SERVICES
Safe & Sound Protocol
It’s time to move beyond talk therapy
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The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, emotional regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music.
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SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to re-tune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience. SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.
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Developed by world-renowned researcher and Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system, and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life-threat can impact our behavior.
SAFE & SOUND PROTOCOL
In an effort to support my clients in their transformational experience, I have added the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) to my list of interventions.
WHAT IS SSP?
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the SSP is a therapeutic intervention that aims to help people regulate their nervous systems and improve social engagement. It's like a soothing playlist for your brain! Our nervous system plays a vital role in how we respond to stress and interact with the world around us. Sometimes, due to various factors like trauma or sensory sensitivities, our nervous system can become dysregulated, causing difficulties in areas such as communication, attention, and emotional well-being. That's where the SSP comes in! It's designed to help recalibrate and fine-tune our nervous system, promoting a sense of safety and relaxation. It uses specially filtered music that has been modified to include certain frequencies and patterns, specifically targeting the auditory system.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN USING SSP
The SSP is typically administered over a series of listening sessions. Each session lasts up to 30 minutes, and it's recommended to complete the full 5 hour program to maximize its benefits. SSP requires use of over-the-ear headphones (technical name is Circumaural headphones) that do not have active noise-cancelling or enhanced bass features. Passive noise-isolation is acceptable, but the headphones should not electronically amplify bass or block external sound. This allows the music to be heard cleanly without distortion that could impact effectiveness. These headphones are recommended.
Listening to music: The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones. The full protocol includes 5 hours of music. Everyone progresses through the protocol in their own timeframe as each nervous system is different. The music is generally relaxing and follows a specific pattern to activate the vagus nerve.
Regulating Activities: Clients will be invited in regulating activities while they are engaged in their listening session. These activities may include, mindful breathing, guided visualization, or gentle movement just to name a few. Co-regulation is an important part of the delivery of SSP and supports optimal results.
Notice Changes: Clients are asked to be cognizant of emotional and physiological changes during the listening session as well as in between sessions. This changes are evidence that the nervous system is changing how it functions.
Possible Challenges: Some clients report mild headaches, tinnitus, and increased irritability/emotionality. If these things occur, they are mild, temporary and manageable.
Current clients can request SSP be added to their individual sessions. Individuals seeking a provider who offers SSP may be asked to also have an individual therapist if additional support is needed.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING SSP?
While many people see benefits, improvements will vary based on the individual. Some may need to listen to more sessions to see the full effects.
Reduced anxiety and depression: By calming the body's "fight or flight" response, SSP can lessen feelings of anxiety, worry, and depression. This can help adults better manage stress.
Improved sleep: Adults often report improved sleep quality and duration after using SSP. Getting better sleep provides energy, improves focus, and supports overall wellbeing.
Increased social engagement: Some adults note feeling more interested in social interaction, better able to pick up social cues, and more comfortable making eye contact after SSP sessions. It activates the social engagement system.
Support for sensory processing: For adults with sensory processing challenges, SSP can help better integrate sensory input and reduce sensitivities to certain sounds. This makes it easier to focus and function.
Boosted immunity: Early research suggests SSP may support immune function by reducing inflammation. This could help adults stay healthier.
Enhanced learning: By calming the body and promoting focus, SSP creates better conditions for adults to learn and acquire new skills more easily.
Increased self-regulation: Adults may find it easier to self-soothe, moderate emotional reactions, and make thoughtful choices after using SSP. This supports self-regulation.
Improved relationships: With increased social engagement, self-regulation, and empathy, SSP can help improve relationship skills for adults. Connecting becomes easier.
