282 episodes

Stuck Not Broken is the first podcast built on clearly teaching the Polyvagal Theory and applying it to your trauma recovery process. Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist that makes the science of connection easily understood and accessible to anyone. He created the Polyvagal Trauma Relief System and is the author of Trauma & The Polyvagal Paradigm.
(Justin Sunseri, LMFT99147)

Stuck Not Broken Justin Sunseri

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.7 • 294 Ratings

Stuck Not Broken is the first podcast built on clearly teaching the Polyvagal Theory and applying it to your trauma recovery process. Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist that makes the science of connection easily understood and accessible to anyone. He created the Polyvagal Trauma Relief System and is the author of Trauma & The Polyvagal Paradigm.
(Justin Sunseri, LMFT99147)

    Stage Fright and Polyvagal Theory: how to Anchor in Safety and Overcome it

    Stage Fright and Polyvagal Theory: how to Anchor in Safety and Overcome it

    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 and Contact Information
    16:25 Disclaimer and Additional Resources
    🔸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 Polyvagal 101 podcast series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0
    🔹I'd love your feedback! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZhfJa5_AWDN1D4zDO1nDMqs7gl0UrKpmuCqRYLmA5et08zg/viewform?usp=sf_link
    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).

    • 16 min
    Polyvagal Safety Cues & Loved Ones: Why You Don't Feel Connected (maybe)

    Polyvagal Safety Cues & Loved Ones: Why You Don't Feel Connected (maybe)

    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 to Join Trauma Recovery Courses
    🔸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! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZhfJa5_AWDN1D4zDO1nDMqs7gl0UrKpmuCqRYLmA5et08zg/viewform?usp=sf_link
    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).

    • 9 min
    Dealing with Sadness through Self-Compassion (sadness and Polyvagal Theory)

    Dealing with Sadness through Self-Compassion (sadness and Polyvagal Theory)

    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 Polyvagal 101 playlist - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0
    🔹I'd love your feedback! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZhfJa5_AWDN1D4zDO1nDMqs7gl0UrKpmuCqRYLmA5et08zg/viewform?usp=sf_link
    01:11 Understanding Sadness and Emotions
    01:40 The Polyvagal Theory and Emotions
    03:37 Recognizing and Validating Sadness
    04:10 The Three-Step Process: Validate, Normalize, Give Permission
    06:24 Anchoring in Safety and Dealing with Sadness
    10:11 Different Flavors of Sadness
    11:09 Polyvagal Trauma Relief System and Conclusion
    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).

    • 12 min
    How to Feel Polyvagal Safety Even if You Struggle to

    How to Feel Polyvagal Safety Even if You Struggle to

    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 “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).

    • 10 min
    From Safety to Shutdown: Courtney's Journey through Polyvagal Theory

    From Safety to Shutdown: Courtney's Journey through Polyvagal Theory

    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 Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess
    Polyvagal Trauma Relief System - https://www.justinlmft.com/traumarelief
    Intimacy podcast episode - https://youtu.be/zS-IYlJWVAo
    Appease and Fawn podcast episode - https://youtu.be/4vTXTEF47pQ
    Trauma and the Polyvagal Paradigm ebook - https://www.justinlmft.com/books
    Polyvagal 101 audio series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0
    Polyvagal Intro web page - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro
    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).

    • 22 min
    Growth Mindset is Not the Solution and Fixed Mindset is Not the Problem

    Growth Mindset is Not the Solution and Fixed Mindset is Not the Problem

    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. Ultimately, how readily one can access the 'safety' state is crucial to cultivating a growth mindset.
    Polyvagal Trauma Relief System - https://www.justinlmft.com/ptrs
    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) 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).

    • 26 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
294 Ratings

294 Ratings

shan-usa ,

Love the style and information!

I enjoy how Justin combine scientific theory and his own experiences/observations/etc. As a therapist myself, I find the show very informative and easy to listen to. It is so empowering and I definitely would recommend some of my clients to give it a listen, I think they can benefit from it a lot. Thank you!

Dr Feilgood ,

Amazing content and even better host!

Polyvagal theory is new to me, but this podcast has helped me do a deep dive on learning all things about it and Justin makes it all seem so simple! Can’t wait to venture further down this rabbit hole!

@MichaelUnbroken/ ,

Great Information

I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you for creating such an impactful podcast! I believe that we all have a voice that deserves to be heard. Thank you for putting this into the world! BE UNBROKEN! @MichaelUnbroken

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