I answer questions about self-regulation and our safety state - should we challenge the capacity of our distress tolerance? Will this help strengthen our vagal brake? Resources: 🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members 🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy 🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro 🔸 Stuck Not Broken book series - https://www.justinlmft.com/books 🔸 Polyvagal 101 a...
Jun 11, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 230
Justin Sunseri continues his exploration of the Shutdown Experiences Survey, this time discussing the results of how dorsal vagal shutdown affects people on a daily basis. How effective do people feel they are coping? How do they alter their daily lives? Resources: 🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members 🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy 🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalint...
Jun 10, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 229
Justin Sunseri addresses a question about neurodivergence, safety, and connection. What does safety look like for someone who is "neurodivergent"? 🔸Total Access Membership of trauma recovery courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess 🔸Free ebook, "Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm" when you sign up for my email list - https://www.justinlmft.com/books 🔸Learn the Polyvagal Theory simply and for free - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro 🔹I'd love your feedback! - ht...
May 21, 2024•9 min•Season 1Ep. 228
I share the second round of results from my Shutdown Experiences Survey, including how far away safety feels and how long people live in shutdown. Gain new language for your experiences, plus lots of validation and normalization. 00:00 Introduction to episode 227 01:32 How far away does safety feel? 06:56 How long have you been in shutdown? 10:16 How long do acute shutdown experiences last? 13:10 Personal Shutdown Stories: Voices from the Survey 20:13 Support and Resources for Navigating Shutdow...
May 07, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 227
Justin shares the felt experience results of his "Shutdown Experiences Survey." Real people in dorsal vagal shutdown share about their emotions, thoughts, and more. You will get more validation and normalization from this episode. Learn language for your shutdown experiences and ideas on what to do about it. 🔸Total Access Membership of trauma recovery courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess 🔸Free ebook, "Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm" when you sign up for my email ...
Apr 30, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 226
Justin and Mercedes discuss a Bad Therapy story of poor boundaries and where it leads. If you have your own Bad Therapy story, send it to justinlmft@gmail.com Resources: 🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members 🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy 🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro 🔸 Stuck Not Broken book series - https://www.justinlmft.com/books 🔸 Polyvagal 101 audio ser...
Apr 16, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 225
Learn experiences of the Polyvagal freeze state, like changes in cognitions and underlying impulses. 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Understanding Freeze State: Insights and Analogies 04:23 Cognitive Effects of the Freeze State: Analysis and Examples 08:22 Addressing Shame and Cognitive Adaptations in Freeze State 10:09 Therapeutic Approaches: Top-Down and Bottom-Up Strategies 11:29 Closing Thoughts and Resources 🔸SSIEC resource - https://www.justinlmft.com/ssiec 🔸Total Access Membership of trauma re...
Apr 09, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 224
Explore practical strategies for understanding and gradually replacing negative coping skills eventually and slowly with healthier alternatives, employing the principles of the Polyvagal Theory. Host Justin Sunseri shares insights from a discussion with his private community, offering techniques to recognize and modify behaviors such as binge eating by creating a mindful space between impulse and action. The episode navigates the challenges of self-regulation and provides a compassionate framewo...
Mar 26, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 223
The Polyvagal Theory is not a solution, but a scientific understanding of our biological reactions. So, how does the PVT apply to stage fright? What Polyvagal states are occurring and what can you do about it? 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:46 Understanding Performance Anxiety and Polyvagal Theory 02:39 The Science Behind Stage Fright 04:45 Exploring the Freeze Reaction 06:14 Factors Contributing to Performance Anxiety 10:22 Strategies to Overcome Performance Anxiety 15:50 Closing Thoughts...
Mar 12, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 222
Learn why you might have difficulty accepting safety cues, even from your loved ones. Your Polyvagal state acts as a filter and changes your perception of your interactions with others. 00:00 Introduction and Viewer's Question 00:52 Understanding Safety States 01:39 The Role of Interpersonal Relationships in Safety States 03:45 The Impact of Defensive States on Perception 05:48 Building Strength in Your Safety State 07:28 Alternative Avenues for Anchoring Safety 08:20 Conclusion and Invitation t...
Mar 05, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 221
Emotions, including sadness, are not random but are responses to our body's state. Use this three-step process to begin feeling your sadness with self-compassion. 🔸Total Access Membership of trauma recovery courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess 🔸Free ebook, "Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm" when you sign up for my email list - https://www.justinlmft.com/books 🔸Learn the Polyvagal Theory simply and for free - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro or the entire ...
Feb 27, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 220
Learn how to feel ventral vagal safety even when it feels out of reach through 3 different options: imagination, co-regulation, and mindful sensory experiences. These 3 options may be the most approachable for identifying and eventually building safety within. Resources: 🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members 🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy 🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyva...
Feb 14, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 219
Therapist and Coach Justin Sunseri lists all 9 official Polyvagal Theory autonomic states and shares the story of Courtney. The episode demystifies different autonomic states like Safety, Flight/Fight, and Shutdown, and their mixed states such as Freeze, Play, and Stillness. Justin dives into the nuances of these states, explores how to identify them in Courtney's relatable, emotional journey, and guides you to recognize and understand these states within your own experiences. SNB: Total Access ...
Jan 30, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 218
Your mindset might not be the main problem when it comes to making lasting change in your life. Instead, your underlying Polyvagal state matters more. The state of one's body influences emotions, behaviors, and even one's mindset. The concepts of the "growth mindset" and "fixed mindset" were popularized by Carol Dweck. But maybe it's not as simple as choosing a growth mindset. Learn about the Polyvagal Theory, which suggests we have three basic states: safety, flight/fight, and shutdown. Ultimat...
Jan 23, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 217
Discover how the Polyvagal Theory sheds light on binge eating as a behavioral adaptation. This episode post delves into the complex interplay of defensive autonomic states and eating disorders, offering insights for those seeking a deeper understanding of their eating behaviors and paths to healthier coping mechanisms. Resources: 🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members 🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy 🔸...
Jan 16, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 216
Discover the intersection of emotional regulation and the Polyvagal Theory in trauma recovery, discussing the balance between 'allowing' and 'doing' in emotional regulation. Addressing whether one needs to experience overwhelming sadness to heal, he emphasizes individualized approaches to trauma recovery. Justin also delves into his unique method, highlighting the role of bodily sensations and impulses in understanding and processing emotions. This engaging talk is a journey through the layers o...
Jan 12, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 216
Deb Dana takes the difficult Polyvagal Theory academia and translates it into everyday language. This episode identifies and explains her most valuable contributions to the Polyvagal Theory: glimmers, Story Follows State, Home Away from Home, and the Polyvagal Ladder. (book links will take you to Amazon. If you purchase, I will get a portion of the sale at no extra cost to you.) DEB'S BOOKS: PVT in Therapy - https://amzn.to/3TWBf7S Polyvagal Practices - https://amzn.to/3MGxv8E Anchored- https://...
Jan 02, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 215
Explore the complexities of repairing relationships with insights on co-regulation, trust, and vulnerability. Learn how self-regulation and empathy can help heal and mend bonds. Understand the dynamics of misattunement and ruptures, and discover practical strategies for rebuilding trust and healthy connections. SNB: Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess Polyvagal Trauma Relief System - https://www.justinlmft.com/traumarelief Polyvagal Intro - https://www.justinlmft.com...
Dec 12, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 214
Have you ever felt calmer and more secure just by being around a specific person? You feel more safe with that person because of co-regulation. I'll explore how this deep-rooted biological process plays a vital role in shaping your emotional and physiological states. From the calming effects of a loved one's presence to the subtle cues of safety we exchange with those around us, co-regulation is an essential part of being human - and healing from trauma. SNB: Total Access - https://www.justinlmf...
Dec 05, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 213
If you’ve been through a panic attack, you know they are no joke. You may actually go through panic attacks repeatedly. You may even have a panic attack the same time each day, like at nighttime. That’s how this discussion starts off, with one of my Stucknaut Collective community members asking during one of our Meetups. This short conversation touches upon how to reduce the intensity of panic attacks through both passive and active means, focusing on the Polyvagal safety state. SNB: Total Acces...
Nov 14, 2023•9 min•Season 1Ep. 212
The ventral vagal safety state of the Polyvagal Theory may not be easily accessible, especially if you exist in a traumatized state. And it’s maybe even more difficult to deeply settle into and experience for extended periods of time. I’ll discuss what the safety state is, the spectrum of how the safety state can be used, and when to do so. This will give you a framework for where you’re at, what you can handle, and next steps. Become a free site member for resources and learning hubs - https://...
Nov 07, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 211
With the incredible emergence and rapid upgrading of artificial intelligence models, one has to wonder if it can act as your therapist in late October 2023. As of right now, the answer is a clear no. But that may not be for long. Join me as I discuss the current limitations of AI and what I think the future holds. Total Access Membership of trauma recovery courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess Become a free member to access my resources and learning hubs - https://www.ju...
Oct 31, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 210
You're depressed. You're learning about and applying the Polyvagal Theory with little change to your shutdown state. In this episode, I will share a few things you are doing to keep yourself stuck (unintentionally) and also a couple things you can do about it. Learn about the Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess Become a free site member for my Polyvagal resources and Learning Hubs - https://www.justinlmft.com/members Learn about the Polyvagal Theory in this playlist ...
Oct 24, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 209
It's possible to live with more connection, energy, and hope in life. Yes, living without being in a dominant Polyvagal shutdown is possible. Life without depression is possible. I pull from my years of working as a therapist and my Polyvagal Theory knowledge to give you the major bullet points of recovering from a chronic shutdown. Total Access Membership of trauma recovery courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess Free ebook, "Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm" when you ...
Oct 17, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 208
The traditional model of behavior as a result of a stimulus is missing a middle component. There is some algorithm that takes place in between the stimulus and the response. The Polyvagal Theory may provide some insight. Read the Vagal Paradox - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666497623000346#:~:text=Convergent%20patterns%20of%20both%20positive,regulation%20of%20the%20heart%20and Total Access Membership of trauma recovery courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/tot...
Oct 10, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 207
If there was a ventral vagal magic pill, would you take it? In this episode, I explore the ideas of objective measures and shortcuts and what they might mean for you in your trauma recovery journey. Total Access Membership of trauma recovery courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess Free ebook, "Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm" when you sign up for my email list - https://www.justinlmft.com/books Resources: 🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www...
Oct 06, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 206
If you've never heard of "vagal efficiency" in your Polyvagal Theory readings, you're not alone. In this episode, I'll discuss vagal efficiency and how it relates to the safety state and the vagal brake, plus what this may mean for the future. Total Access Membership of trauma recovery courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess Free ebook, "Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm" when you sign up for my email list - https://www.justinlmft.com/books Resources: 🔸 Free resources a...
Oct 03, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 206
Intimacy, fawn, and appeasement were added to the Polyvagal Theory as mixed states. But are they? Should we take the context more into account before calling intimacy a mixed state? What happens to the states when they involve being alone or being with someone? Our Polyvagal World Amazon Affiliate link - https://amzn.to/3RHq1p8 (I get a portion of the sale at no extra cost to you) Resources: 🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members 🔸 Join the Unstu...
Sep 26, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 205
Our Polyvagal World is overall worth owning, especially at $14 from Amazon. Buy the book here (portion of sale goes to me at no extra cost to you) - https://amzn.to/3rr9YBa Total Access Membership of trauma recovery courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess Free ebook, "Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm" when you sign up for my email list - https://www.justinlmft.com/books National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 (800) 273-8255 National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 79...
Sep 21, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 204
Are the new Polyvagal Theory mixed states of fawn and appeasement better understood as mixed states or behavioral adaptations? Trauma recovery System of courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/totallaccess Free ebook, "Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm" when you sign up for my email list - https://www.justinlmft.com/books Resources: 🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members 🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unst...
Sep 19, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 204
