Safety First: Why Prescribed "Trauma Exercises" Can Backfire (SNB 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 fundamentally different approach to nervous system healing.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:
• Why prescribed movement exercises can backfire
• The difference between fight-or-flight, freeze, and shutdown states
• Why safety must come before any trauma work
• How to work WITH your nervous system instead of against it
• The problem with "hacks" and shortcuts in healing

🎯 My Approach:
Instead of prescribed movements, I focus on:
Building a strong safety foundation first
Mindfully connecting with your current state
Allowing natural self-regulation to unfold
Following your body's wisdom, not external protocols

📚 Want to Learn More?
Join the Unstucking Academy - a small, intimate community (limited to 150 members) where we practice these principles together. Features the Unstucking Pathway: bite-sized lessons under 10 minutes each, taking you from Polyvagal basics to mastering skills like pendulation and balancing.
👉 Learn more: StuckNotBroken.com/UnstuckingAcademy

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Disclaimer
00:28 - Viewer Question About TRE Exercises
01:24 - Perspective on TRE and Trauma Recovery
04:01 - Understanding Fight/Flight and Shutdown States
08:01 - Additional Context About Freeze State
10:32 - Importance of Safety and Mindful Movement
12:18 - Addressing the Original Question
15:01 - Information About the Unstucking Academy

🔸 Free resources and course in the Members Center - https://www.justinlmft.com/members

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 #mentalhealth #traumarecovery