The Polyvagal Theory focuses on what is happening in the body and nervous system and explains how our sense of safety, danger, or life threat can impact our behavior. The word polyvagus means “many wanderer.” The vagus nerve runs from the base of the brain through the trunk of the body and limbs.

The theory explains three different states of the nervous system. 

Immobilized (dorsal), mobilized (sympathetic), and engaged (ventral) states can be explained to children using the terms shadow, bolt, and serenity state.

When the nervous system is immobilized (shadow), you might notice the emotions of freezing, dissociation, numbness, helplessness, or despair. It can also be characterized by dark thoughts, heavy eyes, an empty stomach, and weak limbs.

When the nervous system is mobilized (bolt), you might notice emotions such as fear, anger, frustration, anxiety, excitement, or panic. Racing thoughts, a hot face, a fast heartbeat, a dry mouth, and shaky limbs can also characterize this state.

When the nervous system is engaged (serenity), you might notice the emotions of calmness, contentment, curiosity, love, or trust. This state can also be characterized by focused and clear thoughts, a peaceful and content heart, a nourished stomach, and groundedness.

It’s important to know that hybrid states exist, too. Think of when you are trying something new and feel both mobilized and engaged or falling asleep and feeling a combination of immobilized and serenity.

Using a polyvagal theory approach in play therapy, the therapist remembers that techniques and interventions come second to connection to help a child’s nervous system feel safe. Familiarity and consistency are essential. Play allows for autonomic flexibility, which is when the child can move fluidly in and out of states without getting stuck in defensive states. Play is a neural exercise that increases autonomic flexibility. Play integrates a felt sense of safety!

Humming, singing, gargling, playing wind instruments, and activities with an elongated exhale regulate the vagus nerve.

Are you interested in incorporating more nervous system-informed and co-regulating play at home? You can use reciprocity games like hide-and-seek, you draw, I draw, tic-tac-toe, turn-taking, and attunement games like freeze dance, mirror game, balloon 

tap, or Simon Says. Integration happens when both the left and right hemispheres of the brain are activated through words and play.

You and your child can check out Jackie Flynn’s book, “Being Human: A Polyvagal Informed Story About The States of The Nervous System.”

In addition, if you are interested in working with a registered play therapist and learning more about supporting your child’s nervous system, please reach out!

By Caroline Racher Turak

MA, LCMHC, RPT

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Registered Play Therapist