Stuck Not Broken

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

📱 Ready to practice self-regulation? Try the Stuck Not Broken app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast

🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page

🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help

🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

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

📱 Ready to practice self-regulation? Try the Stuck Not Broken app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast

🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page

🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help

🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

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

📱 Ready to practice self-regulation? Try the Stuck Not Broken app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast

🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page

🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help

🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

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

📱 Ready to practice self-regulation? Try the Stuck Not Broken app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast

🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page

🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help

🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

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

📱 Ready to practice self-regulation? Try the Stuck Not Broken app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast

🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page

🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help

🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

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

📱 Ready to practice self-regulation? Try the Stuck Not Broken app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast

🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page

🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help

🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

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.

📱 Ready to practice self-regulation? Try the Stuck Not Broken app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast

🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page

🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help

🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

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.)

Let's examine two unasked questions: “What do I feel?” and “How do I know I feel that way?” These questions lie at the heart of understanding our Polyvagal states and how they influence our emotions and physical sensations. By exploring the connection between mind and body, you can learn how to tune into your inner experiences with mindfulness and self-compassion.

Chapters:

02:00 Identifying Your Emotional State

03:47 Practical Exercise: Recognizing Your State

05:19 Deepening Your Emotional Awareness

08:44 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

📱 Ready to practice self-regulation? Try the Stuck Not Broken app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast

🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page

🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help

🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

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 shares an inspiring story from Macy to demonstrate effective self-regulation out of the Polyvagal state of shutdown. He explores Macy's experiences of navigating through states of immobilization—shutdown, freeze, and stillness—using music and movement to manage sympathetic activation. Justin also discusses why unexpected memories may pop into consciousness when practicing self-regulation.

00:00 Introduction to Self-Regulation Story

00:42 Macy's Experience with Shutdown and Freeze

01:11 Understanding Different States of Immobility

02:52 The Role of Safety in Self-Regulation

06:36 Macy's Journey to Mobilization

07:18 Welcoming Sympathetic Activation

08:41 Macy's Memory and Co-Regulation

09:11 Macy's Roundabout Memory

10:25 Understanding Self-Regulation

12:04 Present Moment Focus

14:52 Handling Sympathetic Activation

15:29 Upcoming Courses and Community

16:53 Invitation to Stucknaut Collective

18:05 Disclaimer

🔸Download the free SSIEC sheet by signing up for the email list resource - https://www.justinlmft.com/ssiec

📱 Ready to practice self-regulation? Try the Stuck Not Broken app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast

🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page

🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help

🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

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.)

Are you transitioning from a shutdown state to sympathetic mobilization? I address the common emotions of frustration, irritation, and anger as positive indicators of moving up the Polyvagal ladder.

01:32 Teagan's Journey: From Shutdown to Stillness

02:03 The Importance of Permitting Defensive States

03:29 Imagery and Irritation: Teagan's Experience

04:39 The Role of Fight Activation in Self-Regulation

07:41 Movement and Sympathetic Activation

09:31 Validating and Normalizing Fight Activation

11:00 Embracing Self-Compassion

11:20 Understanding Defensive States

12:27 Navigating Shutdown and Activation

13:57 The Role of Stillness in Self-Regulation

15:11 Managing Frustration and Anxiety

16:29 Sustaining Energy and Mobility

19:16 Harnessing Frustration for Growth

20:46 Invitation to the Stucknaut Collective

21:58 Disclaimer and Final Thoughts

📱 Ready to practice self-regulation? Try the Stuck Not Broken app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast

🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page

🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help

🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

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.)