Podcast Episodes

Polyvagal Approach to Shame and Anger & How to Not Use Pendulation

Season 1 Episode 265

Unlock a deeper understanding of shame, anger, and the polyvagal theory in this episode! Justin Sunseri answers a listener’s question about navigating difficult emotions, pendulation, and the importa…

Published on 5 hours ago

Safety First: Why Prescribed "Trauma Exercises" Can Backfire

Season 1 Episode 264

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 fundamentall…

Published on 1 week ago

Self-Regulation & Mindful Breathing: What if it Was Easier?

Season 1 Episode 263

Feeling overwhelmed by complex breathing techniques and counting methods? In this episode, I share why your body already knows how to breathe—and why trusting that natural process might be more effec…

Published on 2 weeks ago

3 Strategies to Reduce Overhwhelm and Get Stuff Done

Season 1 Episode 262

Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? I share three practical strategies to reduce overwhelm and finally get things done. Learn how to find safety, soften your defensive state, and take small, almo…

Published on 3 weeks ago

the Polyvagal Guide to Boundaries: Why You Need Both Safety AND Fight Activation

Season 1 Episode 261

Learn how the Polyvagal Theory helps explain healthy boundaries through a combination of safety and sympathetic activation.

Episode Introduction and Context — 0:00

Understanding Ventral Vagal Safety St…

Published on 2 months ago

What Everyone Gets Wrong About Fawn vs Appease (even the Polyvagal Theory)

Season 1 Episode 260

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 th…

Published on 2 months, 1 week ago

Stop Trying to Change Your Polyvagal State. Do This Instead for True Self Regulation...

Season 1 Episode 259

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 aro…

Published on 2 months, 1 week ago

Finding Safety: Janie's Journey from Freeze to Connection

Season 1 Episode 258

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 overca…

Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago

Rebuilding After a Breakup: Facing Anxiety and Finding Safety

Season 1 Episode 257

A listener shares his struggles with anxiety and attachment issues following a recent breakup. At age 17, Chuck's relationship triggered intense anxiety due to his anxious attachment style, leading t…

Published on 3 months ago

Breaking Free: How Small Changes Transformed Eva's Shutdown into Connection

Season 1 Episode 256

Eva shares her powerful recovery from a Polyvagal shutdown state. She discusses her experiences, valuable insights, and practical tips that have helped her rebuild her sense of safety and connection.…

Published on 3 months, 1 week ago