Safe and Sound Protocol

Safe and Sound Protocol - developed by Dr. Porgis

POLYVAGAL THEORY: The Science of Feeling Safe

The Safe and Sound Protocol, or SSP, is a non-invasive application of Polyvagal Theory, based on decades of research and developed by Dr. Stephen Porges.

Listen to the SSP program Youtube video here.

Feeling safe in a complex world.

Now more than ever, the world is a busy place and filled with uncertainty. People of all ages, demographics and geographies are struggling and suffering.

Research and experience tell us that rapid societal change and adverse life experiences are increasingly resulting in physical and mental health challenges for huge parts of the global population, including:

Social, emotional and attachment disorders
Auditory hypersensitivity
Body organization
Nervous system dysregulation
Learning, cognition and attention difficulty
Sensory processing differences
Stress-related physical conditions

While traditional treatments help some, many with adverse experiences, or conditions such as ADHD, autism or PTSD continue to face challenges.

The body’s response to the world around us: The nervous system, neuroplasticity, and Polyvagal Theory

Scientific advancements have helped us better understand how the nervous system and brain work and have given us greater insight into what’s happening in the minds and bodies of those who struggle.

The notion that the brain is able to change in response to stimulation, an ability known as “neuroplasticity,” is now so widely accepted it can be called fact. Unyte-iLs programs are based on this principle, providing gentle and specific stimulation in order to activate the neural pathways used in the processing of sensory information. Neuronal connections in these pathways are strengthened and new connections are established through repeated sessions of multisensory input.

INTERNAL CONTROL CENTER

The mind and body are connected through the vagus nerve, which is the longest nerve in the autonomic nervous system, stretching from the brainstem to the colon. It is our internal control center, allowing the brain to monitor and receive information about many of our bodily functions.

The vagus nerve helps to regulate many critical aspects of human physiology, including the heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, digestion, and even speaking. As the body takes in information automatically through neuroception, the vagus nerve processes the signals and cues from the world around us and, in turn, determines how we react through three physiological states:

Parasympathetic / Ventral Vagal state — our centered “true self” state, where all social interaction, connection and cognition occurs
Sympathetic state — feeling of threat or danger, and feeling the need to either “fight” or “flee” from a situation to seek safety
Dorsal Vagal state — our “freeze” state, when we feel our lives are so immediately threatened that we become immobilized

Better Brain is a certified provider.

Who?

Those with the following features might benefit from using the SSP:

Social and emotional difficulties
Auditory and other sensory sensitivities
Auditory processing difficulties
Anxiety and trauma-related challenges
Inattention
Reactivity
Stressors that impact social engagement

Difficulties in regulating physiological and emotional state
Chronic pain and fatigue
Depression
Difficulty sleeping
Gut issues
Low resilience

Why?

The SSP exercises the neural pathways associated with regulating behavioral state and social engagement. These are aspects of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). And just as the brain is plastic and can change based on experience, the ANS is also plastic.

The SSP has been shown in peer-reviewed research to significantly increase vagal regulation of the heart. This has the effect of better control of state.

State is critical to how we approach the task at hand. So when a client has better state control, not only can they be more socially engaged, they are more open to therapy. Better state regulation improves therapeutic outcomes.

The SSP’s effectiveness has been proven in a wide range of studies, most notably in two clinical trials involving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Trial participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in:

Emotional control
Behavioral organization
Hearing sensitivity and listening

What does SSP program look like?

The complete SSP program comprises 3 main pathways that are accessible through and facilitated by a qualified and certified professional.

Each of the SSP pathways is composed of different filtered, unfiltered and calming 5-hour music playlists for either children or adults.

The SSP pathways are designed to help the nervous system to better receive, process and respond to the cues and signals from the world around us. This helps us learn how to more easily and consistently feel better regulated in the face of life’s challenges.

Save and Sound Protocol (SSP) Core Home Package Pricing: $580 - OUR SSP PROGRAM ISCURRENTLY ON HOLD

Inclusion of an initial session to discuss the SSP Intake Form and any pre-assessments and determine an initial plan for facilitation. $240
Inclusion of a concluding session to debrief the experience, review the findings from assessments, and assess next steps. $140
The SSP is offered on a subscription basis, and includes access to all SSP playlists and clinical tools. Subscription per client $200

Price Excluding:

Use of the Pathways: The Pathways are offered as supplements to the SSP Core to support and integrate.
Ongoing counselling sessions

For questions on the SSP program click on SSP Q&A

For more information on the Polyvagal theory visit https://integratedlistening.com/science-of-feeling-safe/