Safe and Sound Protocol - SSP
Introduction to SSP
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music.
As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to retune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience.
The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider in person or remotely. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.
SSP Highlights
Highlights of SSP:
- A 5-hour auditory intervention developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of the Polyvagal Theory.
- Designed to reduce sound sensitivity, and improve auditory processing and behavioral state regulation.
- Activates the client’s social engagement system, helping to accelerate and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
- Supports physiological state regulation, allowing for greater resilience.
Experience the Science of Safety and Connection Through One on One Listening Sessions with Jennifer
When you begin your SSP journey with Jennifer, you receive 3 months of access to the SSP music, a detailed plan for soothing your nervous systems outside of our time together and 10 individual listening sessions with Jennifer that encompass:
- Twice a week SSP listening sessions, one hour each session for 5 weeks with Jennifer
- Develop a map of your nervous system
- Learning nervous system regulating activities
- In the moment, co-regulation with Jennifer's safe and calm nervous system
If you are wanting to have SSP delivered to your child, you as the caregiver will also be included in these individual sessions as Jennifer guides you on connecting and attuning with your child's nervous system, providing cues of safety and connection in real time.
Most clients begin noticing changes after the initial 5 hours of SSP listening, and many report the sweet spot of 4-5 rounds of full 5 hour listening.
Once you have completed the initial 5 hours of listening and you want to deepen your experience with more rounds of listening, you will only need to purchase access to the music platform as you will not need the individual listening sessions with Jennifer, unless you would like to purchase them again.
Want to know more about the research behind this evidenced- based listening therapy? Click on the link below - Jennifer's Services and under the SSP information you will find the link to Unyte's document regarding research.
Are you curious? Are you interested in seeing if SSP is a possibility for you or a loved one? Reach out and let's connect!
Polyvagal Theory As The foundation of SSP
Hierarchy
Co-Regulation
Neuroception
Imagine your body has a special system to help you feel safe. This system has a few different "modes" that it switches between. These modes are a hierarchy, like a stoplight, in that they go up and down.
- The "Safe and Connected" Ventral Vagal Mode - Green: Here, you feel relaxed, happy, and content. You have the ability to create, problem
Imagine your body has a special system to help you feel safe. This system has a few different "modes" that it switches between. These modes are a hierarchy, like a stoplight, in that they go up and down.
- The "Safe and Connected" Ventral Vagal Mode - Green: Here, you feel relaxed, happy, and content. You have the ability to create, problem solve, learn, and so much more! Your body is calm and ready to connect with others.
- The "Alert and Ready" Mode - Sympathetic - Yellow: Here you feel like when you need to be extra aware. Your heart might race a little, and you might feel a bit tense, but you're ready to take action if needed. You might feel anxious, worried, angry or scared. This is stress mode.
- The "Shut Down" Mode - Dorsal Vagal - Red: This is when you feel overwhelmed. You might feel numb, sad, depressed, frozen, or like you want to disappear. Your body is trying to protect you by shutting down.
This "order" of how your body reacts is called the "hierarchy" of your nervous system. It helps you understand how your body responds to different situations and why you might feel certain ways
Neuroception
Co-Regulation
Neuroception
Neuroception is a word created by Dr. Stephen Porges who developed Polyvagal Theory.
Neuroception is how your body understands if something is safe or dangerous. Even before you think about it, your body is always checking for clues – like someone's voice, their face, their body language, or how you feel in spaces like your home, your jo
Neuroception is a word created by Dr. Stephen Porges who developed Polyvagal Theory.
Neuroception is how your body understands if something is safe or dangerous. Even before you think about it, your body is always checking for clues – like someone's voice, their face, their body language, or how you feel in spaces like your home, your job, or within your community.
If your body thinks things are safe, you might feel relaxed and happy. But if it senses danger, even if you don't understand why, you might feel scared, angry, or want to run away.
Co-Regulation
Co-Regulation
Co-Regulation
In Polyvagal Theory, co-regulation describes how two people's bodies can influence each other's emotions and how they feel.
When you're with someone, your bodies can sort of "talk" to each other without words.
For example, if you're feeling calm and relaxed around someone, they might start to feel calmer too. This happens because your bodi
In Polyvagal Theory, co-regulation describes how two people's bodies can influence each other's emotions and how they feel.
When you're with someone, your bodies can sort of "talk" to each other without words.
For example, if you're feeling calm and relaxed around someone, they might start to feel calmer too. This happens because your bodies are sending signals to each other about how you're feeling.
This is important for our social engagement system (Ventral Vagal), which helps us connect with others and feel safe.
Co-regulation happens when we are with another safe and calm nervous system.
Examples of co-regulation when nervous systems are safe and calm include: being with your pet, playing a game with your child, coloring, spending time in nature, spending time with friends.