Sophisticated Treatment in the age of Neuroscience

The Safe and Sound Protocol

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a research-based listening intervention that impacts vagus nerve functioning. The SSP was developed by Stephen Porges based on his Polyvagal Theory, after a lifetime of research on heart rhythms and the impact of hearing on heart rhythms and the development of childhood abilities. He describes how the proper working of a major sense organ, the ear, starts and maintains the body’s ability to alert and calm in the presence of others. Calm states are required for learning and development.

Change is truly comprehensive.

Some of these changes may occur immediately, but many are gradual as the person is able to engage, relate and learn in a new way. Support with other therapies after the SSP is required to increase and maintain gains. Heartening gains are most evident in clients that have failed to respond to other treatments. This is not to say that the SSP is a cure-all; it is however a tool well worth considering when you are looking for alternatives.

Video

Understanding the Safe and Sound Protocol

The Protocol

How it Works

The Protocol is delivered via a phone app that plays specially filtered vocal music. Over the ear headphones are required. Five hours total of listening occurs over the course of days or weeks, depending on how your body responds. You may know the songs from popular music or movie themes, though they may sound odd at times, with changes in volume, and moving from one ear to another. This is because the purpose of the music is affect the function of a tiny muscle in your middle ear. The fluctuating challenges of the music invite the ear to listen and deactivate protective reflexes that interfere with listening. Fluid and pressure changes in the ear occur as well which affects balance. Once the ear begins to work more normally, resulting changes in your nervous system allow you to remain calmer and regulated even in the presence of things that used to be upsetting. This calming of the nervous system allows time for growth in the realms of social relations and self-regulation. Essentially, the SSP opens a window of development because we learn and process when calm.

What to expect while you are listening to the Protocol

The experiences you may have while taking the the SSP can range from mild to more extensive. Many systems of the body may be affected. Depending on the degree of existing challenge present in each individual system (how healthy or stressed are you?), changes in the polyvagal system while taking the SSP can impact experience and functioning short-term (typically up to 2 weeks). Most often this involves exacerbation of existing problems with energy, focus and mood. Other exacerbations or regressions may include bedwetting, meltdowns and sensory sensitivity. We work closely with you, encouraging careful noticing and discussion so that I can modify your listening experience and keep it comfortable. There is no known instance of the SSP being associated with long-term symptom exacerbation.

Movement support

Change resulting from the Protocol includes a window of opportunity during which intensive integrative work can occur. When the nervous system is assisted to regulate out of stress states entire areas of the brain and body become available for change. Have you ever noticed how rigid your dog is when alerting to something?

“Constant on” is increasingly required in the way that we live, and causes illness to develop. It is also an uncomfortable sensation to be unable to fully relax, affecting our most basic functions such as breathing and sleep. As your body changes, it is helpful to use gentle movements and practices to help your body adjust to the changes.

Repeats

It is quite common for people to need a 'tune up” and to repeat part or all of the entire protocol. Over time feelings of activation and distress may build to the point of discomfort again (life is stressful and the body takes time to recover). The cost for full repeats is $40, negotiable for partial repeats.

How to get the Protocol

If you are interested in taking the protocol yourself, or referring a family member or patient, please explore the resources here and feel free to contact me via email or phone with questions. Once you have determined that you would like to take the protocol, we will meet for an assessment to determine what your support needs might be during and after the protocol. During the time that you are taking the protocol I will check in regularly to track your progress and titrate the delivery as needed.