Safety First: Why Prescribed "Trauma Exercises" Can Backfire

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 📱 Ready to practice self-regulation? Try the Stuck Not Broken app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast 🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page 🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help 🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0 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). 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.)