I share the second round of results from my Shutdown Experiences Survey, including how far away safety feels and how long people live in shutdown. Gain new language for your experiences, plus lots of validation and normalization.

00:00 Introduction to episode 227

01:32 How far away does safety feel?

06:56 How long have you been in shutdown?

10:16 How long do acute shutdown experiences last?

13:10 Personal Shutdown Stories: Voices from the Survey

20:13 Support and Resources for Navigating Shutdown

🔸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

🔸Shutdown playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0wCusCOxhNV0uWZIPt3bDvYNNh5kwnDX

🔹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).

Justin shares the felt experience results of his "Shutdown Experiences Survey." Real people in dorsal vagal shutdown share about their emotions, thoughts, and more. You will get more validation and normalization from this episode. Learn language for your shutdown experiences and ideas on what to do about it.

🔸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

🔸SSIEC sheet download - https://www.justinlmft.com/ssiec

🔹I'd love your feedback! - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZhfJa5_AWDN1D4zDO1nDMqs7gl0UrKpmuCqRYLmA5et08zg/viewform?usp=sf_link

0:00 Real People Share Real Experiences of Dorsal Vagal Shutdown (SNB 227)

01:00 the Shutdown Experiences Survey

02:43 Emotions of Shutdown

08:09 Thinking from Shutdown

11:30 Sensations of Shutdown

14:34 Impulses of Shutdown

18:06 What is it like to be in shutdown?

20:09 What's the Solution to Shutdown?

23:14 Outro

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).

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”) (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).

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 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).

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 framework for individuals seeking to address their coping strategies without judgment or shame.

00:00 Introduction

01:17 Strategies for Managing Negative Coping Skills

05:22 The Journey Towards Mindfulness and Self-Regulation

07:13 Preparation Stage of Change

08:41 Join the Stuck Not Broken Community

🔸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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).