Stuck Not Broken

The third step in my Top-Down Self-Regulation Openers is giving yourself permission to feel your feelings. Learn to build on validation, normalization, and how to allow yourself to experience your emotions fully.Trauma recovery System of courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/traumareliefFree ebook, "Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm," when you sign up for my email list - https://www.justinlmft.com/books🤩 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) 273-8255National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for emergencyThis 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).

Emotional normalization is the process of making sense of your emotions based on your life context, which can help alleviate emotional dysregulation. I also discuss the importance of validation as the first step in the top-down self-regulation process, followed by normalization. Emotions are inherently the result of a biological process, which can be more deeply understood through the neuroscience of the Polyvagal Theory.SSIEC: https://www.justinlmft.com/ssiec Polyvagal Trauma Recovery System: https://www.justinlmft.com/traumarelief🤩 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) 273-8255National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for emergencyThis 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).

I teach you what validation is, how to validate yourself and how it connects to trauma in this video. I also discuss why validation might be difficult for many people. This is a segment from a book I am currently writing. I will let you know more when I know more!Download my free SSIEC sheet: https://www.justinlmft.com/ssiecPorges and the upside down triangle to learn more about brain to body and body to brain regulation: https://www.justinlmft.com/post/the-polyvagal-theory-understanding-the-3-neural-circuits-that-shape-our-behavior Blog for this episode - https://www.justinlmft.com/post/what-validation-isTrauma recovery System of courses and community - https://www.justinlmft.com/traumareliefFree ebook, "Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm" when you sign up for my email list - https://www.justinlmft.com/books🤩 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) 273-8255National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for emergencyThis 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).

Struggling with anxiety? You're not alone! Join me as I reveal the 5 best FREE tips to combat anxiety and enjoy a stress-free life. From understanding what anxiety is to practical tips to manage it, this video covers it all. Don't let anxiety control your life any longer, click now to start your journey towards a happier and healthier you! (Stuck Not Broken episode 183)SSIEC Nifty Gifty - https://www.justinlmft.com/ssiecPolyvagal Trauma Relief System - https://www.justinlmft.com/traumarelief🤩 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) 273-8255National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for emergencyThis 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).

You might be using positive affirmations in your self-development, and that's great. Buuuut it also might be making this worse! I talk about this with my course students in this clip from one of our bi-monthly meetups. We also talk about "story follows state" from Deb Dana and also how state follows story.Nifty Gifty PVT Primary Books List - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalprimarybooks 🤩 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) 273-8255National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for emergencyThis 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).

This is a full-on AI episode! I chat with Chat GPT, an AI program, about the polyvagal theory and trauma recovery. Surprisingly, the AI accurately described the theory and its implications for mental health treatment. It emphasizes the importance of establishing a sense of safety and security before processing traumatic experiences and recommend seeking therapy with a trained professional. It was a fun and interesting experience, and I hope you enjoy it too. (this description was also written by AI with minor editing)YouTube video for this episode with AI art - https://youtu.be/0-gzipYp1CkSite - https://www.justinlmft.comMy Polyvagal Trauma Relief System - https://wwww.justinlmft.com/traumareliefPolyvagal Checklist - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalchecklistMe: wow thank you. Where did you learn all of this information? What sources do you use?AI: As an AI language model, my knowledge is based on a vast corpus of text data. I was trained on a diverse range of sources, including books, articles, research papers, and other materials on a wide variety of topics. The information I provided on the Polyvagal Theory and trauma recovery is based on my training data and my ability to analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources.Some of the sources that I used to provide information on the Polyvagal Theory and trauma recovery include research papers from reputable journals, books written by experts in the field of trauma psychology, and online resources from organizations dedicated to promoting mental health and wellbeing.I should also note that while I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, my responses are not intended to substitute for professional advice or treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing trauma or mental health difficulties, it's essential to seek the guidance of a trained therapist or healthcare provider who can provide personalized advice and support.Me: What specific sources do you recommend for learning more about the Polyvagal Theory?There are many resources available for learning more about the Polyvagal Theory. Here are a few specific sources that may be helpful:"The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation" by Stephen Porges: This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Polyvagal Theory, including its origins, underlying principles, and implications for understanding human behavior and emotion."Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client-Centered Practices" by Deb Dana: This book provides a practical guide for applying the Polyvagal Theory in clinical practice, with a focus on promoting safety and connection through specific exercises and interventions."The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe" by Stephen Porges and Sue Carter: This concise guide provides an overview of the Polyvagal Theory and its implications for health and wellbeing, with a focus on practical strategies for promoting safety and regulation.The Polyvagal Institute: This online resource provides a wealth of information on the Polyvagal Theory, including research articles, training programs, and online resources for clinicians and individuals interested in learning more about the theory.🤩 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) 273-8255National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for emergencyThis 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).

What is under your thoughts? Your Polyvagal state, emotions, sensations and impulses are more significant than your thoughts. I make the case in this snippet from a meetup for course students.The Polyvagal Trauma Relief System - https://www.justinlmft.com/traumarelief🤩 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) 273-8255National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for emergencyThis 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).

I have three tips for you to reduce your fear of working on your stuck defensive state. Fear might be a significant obstacle for you, something that comes up during therapy or meditation and derails your efforts. In this episode, I share a story about a cop who said he does not feel fear, how this connects to you and what you can do about it.PLEASE Email me with a clip of your voice asking a general question - justinlmft@gmail.comPolyvagal Trauma Relief System - https://www.justinlmft.com/traumarelief🤩 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) 273-8255National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for emergencyThis 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).

My family was in a financial upheaval and I got so desperate I agreed to spend $9,000, which I soon after deeply regretted. Desperation can bring us to some scary places.Download my free ebook by joining my email list at the top of blog - https://www.justinlmft.com/blog Email me - justinlmft@gmail.comSchedule a NO-sales pressure chat with me - https://www.justinlmft.com/service-page/ptrs-call 🤩 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) 273-8255National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for emergencyThis 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).

If you're struggling with shame, blame or judgment, this is a good place to start. It might be too early to feel your feelings or to "sit with it". Instead, use the Polyvagal Theory to build a top-down new narrative.Free ebook in the top banner - https://www.justinlmft.com/blog Polyvagal Checklist freebie - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalchecklistOriginal blog article - https://www.justinlmft.com/post/how-to-reduce-your-shame-blame-judgmentPolyvagal 101 course - https://www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalclarity Polyvagal Trauma Relief System - https://www.justinlmft.com/traumarelief 🤩 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) 273-8255National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741Call 911 for emergencyThis 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).