““The quest for safety is the basis for leading a successful life”
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What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?
Developed by neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a five hour, research based, auditory intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, the SSP exerts a calming effect on our physiological and emotional state. This opens the door for improved healing, communication and social ease.
For more information please go to www.whatisthessp.com
Who it Helps
The SSP is a research-based therapy showing significant results in the following areas:
Social and emotional difficulties
Auditory sensitivities
Anxiety and trauma related challenges
Inattention
Stressors that impact social engagement
Internal agitation, irritability and reactivity
Those on the Autism Spectrum
Those with physical conditions exacerbated by stress
Changes are often seen immediately, but many times gradually unfold over the course of 2 months as a person’s nervous system integrates and engages with the new information that is now available. If you have tried everything and nothing has worked, it could be because your nervous system is in a fight, flight or freeze response. The SSP is designed to help your body shift out of this survival mechanism and orient towards healing.
What Others Say…
The Science
Listen to specially mastered vocal music through headphones. Choose from four different playlists. The music is carefully designed to exercise the tiny muscles of the middle ear so that they can become attuned once more to the range of frequencies that mammals use for social engagement, which are at a higher frequency band than that which is used for threat monitoring. These muscles also have links to the vagus nerve, thus stimulating it to restore normal function and to support your nervous system in coming out of fight, flight and freeze and away from protective vigilance. We experience this vigilance in myriad ways, such as an ongoing feeling of being unsafe. This can express as reactive anxiety and/or anger. Once we are able to let go of this vigilance, we are free to engage in meaningful social connection, healing and deep relaxation.
Combining SSP with Somatic Experiencing
Combining SSP with Somatic Experiencing offers a powerful vehicle for growth. SSP often allows unprocessed emotions to be met and released. Somatic Experiencing, with its focus on releasing emotions and trauma from the body is the perfect vehicle to support that process. Listen to the podcast below to hear more about how that works.
Episode 28- Somatic Experience, Polyvagal Theory and SSP for Trauma - Laura Moorehead is part of a panel discussion of the benefits of combining SSP and Somatic Experiencing
Ready to Start….Choose Your Package
The Safe and Sound Protocol is available remotely using Zoom and an app on your phone. If you have questions, please call 808-889-0777 or send an email. If you’re ready to begin please click on and purchase your Adult or Child package below and I will reach out within 24 hours to schedule at a time that’s convenient for you.
Payment plans are available. Please let me know if you would like more information.
Adults - The following is included in all packages.
We will have an initial session, either in person or on Zoom where we explore what you are looking for from the program and how I can best support you. Together, we will explore the patterns of your individual nervous system and how it functions for you in daily life so that you will be fully prepared to recognize the changes that SSP creates and know how to adjust the program so that it is most effective for you. We will identify resources that support you and find new ones, as well as covering the mechanics of how to use the app, when and where to listen, what to expect, and answer any questions that you have. You will receive handouts and information about how to regulate your nervous system.
Our next session is where we will begin the listening. We will be tracking what you are noticing in your body and emotions. You may listen for up to 30 minutes or perhaps much less, depending on what seems to be optimal for your unique nervous system. Subsequently, you will complete some listening on your own before we meet up again in hour 3 and again during hour 5. As you advance through the program, you will receive as much text and email support in between sessions as you need.
Includes everything described above. Best for those wanting maximum independence in their listening experience.
Includes everything in the Essentials package plus 2 Somatic Experiencing sessions. Best for those looking for a little extra support.
Includes everything in Essentials package plus 6 Somatic Experiencing sessions. Best for those with a trauma history or those wanting maximum support.
Optional add on: Wild Divine immersive biofeedback device. Meditation Journeys led by world-famous guides with real time feedback using heart rate and breathing. $30/month plus shipping….More info
Once you have completed one round of SSP you may repeat the program for $150
Children - The following is included in all packages.
For children, the most comfortable way to experience the program is usually in the company of their parents or caregivers. Because of this I offer the program a little differently for them than for adults. I will initially meet with you, the parents or caregivers, to gain an understanding of your child and the challenges they may be facing. Then I will orient you to the program, teaching you how to administer it and what to look out for. We discuss how often, how much, when and where to listen. Your child’s actual listening is done with you as the safe presence in your home. We will maintain close contact via zoom, phone, email or text to support you and adjust the program as needed.
If your child is dealing with more significant challenges it can be helpful to combine SSP with the ILS program and/or with HANDLE. Any program done after SSP has increased efficacy as SSP sets the stage with a relaxed nervous system which allows for maximum learning capacity.
For more assistance in choosing the right program for your child, please give me a call at 808-889-0777
Includes everything described above. Best for children who need support with anxiety, sleep, digestion or social interaction.
Includes everything in Essentials plus 6 months of ILS. Best for those with some additional learning challenges.
Includes everything in Essentials plus a full HANDLE assessment and individually tailored program and 6 months ILS. Best for those children with more complex concerns.
Mentoring New SSP Providers
When you are starting out as a new provider of The Safe and Sound Protocol it can feel like a lot to absorb and people often have many questions. Whether you are looking to have your own experience of SSP, to have your clinical questions answered about specific clients, or have more process oriented questions such as pricing, marketing and session structure, I offer one on one individually tailored sessions designed to support you in the way you need.
As a recognized Unyte Mentor, I have been offering SSP to clients since 2019. It is crucial that SSP is delivered in a way that is right for each client in terms of timing and approach and having worked with many and varied clients I am well equipped to answer your questions.
Why Work With Me
I have been offering SSP since 2019, taking hundreds of people of all ages through the program. I have seen a wide variety of responses and am quick to recognize when the program needs to be adjusted to better suit your nervous system, particularly because of my background in somatic trauma work. I have many tools at my disposal to support you in having not only a transformative SSP journey but also an enjoyable one.
As one of the more experienced providers, I am a recognized Unyte SSP Mentor and assist new providers as they integrate SSP into their practice.
