• Easily Notice Neuroceptions: Polyvagal Theory for Daily Life tip 4
    Apr 29 2025

    What is neuroception, and what do you do with it? This fourth installment in a five-part series focuses on comprehending and applying neuroception in daily life. Discover practical tips for recognizing the body's subconscious detection of safety, danger, or life-threatening situations before you're consciously aware. Discover the significance of proactive sensory inputs and cultivate nonjudgmental self-awareness. These insights are essential for progressing towards a calmer, more connected life.

    00:00 Intro to episode 252

    07:00 Neuroception Example: Sarah's First Team Meeting

    11:18 How to Easily Start Noticing Neuroception

    14:15 Using Your Senses to Identify Neuroception

    15:44 Why Noticing Neuroception Helps

    18:31 Outro to Stuck Not Broken episode 252

    Resources:

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

    🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy

    🔸 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.)

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    19 mins
  • Safe and Sound Book Review: Should You Buy It?
    Apr 22 2025

    Justin Sunseri reviews 'Safe and Sound' by Steven Porges and Karen Onderko. The book delves into the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), offering 13 real-life case studies and insights from Porges, the creator of Polyvagal Theory. Justin breaks down who the book is for, its content, and his thoughts on its genuine attempt to provide hope and comprehensive information about SSP. If you're curious about SSP and familiar with Polyvagal Theory, this review will help you decide whether this book can be a valuable addition to your collection.

    Watch the interview with the authors on YouTube (or listen to the previous episode on your podcast player) - https://youtu.be/KAPPQwk5LYI

    00:00 Safe and Sound Book Review: Should you Buy it?

    00:29 About the Safe and Sound book

    01:50 What is the point of the Safe and Sound book?

    03:47 Who is the Safe and Sound book for?

    05:28 Overall thoughts on the Safe and Sound book

    08:24 Do I recommend buying the Safe and Sound book?

    09:15 Outro to Stuck Not Broken episode 255

    Resources:

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

    🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy

    🔸 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.)

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    10 mins
  • 254. From Sound to Safety: Understanding the Safe & Sound Protocol with Dr. Porges and Karen Onderko
    Apr 22 2025

    💟 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy

    Justin Sunseri delves into the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) with Dr. Stephen Porges, the originator of the Polyvagal Theory, and Karen Onderko, co-author of the new book "Safe and Sound." Discover how SSP, a unique therapy using specifically filtered music, can help alleviate anxiety, depression, and sensory sensitivities by enhancing the nervous system's ability to experience safety. The discussion covers the science behind SSP, its clinical evidence, and its benefits for various conditions from autism to trauma. An insightful conversation that explores the potential of SSP as a neural exercise to aid in healing and resilience.

    Buy the book now - https://amzn.to/4cJ7f9I (Purchasing through this link will give me a portion of the sale at no extra cost to you)

    00:00 Intro to Stuck Not Broken

    01:52 What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?

    04:29 What is the evidence for SSP?

    08:31 What is the music of SSP?

    17:10 SSP and neuroplasticity

    19:22 Neural exercises, building safety, and SSP

    26:50 Trauma narratives and SSP

    28:50 Safety can lead to defense

    31:35 Who is SSP for?

    33:07 Autism and SSP

    39:39 SSP and co-regulation

    41:38 Skepticism of SSP

    47:07 Why not Safe and Sight or Safe and Smell?

    52:18 Is SSP a cure-all?

    57:44 Final thoughts and kindness

    59:12 SSP on the community level

    01:01:41 Department of Defense research grant

    01:04:05 Outro to Stuck Not Broken

    Resources:

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

    🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy

    🔸 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.)

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • How to Validate and Normalize Yourself: Polyvagal Theory for Everyday Life Tip 3 (251)
    Apr 4 2025

    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

    🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy

    🔸 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.)

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    14 mins
  • 250. Easily Increase Safety through Passive Cues: Polyvagal Theory for Everyday Life Tip 2
    Mar 29 2025

    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

    🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy

    🔸 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.)

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • 249. Easily Identify Your Autonomic State: Polyvagal Theory for Everyday Life (tip 1 of 5)
    Mar 4 2025

    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

    🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy

    🔸 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.)

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Stuck in Shutdown A Guide to Recognizing and Helping Loved Ones
    Feb 7 2025

    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

    🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy

    🔸 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.)

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    24 mins
  • How Shutdown can Become Freeze & What to do About it
    Jan 28 2025

    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

    🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy

    🔸 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.)

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins