Stuck Not Broken Breaking the Cycle: How to Access Safety When You're Always in Defense (SNB 234)
Therapist and coach Justin Sunseri addresses a YouTube comment regarding persistent hyperarousal and difficulty accessing a state of ventral vagal safety. Justin discusses various perspectives and advice from members of his private community, highlighting the importance of small steps, connections with others, and mindful practices. The episode emphasizes the necessity of both internal and external sources of safety, including co-regulation with others and individual sensory experiences. Justin also mentions approaches like validating emotions, normalizing experiences, and incremental exposure to safety cues as critical components to overcoming emotional dysregulation.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:16 Reading a YouTube Comment
03:15 Community Insights: Karen's Advice
12:36 Community Insights: Flo's Journey
17:08 Community Insights: Love Day's Experience
19:20 Community Insights: Mandy's Perspective
23:37 Understanding Co-Regulation
24:20 Professional vs. Friendly Co-Regulation
25:17 Using Co-Regulation Mindfully
26:19 Alternative Ways to Co-Regulate
27:35 Reconnecting with Others
29:10 Community Insights on Co-Regulation
30:21 Addressing Defensive State Activation
34:43 Personalizing Your Approach
43:13 Next Steps and Resources
45:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
🤩 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).