A Real Story of Self-Regulating out of Dorsal Vagal Shutdown: Macy's "Dancing"

Stuck Not Broken

Justin Sunseri shares an inspiring story from Macy to demonstrate effective self-regulation out of the Polyvagal state of shutdown. He explores Macy's experiences of navigating through states of immobilization—shutdown, freeze, and stillness—using music and movement to manage sympathetic activation. Justin also discusses why unexpected memories may pop into consciousness when practicing self-regulation.

00:00 Introduction to Self-Regulation Story

00:42 Macy's Experience with Shutdown and Freeze

01:11 Understanding Different States of Immobility

02:52 The Role of Safety in Self-Regulation

06:36 Macy's Journey to Mobilization

07:18 Welcoming Sympathetic Activation

08:41 Macy's Memory and Co-Regulation

09:11 Macy's Roundabout Memory

10:25 Understanding Self-Regulation

12:04 Present Moment Focus

14:52 Handling Sympathetic Activation

15:29 Upcoming Courses and Community

16:53 Invitation to Stucknaut Collective

18:05 Disclaimer

🔸Download the free SSIEC sheet by signing up for the email list resource - https://www.justinlmft.com/ssiec

📘 Stuck Not Broken: Book 1 - https://www.justinlmft.com/snb1

Total Access Membership - https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess

Crisis resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 [phone]
• National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 [phone]
• LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 [phone]
• National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 [phone]
• Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741
• Call 911 for emergency

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).

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Mentioned in this episode:

Shutdown to Stillness Cohort 3

I can't wait to see you in Shutdown to Stillness cohort #3! To sign up, become a Total Access Member through the link below. https://www.justinlmft.com/totalaccess These are the dates and times for Cohort 3: - Wednesday, October 30, 3-4:30pm PST - Wednesday, November 6, 3-4:30pm PST - Wednesday, November 13, 3-4:30pm PST - Wednesday, November 20, 3-4:30pm PST