Safe and Sound Protocol in Michigan
What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based, therapeutic listening program designed to reset the nervous system and increase feelings of safety. It is based off of Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory.
When faced with experiences that the mind and body code as a threat, our nervous system will “retune” to a fight, flight, or freeze state. In your day to day life this might look like feeling irritable, on edge, like something bad is going to happen, stuck, shut down, or internally uncomfortable.
SSP is a 5-hour listening therapy designed to stimulate the vagus nerve, which is responsible for making us feel calm and connected. It helps listeners to feel more regulated and present, which in turn can cultivate a deeper participation in therapy. Completing SSP has shown to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity and increase social engagement and resilience.
How does SSP Work?
The Safe and Sound Protocol was created to support other therapies. At Create Space Therapy we often use SSP as a “pre-therapy” to help our clients to feel more ready for talk therapy, EMDR, or other therapies. We also offer it as a stand alone program or to support the work you are already doing with your therapist. SSP uses specially filtered music to train the inner ear muscles to tune in to or notice more cues of safety. This gives the nervous system a “tune up”, helping it to create new patterns (or neural networks). The filtered music in SSP interrupts the fight or flight response and uses frequencies in the range of the human voice to alter the way sounds are interpreted by the brain. This helps the nervous system shift from a threat state to socially engaged state.
The safer your nervous system feels, the more present, calm, and connected you feel. When your nervous system doesn’t have to constantly work to defend you, it gives you more space to do things you enjoy and to experience more joy.
If you like to nerd out about the neuroscience side of therapy, visit this website for research and more information about Safe and Sound Protocol: https://integratedlistening.com/polyvagal-theory/.
Who Could Benefit from the Safe and Sound Protocol?
Children and adults can benefit from Safe and Sound Protocol. It has been shown to benefit individuals with:
Anxiety
Depression
Auditory sensitivity and other sensory processing differences
ADHD
Autism
A history of trauma or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnosis
Relationship difficulties
Anger
Tantrums and acting out
And More
Safe and Sound Protocol In Person or at Home in Michigan
You may be wondering what Safe and Sound Protocol sessions look like. SSP is a very flexible treatment. At Create Space Therapy we offer both in person, virtual (telehealth), or hybrid SSP sessions. We also offer Safe and Sound Protocol for groups. This could be a great resource for teams of therapists and other helping professions to reset and spend time connecting with each other. Your therapist will work with you to create a plan that fits your needs. You will need a pair of over-the-ear headphones that are not sound canceling. The sound canceling feature could interfere with the frequencies and filtering of the SSP music.
During your first session, you come in, you sit down, put on headphones, and listen to music. Your therapist will monitor you for any signs of distress or dysregulation, so you can move at a pace that feels comfortable to you. After your first session you can break up the remaining 5 hours by listening at home. You and your therapist may meet for additional appointments or check in via phone or email.
An SSP session may look a bit different for children. You, your child, and their therapist may all sit on the ground and play with Legos or blocks while they listen to the music. They may color, draw, or dance. At times we could build a cozy pillow fort and bring your child’s favorite plush toy. Our goal is to create a safe, relaxed, and even fun experience for children and adults alike.
Ready to Start Safe and Sound Protocol?
You can feel more present and connected. From feeling on edge, uncomfortable, and stuck to feeling more engaged, present, and relaxed, Safe and Sound Protocol may be the next step on your healing journey.