Who is the SSP for?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a therapeutic intervention designed for individuals facing various challenges related to stress, anxiety, social engagement difficulties, and sensory processing issues. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges in alignment with the Polyvagal Theory, the SSP may alleviate a wide range of symptoms, including:
What does the SSP involve?
The SSP is a listening programme, in which specially-filtered music progressively trains your auditory system to focus on sound frequencies resembling that of the human voice. By stimulating the facial and vagus nerves via the middle ear, it sends cues of safety to your nervous system, helping you to feel more settled, engaged and balanced.
Assessment
The SSP is not suitable for everyone. If your current circumstances are contributing to your dysregulation, it is best to wait until things settle down for you before starting the SSP. For some people it is advisable to use the SSP only alongside ongoing therapy.
You will therefore be asked to complete an assessment to screen for contraindications. The assessment also helps me to understand how your nervous system currently responds to challenges. Assuming the SSP is suitable for you, the assessment will inform the individualised programme I will set out for you.
Please note that the SSP is not suitable for self-administration; co-regulation with your provider, who understands how the nervous system works, and who is able to regulate themselves, is an important part of retraining your nervous system.
The role of the provider
As your SSP provider, I will guide you through your SSP journey through a combination of in-person or online video sessions and email contact. I will make sure you are fully prepared before you start listening to the music, and will recommend a personalised listening plan for you. I will provide psychoeducation and answer any questions you may have. During the listening, I will monitor your progress and make sure you are progressing through the programme at a pace which is right for your individual nervous system.
The role of the listener
During a listening session, you will listen to the music, whilst engaging in light activity such as breathing exercises, stretches or drawing (if you wish). It is important you let me know of any feelings or sensations that arise, whether emotional or physical, so that your listening plan can be adjusted to suit the needs of your individual nervous system as they evolve over time. Less is more when it comes to the SSP, so listen to the “whispers” of your nervous system before they become “shouts”! You are listening to and honouring your nervous system’s needs, not simply listening to the music.