About

6.0.1

The Project

My reflection on the Polyvagal Theory began many years ago as I repeatedly found myself in conflict with its claims. I first encountered Stephen Porges during a four-day workshop in Zurich in 2007. Nearly a decade later, as psychotherapy seemed increasingly captivated by this highly debatable theory, I felt compelled to go deeper and investigate it more rigorously.

Discovering Paul Grossman’s writings reassured me that I was not alone in my skepticism. Over the following years, I systematically reviewed all the scientific literature I could find—ultimately amassing more than 2,500 references, including articles and books. Each year, my conclusions grew stronger, reinforced by mounting scientific evidence.

A pivotal moment came when researchers began applying optogenetics to the brainstem, bringing a new level of certainty to the field. These advancements effectively challenge the core propositions of the Polyvagal Theory. While I do not expect the broader polyvagal community to abandon its beliefs, I hope this project will serve as a valuable resource for critical thinkers, guiding them toward the right questions.