Stuck Not Broken Safety First: Why Prescribed "Trauma Exercises" Can Backfire
A viewer asked about TRE exercises that seemed to help with anxiety but left them feeling numb and disconnected. In this episode, I break down what might have gone wrong and why I take a fundamentally different approach to nervous system healing.
🔑 Key Topics Covered:
• Why prescribed movement exercises can backfire
• The difference between fight-or-flight, freeze, and shutdown states
• Why safety must come before any trauma work
• How to work WITH your nervous system instead of against it
• The problem with "hacks" and shortcuts in healing
🎯 My Approach:
Instead of prescribed movements, I focus on:
- Building a strong safety foundation first
- Mindfully connecting with your current state
- Allowing natural self-regulation to unfold
- Following your body's wisdom, not external protocols
📚 Want to Learn More?
Join the Unstucking Academy - a small, intimate community (limited to 150 members) where we practice these principles together. Features the Unstucking Pathway: bite-sized lessons under 10 minutes each, taking you from Polyvagal basics to mastering skills like pendulation and balancing.
👉 Learn more: StuckNotBroken.com/UnstuckingAcademy
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Disclaimer
00:28 - Viewer Question About TRE Exercises
01:24 - Perspective on TRE and Trauma Recovery
04:01 - Understanding Fight/Flight and Shutdown States
08:01 - Additional Context About Freeze State
10:32 - Importance of Safety and Mindful Movement
12:18 - Addressing the Original Question
15:01 - Information About the Unstucking Academy
🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point—from free content to 1-on-1 coaching. Whether you're just beginning or ready for transformation, there's something designed for where you are right now. 👉 Visit https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you
😬 Need to catch up? Listen to the 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).
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