The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

What is the SSP?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a result of Dr. Stephen Porges forty years of research on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system, auditory sensitivities and social emotional processes. This intervention is evidence based, which means that it has been found through research to have a positive impact on individuals who participate in it. The SSP is a five-day sound based intervention that has been found to calm physiological and emotional states. It was designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity and enhance social engagement and resilience by stimulating nervous system regulation. This is accomplished by exercising and systematically challenging the auditory system with specifically processed or filtered music. You will be seated or lying down while listening to this music for one hour. In the event that we determine it therapeutically prudent to stop the music before it finishes on any given day, we will spend the remaining time facilitating nervous system settling. We will resume the SSP the following day. This fine-tuning of the protocol is quite normal and is to ensure your safety.

What are listening sessions like?

If you decide to participate you will engage in 30-60 minutes of active listening plus time for short instruction/discussion to receive the SSP intervention. While listening, you will engage in a relaxing non-verbal activity, rest and/or receive gentle somatic support. As the purpose of the protocol is to support feeling safe, you are encouraged to bring with you any “props” and relaxing activities that will make your experience more comfortable (puzzles, art projects, legos, special blankets, etc.). The SSP is most effectively administered in a quiet and peaceful environment. We will avoid talking during the intervention, but can communicate or pause as necessary via verbal communication, gesture or written note. You will be listening to the protocol through the non noise-canceling headphones that will be connected via bluetooth to the Unylte LLS SPP delivery app. You will have the ability to pause the music as necessary in order to make the experience as safe-feeling as possible. I also offer the SSP remotely with supported listening sessions.

What are the risks and benefits?

Because the SSP works with the vagus nerve, there is the possibility that you will experience some temporary gastrointestinal symptoms (ex., bowel changes or gas). You also may experience an uptick in strong emotions or auditory sensitivity for a short time. In part, this is due to the fact that the interventions are “changing” the nervous system into a more settled state, but because this “feels” different, it can be mildly disorienting at times. As time passes, you should settle into the new, calmer state. The SSP may be considered a Somatic Intensive. It's best to select a time period which avoids extra external stressors (traumatic anniversaries, beginning a new job, moves, etc), and to keep unnecessary activities and stress to a minimum for the week of and the week or so following completion of the SSP. It is quite common to feel physically tired during and after the intervention, so getting adequate rest is very helpful. There may also be other risks that I cannot predict. If you experience any adverse effects, please contact me immediately so that I can offer support and suggest a new potential course of action.

Can the SSP be delivered remotely?

Yes it can, although not every client is a candidate for remote delivery. Some will need the personal presence, direction and guidance of a skilled therapist for safety and best results. For every client it’s important to assess the suitability of remote delivery of the SSP through an intake assessment.

Characteristics of a client who would not be appropriate for remote delivery:

● Currently engages in self-injury behaviors

● Curently experiences suicidal thoughts/ideation

● Has recently started or changed type/dosage of a psychiatric medication

● Recently suffered a head injury or experiences significant medical instability

● Experienced a recent major destabilizing personal life event (divorce, death, job loss, etc.)

● Lives in an unstable/difficult home environment

● Has been or is significantly impacted by COVID-19

● Is currently experiencing seizures

● Has a history of significant trauma

People experiencing any of the above will be best served by working one-on-one with a skilled therapist or mental health professional until they become more clinical appropriate for in-person or remote SSP delivery.

What are the SSP time requirements and costs?

The SSP requires a commitment of 5 hours listening time in total. Some additional time is required for filling out intake forms and pre and post assessments to help track the effectiveness of the protocol. Because each day of the protocol contains a full 30-60 mins of listening, it is imperative that we adhere to the schedule we establish. The cost of the five day SSP package is $800 for current an Embody and Heal clients. Additional costs may be applicable for new client intake and assessment sessions. I accept credit cards only as payment. In the unlikely event we determine it clinically appropriate to discontinue the intervention, a partial refund may be requested. This refund will be any balance remaining after deducting $155 for each hour of listening to cover individual licensing costs.