Reduce anxiety and enhance resiliency with the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

16 Mar

a polyvagal-informed listening intervention

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the scientist behind the polyvagal theory.The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an auditory intervention designed to reduce stress and sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. By calming the physiological and emotional state, the door is opened for improved communication and more successful therapy.The SSP is a research-based therapy showing significant results in just five days in the following areas:

Social and emotional difficulties
Auditory sensitivities
Anxiety and trauma related challenges
Inattention
Stressors that impact social engagement (relationship)

This non-invasive intervention involves listening to music that has been processed specifically to retune the nervous system (regulating state). This music introduces a sense of safety and the ability to socially engage.

How is the SSP used at the Institute?

Hollie has received the official training to from Integrated Listening Australia for SSP delivery. She uses SSP with people who are working on anxiety, trauma and enhancing resiliency.SSP is used with people in sessions, as an extension of general therapy. Sometimes the SSP may be a stand alone intervention.The program can be delivered in person and remotely.

Is the SSP the same as the iLs Focus Program?

The iLs Focus Program is a different acoustic intervention, also available when working with Hollie. Where the SSP works with a person's nervous system, the iLs Focus Program is aimed at right and left brain integration. If you're wondering which program is better for you or your child, it's best to talk to Hollie for more confirmation.

How does the SSP reduce anxiety and enhance resiliency?

The SSP uses the auditory system as a portal to the vagus complex, which controls our physiological state. Once physiological state is regulated, we can accelerate or enhance subsequent therapy.SSP is based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory. The program is derived from nearly four decades of research on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and social-emotional processes. It is designed to stimulate nervous system regulation by exercising and systematically challenging the auditory system. Delivery of the program is a combination of specifically processed music and therapeutic connection with another person (the practitioner, in this case, Hollie).The music trains the auditory pathways by focusing on the frequency envelope of human speech. As the client learns to process these speech-related frequencies, they improve the functioning of two cranial nerves that are important for promoting overall social behavior. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial Nerve) helps clients focus on human voice and tune out irrelevant frequencies. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus Nerve) enables self-soothing and autonomic regulation.

What kind of results can be expected after the SSP?

Following successful completion of the intervention, individuals will be better able to focus in school, therapy, and everyday life. People report a new experience of a calmed emotional and physiological state. This is based on studies that suggest that skills such as attention, state regulation and the ability to engage socially will be enhanced.Here is a short video from Dr. Porges discussing the types of changes that can be expected after completing the SSP:[youtube https://youtu.be/Nwf6SA4jBbM&w=600]Read more about Dr. Porges research here >>

More information about the SSP

The Safe and Sound Protocol is the result of over 20 years research by Dr. Porges and his team, as well as many practitioners who have used the program since it's release.An intro to SSP by practitioner Heather Macduffie, from Maine, USA:[youtube https://youtu.be/WSfJDVczTHQ&w=600]ArticleStephen W. Porges, PhD: Q&A About Freezing, Fainting, and the ‘Safe’ Sounds of Music Therapy

Try the SSP with Hollie

If you're interested in reducing anxiety, becoming more resilient and getting more out of your therapy sessions, book a session with Hollie. Hollie is certified to use the Safe and Sound Protocol with people. Phone 0482 955 340.