In this episode of 'Stuck Not Broken,' therapist and coach Justin Sunseri provides practical guidance on applying Polyvagal Theory to everyday life through validation and normalization techniques. Learn to bring compassion to your stuck defensive states through acknowledging and understanding your emotions and thoughts. Justin walks you through simple practices to help you live more calmly and connected. This episode includes skills practice and insights from the Unstucking Academy, making it an essential listen for anyone looking to improve their emotional resilience. Join us as we delve deeper into self-compassion and understanding through Polyvagal Theory.

00:00 Introduction to Polyvagal Theory Application

01:32 Understanding Validation

06:52 Validation Practice

09:30 Introduction to Normalization

15:49 Normalization Practice

21:06 Conclusion and Next Steps

Resources:

🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members

🔸 SNB: Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess

🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro

🔸 Stuck Not Broken book series - https://www.justinlmft.com/books

🔸 Polyvagal 101 audio series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

Crisis resources:

• 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”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)

Justin dives into the second tip of understanding your polyvagal state - increasing passive safety cues via your environment. Learn how to better understand and implement passive safety cues in your home to enhance your sense of safety and relaxation. Discover practical, easy steps to create a Passive Safety Environment, focusing on scent, lighting, and physical space.

00:00 Intro to episode 250

01:05 Safety and the Brainstem

07:49 Lighting in the Passive Safety Environment

09:37 Physical Space in the Passive Safety Environment

10:54 Take one step today.

12:31 Foundations Subscription Offer & outro

Resources:

🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members

🔸 SNB: Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess

🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro

🔸 Stuck Not Broken book series - https://www.justinlmft.com/books

🔸 Polyvagal 101 audio series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

Crisis resources:

• 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”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)

Understand and identify your polyvagal primary and mixed states. This episode covers connection, escape, aggression, collapse, play, motivation, stillness, intimacy, freeze, and appeasement and fawn states. Start identifying your states today.

00:00 Intro: Apply your Polyvagal Knowledge

02:27 Do you feel like connecting?

04:30 Do you feel like escaping or aggressing?

05:56 Do you feel like collapsing?

07:35 Do you feel ready to have with someone else?

08:41 Do you feel motivated?

10:24 Do you feel reflective and mindful?

11:51 Do you want to connect with someone else?

13:51 Do you feel out of control or overwhelmed?

15:28 Do you placate or appease others?

17:05 stuck not broken outro

Resources:

🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members

🔸 SNB: Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess

🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro

🔸 Stuck Not Broken book series - https://www.justinlmft.com/books

🔸 Polyvagal 101 audio series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

Crisis resources:

• 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”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)

Justin Sunseri explains the concept of dorsal vagal shutdown, a state of immobilization and resource conservation in the face of life threats. He outlines how this shutdown affects emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and connections with others, making it difficult for individuals to function normally. Justin provides insights on recognizing shutdown in loved ones, emphasizing the importance of compassion, validation, and meaningful connection. He offers practical steps for supporting someone in shutdown, including validating their experience, normalizing their response, and connecting with them without adding pressure. The episode concludes with a parenting example illustrating effective ways to help a loved one move out of shutdown.

00:00 Stuck in Shutdown: A Guide to Recognizing and Helping Loved Ones (SNB 248)

01:17 What is Dorsal Vagal Shutdown?

03:14 Shutdown and Isolation

04:54 Demeanor and Body Posture of Shutdown

07:47 Vocal Changes in Shutdown

09:08 Thinking and Shutdown

11:05 Emotions and Shutdown

12:06 Shutdown and Masking

13:07 Validating Your Loved One's Shutdown

14:23 Normalize Your Loved One's Shutdown

15:29 Let your Loved One be in Shutdown

16:37 Connect With Your Loved One in Shutdown

17:55 Example of Parents Helping Their Adult Child in Shutdown

22:29 Outro and Reflections for You

23:32 Learn More About Shutdown With this Playlist

🔸 Shutdown Experiences Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0wCusCOxhNUTWUAnJke_hpmNEEQ0atZZ

Resources:

🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members

🔸 SNB: Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess

🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro

🔸 Stuck Not Broken book series - https://www.justinlmft.com/books

🔸 Polyvagal 101 audio series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

Crisis resources:

• 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”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)

Justin Sunseri discusses transitioning from a prolonged state of shutdown to experiencing freeze. He explains the differences between shutdown and freeze through the lens of polyvagal theory, and provides insights into the healing process. Justin discusses the importance of building a safety state and how to mindfully connect with different states of defense. He also introduces his new course 'Stillness to Sympathetic,' designed to help individuals harness emerging sympathetic activation for meaningful goals. Viewer questions and feedback are encouraged.

00:00 Introduction and Viewer Question

01:02 Understanding Shutdown and Freeze

03:11 The Process of Coming Out of Shutdown

10:42 Mindfulness of Safety State

12:15 Mindfulness of Defensive State

15:34 Got a question?

SNB: Books 1 & 2 - https://www.justinlmft.com/books

Resources:

🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members

🔸 SNB: Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess

🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro

🔸 Stuck Not Broken book series - https://www.justinlmft.com/books

🔸 Polyvagal 101 audio series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

Crisis resources:

• 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”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)

Justin Sunseri tackles a common belief among his clients—the necessity of identifying the root cause of anxiety, anger, or depression to address these feelings. Justin reads and responds to a community member's query about 'safety anchors' and their effectiveness when the source of anxiety is unknown. He explains that while knowing the trigger can be helpful, it is not essential for alleviating anxiety. By permitting emotions and listening to what the body needs, individuals can reduce the intensity of their feelings. Justin emphasizes reframing the idea of 'fixing' emotions to 'unsticking' them and validates the importance of feeling and acknowledging emotions in the present moment. The episode wraps up with an invitation to join the 'Stuck Not Broken: Total Access Membership' for further support and resources.

00:00 Introduction to Common Problems in Therapy

00:41 Responding to a Community Question

02:42 Understanding Anxiety Triggers

08:31 The Concept of Being Stuck, Not Broken

11:12 Reframing and Validating Emotions

15:23 Conclusion and Membership Invitation

Resources:

🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members

🔸 SNB: Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess

🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro

🔸 Stuck Not Broken book series - https://www.justinlmft.com/books

🔸 Polyvagal 101 audio series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

Crisis resources:

• 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”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)

In this episode of Stuck Not Broken, therapist and coach Justin Sunseri explores how understanding and embracing the different states of your nervous system can dramatically enhance your productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. Justin delves into the Polyvagal Theory, explaining the primary and mixed states of safety, mobility, and shutdown, and offers practical tips for accessing and utilizing these states to achieve greater focus and efficiency in your daily life. Learn how to create a more mindful and balanced approach to work, creativity, and personal growth.

00:00 Introduction: Unlocking Your Productivity

00:17 Understanding the Nervous System

01:08 Polyvagal Theory and the Three States of the Nervous System

03:27 The Safety State: Connection and Creativity

05:23 Activating Your Safety State

10:45 Sympathetic Activation: Harnessing Mobility

20:30 Shutdown State: Embracing Rest and Recovery

28:24 Practical Tips for Daily Life

33:44 Conclusion and Resources

35:00 Disclaimer

Resources:

🔸 SSIEC sheet free download - https://assets.circle.so/4kqd4hwqn8q2g5s1uiggtx8iqyt2

Resources:

🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members

🔸 SNB: Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess

🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro

🔸 Stuck Not Broken book series - https://www.justinlmft.com/books

🔸 Polyvagal 101 audio series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

Crisis resources:

• 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”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)

This episode provides a platform for survey participants to offer encouragement, personal insights, and advice to those also experiencing shutdown. The shared experiences discuss common themes such as shame, isolation, the body's autonomic responses, and ways to work compassionately through shutdown states. The episode also highlights the importance of small steps, self-compassion, and human connection in the journey towards safety and self-regulation.

🔸 Shutdown Experiences Survey YouTube playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0wCusCOxhNUTWUAnJke_hpmNEEQ0atZZ

🔸 Shutdown Experiences Survey audio playlist - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/e8b8596b-813f-4c1c-9466-33db32b96e88

00:00 Intro to episode 244

01:02 the Shutdown Experiences Survey

02:32 Wisdom & Encouragement from Real People in Shutdown

39:24 the Goals of the Survey

41:59 Thanks for the kindness

43:18 Book 2 and upcoming cohort

Resources:

🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members

🔸 SNB: Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess

🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro

🔸 Stuck Not Broken book series - https://www.justinlmft.com/books

🔸 Polyvagal 101 audio series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

Crisis resources:

• 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”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)

Therapist and Coach Justin Sunseri explores how crying fits into the Polyvagal Theory. He shares insights from a private community meetup about crying as a self-regulatory process, emphasizing that it's not a Polyvagal state but a behavior to help climb the Polyvagal ladder. Justin discusses the different flavors of freeze, such as rage and panic, and provides practical advice on practicing safety and mindful releases to manage defensive activation states like anxiety and anger. The episode encourages building a foundation of safety and understanding one's defensive activations to handle intense emotional states better.

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Understanding Crying in Polyvagal Terms

02:06 Exploring Freeze, Rage, and Panic

05:54 Practical Tips for Self-Regulation

07:55 Foundational Practices for Safety and Regulation

12:57 Conclusion and Polyvagal Ladder resource

- Download the Polyvagal Ladder sheet - https://assets-v2.circle.so/sghph3fthvh5cmeudlpxlw85ofy8

Resources:

🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members

🔸 SNB: Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess

🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro

🔸 Stuck Not Broken book series - https://www.justinlmft.com/books

🔸 Polyvagal 101 audio series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

Crisis resources:

• 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”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)

You're likely trying many things to feel mentally and emotionally better, but are they all effective? Learn to put your efforts into 4 different buckets to understand what is effective and what isn't.

Resources:

🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members

🔸 SNB: Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess

🔸 Polyvagal Intro webpage - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro

🔸 Stuck Not Broken book series - https://www.justinlmft.com/books

🔸 Polyvagal 101 audio series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

Crisis resources:

• 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

00:00 Introduction to Trauma Recovery

00:39 Understanding Your Goals

01:19 Pathway 1: Establishing a Baseline

02:56 Pathway 2: Coping Mechanisms

05:55 Pathway 3: Practicing Safety

09:00 Pathway 4: Relieving Stuck Defensive States

12:44 Incorporating Micro Moments of Safety

15:34 Conclusion and Homework

This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)