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 Overview00:16 Reading a YouTube Comment03:15 Community Insights: Karen's Advice12:36 Community Insights: Flo's Journey17:08 Community Insights: Love Day's Experience19:20 Community Insights: Mandy's Perspective23:37 Understanding Co-Regulation24:20 Professional vs. Friendly Co-Regulation25:17 Using Co-Regulation Mindfully26:19 Alternative Ways to Co-Regulate27:35 Reconnecting with Others29:10 Community Insights on Co-Regulation30:21 Addressing Defensive State Activation34:43 Personalizing Your Approach43:13 Next Steps and Resources45:53 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources:🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members🔸 SNB: Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess 🔸 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).