What’s the real difference between “fawn” and “appease”? Therapist Justice Sunseri breaks down these trauma responses, how they relate to Polyvagal Theory, and what it means for recovery. Download the free Polyvagal One Pagers in the description for more resources!
00:00 – Episode intro
00:51 – Understanding Fawn and Appeasement
02:11 – Behavioral Adaptations in Severe Situations
03:23 – Appeasement and Social Activation
07:53 – Dissociation and Survival Mechanisms
11:50 – Recovery and Self-Regulation out of Severe Dissociation
15:07 – Episode outro and final thoughts
Resources:
⬇️ Download the Polyvagal One-Pagers - https://stucknauts.circle.so/c/public_resources/polyvagal-checklist-download-8a9597
Resources:
🔸 Wondering what to do next? https://bit.ly/4ozbppZ
🔸 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.)
Mentioned in this episode:
Self-Regulation Simplified
Self-Regulation Simplified is a step-by-step, 8-week Polyvagal-informed program for those ready to move beyond frustration and build real, lasting self-regulation skills—together. Learn more about Self-Regulation Simplified - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/self-regulation-simplified
