What Everyone Gets Wrong About Fawn vs Appease (even the Polyvagal Theory)

Stuck Not Broken

What’s the real difference between “fawn” and “appease”? Therapist Justice Sunseri breaks down these trauma responses, how they relate to Polyvagal Theory, and what it means for recovery. Download the free Polyvagal One Pagers in the description for more resources!

00:00 – Episode intro

00:51 – Understanding Fawn and Appeasement

02:11 – Behavioral Adaptations in Severe Situations

03:23 – Appeasement and Social Activation

07:53 – Dissociation and Survival Mechanisms

11:50 – Recovery and Self-Regulation out of Severe Dissociation

15:07 – Episode outro and final thoughts

Resources:

⬇️ Download the Polyvagal One-Pagers - https://stucknauts.circle.so/c/public_resources/polyvagal-checklist-download-8a9597

Resources:

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

🔸 Join the Unstucking Academy - https://www.justinlmft.com/unstuckingacademy

🔸 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/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

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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