Crying and the Polyvagal Theory: Release, Panic, and Rage (SNB 243)

Therapist and Coach Justin Sunseri explores how crying fits into the Polyvagal Theory. He shares insights from a private community meetup about crying as a self-regulatory process, emphasizing that it's not a Polyvagal state but a behavior to help climb the Polyvagal ladder. Justin discusses the different flavors of freeze, such as rage and panic, and provides practical advice on practicing safety and mindful releases to manage defensive activation states like anxiety and anger. The episode encourages building a foundation of safety and understanding one's defensive activations to handle intense emotional states better.

00:00 Introduction
00:39 Understanding Crying in Polyvagal Terms
02:06 Exploring Freeze, Rage, and Panic
05:54 Practical Tips for Self-Regulation
07:55 Foundational Practices for Safety and Regulation
12:57 Conclusion and Polyvagal Ladder resource

Resources:
🔸 Download the Polyvagal Ladder sheet - https://assets-v2.circle.so/sghph3fth...
🔸 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/polyvagali...

About the Host: Justin Sunseri is a therapist and coach committed to helping you live with calm, confidence, and connection—no psychobabble, no woo-woo. Justin is the author of the Stuck Not Broken book series, a member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board, a father of two, and a husband.

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

Disclaimer: 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).
#polyvagaltheory #debdana #crying