LMFT, 17 years of experience
Hi there! I'm Justin Sunseri, a therapist from California. I've spent over 17 years helping people work through mental health challenges and recover from trauma. My passion is empowering those stuck in survival mode - flight, fight, shutdown, or freeze. By tapping into the body's natural wisdom, I guide people to feel safer and more grounded so they can rediscover their most authentic, joyful selves. I support individuals, couples, and families on this transformative journey with compassion and expertise. I'm deeply inspired by cutting-edge research like the Polyvagal Theory and love blending science with heart. Let me know if you'd like to explore working together!
When we meet for the first time, we'll start by getting to know each other a bit. Then, I'll want to hear about the specific challenges you're dealing with. Together, we'll explore what goals feel meaningful for you to work towards in our therapy sessions. I also like to give some "homework" assignments - little reflections or practices to try out before our next meeting. That way, you can start putting some tools into action right away. Before wrapping up, I always ask for feedback - what felt helpful during our time together and what could make it even better next time. I aim to create a space that feels open, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I never ask or push my clients to talk about things they are not ready for; no need to worry.
I can pinpoint the root causes of your challenges through the lens of the Polyvagal Theory and develop a personalized plan for real healing and empowerment. Coping strategies are fine for getting through difficult moments, but I like to see my clients make real, lasting changes on a deeper level. I don't want my clients to simply deal with their problems and then deal with it all over again the next day. By blending neuroscience with compassionate, client-centered care, I'll guide you from just surviving to truly thriving.
One of my greatest passions is supporting people who have experienced tough traumas and feel lost on the path to healing. I love working with folks who want to go beyond just recovering - they crave a deep, insightful understanding of how their bodies and emotions respond based on concepts like the brilliant Polyvagal Theory. So often, they feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in survival modes like fighting, fleeing, freezing up, or pleasing everyone else. My role is to help them get unstuck from those defensive states that impact their relationships, work, and sense of self. I bring trauma recovery and psychology expertise; the clients bring the expertise of their lives - we work together to help them meet their goals.
1 rating with written reviews
June 30, 2025
Justin was spot on with what I was saying and gave great advice thanks Justin
Healing from trauma takes immense courage, and you don't have to go through it alone. With over 17 years of supporting trauma survivors, I understand the wide-ranging impacts these experiences can have on your life. My approach to trauma-informed care creates a safe, empowering space for you to begin your healing journey. Together, we'll explore how your traumatic experiences may be connected to the challenges you're facing today. I'll provide compassionate support and guidance as we develop personalized strategies to help you get unstuck.
The Polyvagal Theory isn't just my professional passion - it's been transformative in understanding and supporting my clients on their healing journeys. As a globally recognized expert and member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board, I've dedicated myself to deepening this groundbreaking mind-body perspective. Through my unique Polyvagal Trauma Relief System, we'll explore regulation techniques that speak directly to your nervous system's self-protective responses. The Polyvagal Theory provides an affirming, destigmatizing lens to understand how past experiences shape your present challenges. In our work together, you'll gain Self-regulation skills that can restore a sense of safety within yourself. This compassionate approach recognizes your innate capacity for resilience and post-traumatic growth. My role is to guide you through this empowering model so you can reimagine your relationship with trauma's effects.
We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life. I also connect your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to your internal sensations to create a more complete understanding of yourself.
This gentle yet powerful approach encourages compassionate, present-moment awareness—the ability to objectively observe one's thoughts and feelings without judgment. During our sessions, I'll guide you through mindfulness exercises to help you cultivate this grounded, accepting stance toward your experiences. From this centered place, we'll have the space to disrupt old reactive patterns and respond to challenges with greater wisdom. Mindfulness can be an incredible anchor, allowing you to stay grounded even amidst storms of difficult emotion. My role is to help you develop a mindful lens through which to view yourself and your circumstances with reduced suffering and increased self-insight. What makes mindfulness so transformative is its invitation to let go of self-judgment and open yourself to the possibilities of change. With patience and practice, you can access profound insights about your core strengths and capacity for lasting positive growth.