful in the playroom.
Then we get back to what really matters: understanding the nervous system of the child sitting across from you and creating a more regulated playroom.
You will experience tangible, somatic exercises that land in the body, because co-regulation starts with you.
You will leave with a clear, embodied understanding of how attachment, stress hormones, co-regulation, shutdown, and more impact play therapy clients day-to-day, and why this is equally important for you. You will also gather practical tips to share with parents so they can extend regulation work at home.
This training blends theory, application, and self-care to help you feel steady, confident, and effective even in the most intense sessions.
On-Demand Format: Video Recorded Class
Supplemental Reading Excerps
Self Paced Therapist Training
5 Non-Contact APT CEs
5 NBCC CEs (On-Demand)
$125
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this 4 CE course, participants will be able to:
🍎 Explain the importance of a child’s regulation and attachment in relation to Polyvagal Theory.
🍎 Describe the different parts of the nervous system essential to Polyvagal Theory and how they are applicable in Play Therapy.
🍎 Identify at least six Play Therapy interventions for use with different states of nervous system activation in Play Therapy sessions.
🍎 Identify two areas of scientific debate regarding Polyvagal Theory and describe their relevance to play therapy practice.
🍎 Explain Polyvagal Theory basics and Play Therapy–related interventions to parents/caregivers and Play Therapy clients in clear, parent-friendly language.
🍎 Apply self-regulation and co-regulation techniques during sessions to stay grounded as a Play Therapist when children escalate or shut down.
Continuing Education Credit
This course is designed to meet APT and NBCC standards for professional continuing education. It provides 5 non-contact continuing education hours
Participants will complete a multiple choice exam with a score of 80% or higher and a post-training evaluation to receive a certificate of completion.
Materials Needed
Please have space to move and simple creative tools ready—paper, markers, crayons, or other sensory items—to participate fully in the somatic and experiential activities included in this course.
☀️ Play therapists and creative arts therapists
☀️ Therapists interested in creative ways to calm the nervous system
☀️ Therapists wanting to make PolyVagal Theory applicable and simple to understand
☀️ Play therapists who want to learn strategies to keep things calm in the play room
☀️ Therapists who want to feel more balanced themselves
☀️ Curious counselors, social workers, psychologists