Stuck Not Broken

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. 🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?...

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...

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 Poly...

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. 🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the...

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 imp...

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 i...

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...

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 a...

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 att...

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...

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.justi...

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 L...

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...

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%20a...

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://...

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"...

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) 🌸 Not sure whic...

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 N...

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 🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're...

Fawn has officially been added to the growing list of Polyvagal Theory mixed states. I’ll explain fawning and how the theory interprets it to deepen your understanding of the Polyvagal Theory. Trauma recovery System of courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess Order Dr Porges’ NEW book - Our Polyvagal World - through this Amazon affiliate link. I get a portion of the sale at n...

Appeasement has replaced the outdated understanding of "Stockholm Syndrome," as described by the Polyvagal Theory. Learn what appeasement is and how it acts as a survival mechanism when one is under life threat. Order Dr Porges’ NEW book - Our Polyvagal World - through this Amazon affiliate link. I get a portion of the sale at no extra cost to you - https://amzn.to/47UIxjV Appeasement: Replacing S...

Dr. Stephen Porges addresses critiques of the Polyvagal Theory, new mixed states (fawn, appease, intimacy), and "stimulating the vagus nerve." He also discusses his new book, Our Polyvagal World, and his newest academic paper, the Vagal Paradox: a Polyvagal Solution. Order Dr Porges’ NEW book - Our Polyvagal World - through this Amazon affiliate link. I get a portion of the sale at no extra cost t...

Today will end. In this episode, I cover a heavy topic - time. I want to add a bit of urgency to your self-improvement or trauma recovery process. Don't listen if this is too heavy a topic for you. Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess Free ebook, "Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm" when you sign up for my email list - https://www.justinlmft.com/books 🌸 Not sure which...

Someone BANGED on our window in the middle of the night with their fists! I'll teach you how this connects to the Polyvagal concept of neuroception. Trauma recovery System of 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 🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? R...

Learn how incorporating small moments of silence into your daily routine can enhance essential mindfulness, reduce stress, and help you feel more connected to your surroundings. Trauma recovery System of 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 🌸 Not sure w...