““The quest for safety is the basis for leading a successful life”
”
— Dr Stephen Porges

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.

 
 
 
 
 

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Podcast- A Polyvagal Theory Informed Therapy

I often like to combine SSP with Somatic Experiencing. 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

How It Works

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.

 
 

Research & More Information

For more information about SSP click here

For research, please click here

How To Begin

If you are interested in starting the SSP, please call 808-889-0777 or send an email. We will arrange a time to talk and pick a starting day for you to begin SSP - typically a time when you have a little less going on.

Now available by remote delivery via a downloadable app. All you need is a set of over the ear headphones that are not noise cancelling (or that feature can be turned off).

Cost

$450/adults $275/children

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

Includes access to the app for 2 months, one round of SSP Core and text, email, phone support.


Adults

We will have an initial session 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 adapts to life so that you will be fully prepared to recognize how SSP is affecting you. We will also go over the mechanics of how to use the app, when and where to listen, what to expect, and answer any questions that you have.
Our next session is where we will begin the listening. We will be tracking what you are noticing in your body and emotions as you listen. You may listen for up to 30 minutes or perhaps much less, depending on how the music is affecting you. We will be looking for the “just right” amount for your nervous system. From here we will decide how best to proceed. Some people may then complete some listening on their own before we meet up again around hour 3 of the program. We will also meet during hour 5 and at that point will discuss next steps. For some people, particularly in cases of trauma, I recommend working more closely together and adding sessions of Somatic Experiencing in order to support what may emerge as part of the listening process. These sessions are billed separately.

Throughout the program I am available to you as needed via text, phone, email or zoom.

Children

For children, the safest 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. The 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.

I have been offering SSP since 2019 and have seen a wide variety of responses. I am quick to recognize signs of dysregulation, particularly because of my training in trauma and can help you return to a state of balance so that your journey with SSP can be smooth and enjoyable. I am also a recognized Unyte SSP Mentor and assist new providers as they integrate SSP into their practice.