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 [email protected] National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 (800) 273-8255 National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233 LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386 National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673 Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741 Call 911 for emergency This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”)...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 (800) 273-8255 National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233 LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386 National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673 Crisis Text Line - Text...

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...

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....

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. National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 (800) 273-8255 National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233 LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386 National Sexual...

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...

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-...

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 -...

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 -...

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...

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 -...

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 -...

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...

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...

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 -...

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 National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 (800) 273-8255 National Domestic...

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 National Suicide Prevention...

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) National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 (800) 273-8255 National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233 LGBT...

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...