Justin Feinstein, PhD - Float Tanks, PTSD & Altered States
This episode of the FitMind Podcast, Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses how flotation therapy modulates the nervous system and supports recovery from trauma, anxiety, and stress.
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Episode Overview
In this episode, clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Justin Feinstein explores the science and therapeutic power of flotation therapy. Dr. Feinstein explains why the common label “sensory deprivation” is misleading and what actually happens inside a float tank. Rather than cutting off senses, floating creates a unique environment of deep rest, helping to calm the nervous system and promote mental recovery.
The conversation dives into Dr. Feinstein’s research on how floating is particularly effective for individuals suffering from PTSD, anxiety sensitivity, and even anorexia nervosa. His studies have shown that the more stressed someone is before entering the tank, the greater the positive impact floating has on their physiology and mental state. Dr. Feinstein also shares his vision of integrating float therapy into public health systems to support trauma survivors and those battling chronic stress and anxiety.
Dr. Feinstein discusses floating’s parallels with meditation, how it induces altered brainwave states, and its increasing use by elite athletes seeking improved recovery and focus.
P.S. — If you’re serious about starting or deepening your meditation practice, check out the FitMind meditation app.
Justin Feinstein, PhD Bio
Dr. Justin Feinstein is a clinical neuropsychologist and neuroscientist specializing in the treatment of anxiety and trauma-related disorders. He is internationally recognized for his pioneering research on flotation therapy and its effects on the nervous system, particularly in individuals with PTSD and high anxiety sensitivity. Dr. Feinstein’s work bridges the gap between cutting-edge neuroscience and practical mental health interventions, with a focus on natural, non-pharmacological approaches to healing.
As the founder and director of the Neuropsychology Research Program at LIBR (Laureate Institute for Brain Research), Dr. Feinstein led groundbreaking clinical studies exploring how flotation therapy can down-regulate stress responses and promote self-regulation in the brain. His research has contributed to a growing body of evidence supporting float therapy as a powerful tool for improving mental health outcomes, especially among those who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Beyond his research, Dr. Feinstein is a passionate advocate for integrating flotation therapy into public health systems to make it accessible to those most in need. He has consulted for clinics, athletic organizations, and wellness centers worldwide and is widely regarded as one of the leading voices on the therapeutic applications of floating.
Show Notes
0:00 | Intro to Justin Feinstein, PhD
2:55 | Floating & PTSD treatment
18:02 | More Stress, More Effective Floating
20:02 | Anxious People's Struggle With Meditation
31:58 | High Anxiety Sensitivity
43:41 | Peak Performance Through Flotation
7:12 | How Long Benefits of Floating Last
2:29 | Floating & Meditation
54:31 | Out-of-Body Experiences
58:03 | Anorexia Nervosa & Floating
1:01:40 | Effects on Nervous System
1:04:07 | Altered States & Brainwaves in the Tank
1:19:26 | Importance of Early Intervention
1:24:17 | Respiration
1:27:30 | Maui Calm Project: https://www.mauicalm.org/, Float Research Collective: https://www.clinicalfloat.org/, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-feinstein/