# Safety First: Why Prescribed "Trauma Exercises" Can Backfire

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stuck-not-broken-765818/safety-first-why-prescribed-trauma-exercises-can-backfire
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stuck-not-broken-765818/safety-first-why-prescribed-trauma-exercises-can-backfire.md
Podcast: [Stuck Not Broken](https://stenobird.com/podcast/stuck-not-broken-765818)
Published: 2025-08-19T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: http://www.justinlmft.com
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/08ecb03a-8f72-4177-8123-3b2cf1c3d238.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/stuck-not-broken-765818/episodes/safety-first-why-prescribed-trauma-exercises-can-backfire
Duration seconds: 1129

## Resource

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 go deeper? Explore resources at every price point—from free content to 1-on-1 coaching. Whether you're just beginning or ready for transformation, there's something designed for where you are right now. 👉 Visit https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-…

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