“Trauma compromises our ability to engage with others by replacing patterns of connection with patterns of protection.”
– Dr. Stephen Porges
Creator of SSP and author of the Polyvagal Theory
What is Safe and Sound Protocol?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy created by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of the Polyvagal theory. Our practice calls it “musical medicine” for your nervous system. It is an acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, and it works well for individuals experiencing the effects of a dysregulated nervous system. A dysregulated nervous system can manifest in the form of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, sleep issues, emotional dysregulation, "fight/ flight" behaviours, exhaustion, poor memory and concentration, etc.
The music is designed to regulate the vagus nerve by stimulating the middle ear muscle. The middle ear muscle is connected to the vagus nerve. We can increase vagal tone through breathwork, meditation, exercise, etc, but a vagal nerve stimulator provides more capacity for controlled and purposeful change.
Research has shown that stimulating the vagus nerve, and therefore increasing vagal tone or activity, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the rest, digest, repair branch of the nervous system. In a dysregulated system, this branch may not be as active as it should which impedes our ability to "rest, digest and repair". Increasing vagal tone and regulating the ANS, contributes to physical and psychological health and wellness, including, healing from trauma, lowering inflammation, reducing anxiety, depression, for example. Having higher vagal tone allows the body to relax faster following stress.
The music is designed to improve behavioral state regulation, social engagement behaviours, reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, through a five-hour program using filtered music. The music is designed to stimulate the vagus nerve and send signals of soothing safety to the nervous system and helps you connect with yourself and the world from a foundation of physiological safety. SSP reduces stress, anxiety, and auditory sensitivities, while improving one’s resilience and ability to self-regulate.
SSP is meant to compliment work being done in therapy and is a beneficial practice for individuals healing from trauma, and adults and children with early developmental trauma or chronic health issues, and many other challenges.
To learn more about SSP visit: https://www.whatisthessp.com
