What Everyone Gets Wrong About Fawn vs Appease (even the Polyvagal Theory)
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 intro00:51 – Understanding Fawn and Appeasement02:11 – Behavioral Adaptations in Severe Situations03:23 – Appeasement and Social Activation07:53 – Dissociation and Survival Mechanisms11:50 – Recovery and Self-Regulation out of Severe Dissociation15:07 – Episode outro and final thoughtsResources:⬇️ Download the Polyvagal One-Pagers - https://stucknauts.circle.so/c/public_resources/polyvagal-checklist-download-8a9597 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/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0Crisis 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).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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15:58
Stop Trying to Change Your Polyvagal State. Do This Instead for True Self Regulation...
Discover why trying to force a change in your polyvagal state might be holding you back from true self-regulation. In this episode, therapist and coach Justin Sunseri challenges the common advice around prescriptive breathing techniques and invites you to connect with your body’s natural rhythms instead. Through insights from a live Q&A, learn how mindful awareness and listening to your body can lead to genuine calm, balance, and lasting change—without counting breaths or forcing a state shift.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction to Inner Balance0:39 – The Power of Natural Breathing2:02 – Critique of Prescriptive Breathing3:53 – Connecting with Your Body’s Needs5:03 – The Body’s Natural Self-Regulation11:05 – Creating Optimal Conditions for Self-Regulation15:02 – Final Thoughts and InvitationResources:🔸 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/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0Crisis 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).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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17:37
Finding Safety: Janie's Journey from Freeze to Connection
Feeling stuck in old patterns or chronic anxiety? In this episode, you'll hear Janie's inspiring story of moving from a lifelong freeze state to genuine connection and safety. Discover how she overcame emotional numbness, built meaningful relationships, and found practical ways to feel more at ease in her own body. You'll learn:⌲ Real-life strategies for getting "unstuck" and building safety in your nervous system⌲ The power of co-regulation and supportive community⌲ How small, consistent steps can lead to big changes in your sense of calm and confidenceResources:🔸 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/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0Crisis 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).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.)
Stuck Not Broken is the first podcast built on clearly teaching the Polyvagal Theory and applying it to your trauma recovery process. Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist that makes the science of connection easily understood and accessible to anyone. He created the Polyvagal Trauma Relief System and is the author of Trauma & The Polyvagal Paradigm.
(Justin Sunseri, LMFT99147)
South Africa