( HS Porges & Mellethin 150159 2025) Polyvagal Meets Attachment-Centered Play Therapy: Engaging the Nervous System for Resili
Tracking # 20-1313196
Course overview
Youve likely witnessed moments in the playroom when a child suddenly withdraws, becomes anxious, or reacts defiantly, even while engaged in play therapy. These reactions highlight the critical influence of biobehavioral states in the play therapy process. In an engaging conversation with Dr. Stephen Porges, the developer of Polyvagal Theory, and Clair Mellenthin, creator of Attachment Centered Play Therapy, youll gain essential insights into recognizing and adjusting these states to achieve better play therapy outcomes. Through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, youll explore how your voice, facial expressions, posture, and movements affect both your and your clients emotional states. By applying practical, play therapy strategies youll foster a calm, safe, and connected environment, empowering your young clients to fully engage in therapy and minimizing actions that could heighten defensiveness and hinder progress. Join us for this transformative session and walk away with powerful, play based tools to create meaningful breakthroughs for your young clients don t miss the opportunity to elevate your play therapy practice!
Subject areas
This course counts toward the state boards and subject areas below.
Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Certified Master Social Worker
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Florida Board of Nursing
APRN Temporary Certificate for Practice in Areas of Critical Need
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board
Licensed Independent Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Independent Social Worker
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Social Worker
Marriage and Family Therapist
Registered Social Worker Assistant
Disclosure statements
Financial: Dr. Stephen Porges has employment relationships with Indiana University Bloomington and the University of North Carolina. He receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Porges is co-owner of Polyvagal Music, LLC. He receives a speaking honorarium, book royalties, and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He receives royalties from Integrated Learning Systems/Unyte. All relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations have been mitigated.
Non-financial: Dr. Stephen Porges is a emeritus member of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Society for Psychophysiological Research. He holds a patent on Televagal equipment.
Financial: Clair Mellenthin has employment relationships with Wasatch Family Therapy and the University of Louisiana Monroe. She is a published author and receives royalties. Clair Mellenthin receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Clair Mellenthin is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the American Psychological Association, and the Association for Play Therapy.