Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
The Safe and Sound Protocol is an evidence-based therapeutic tool designed to reset the nervous system and return it to safety. Designed to work together with other approaches and modalities, such as OCC’s Mind-Body Education and Healing, the SSP features specially-filtered music (using over the ear headphones) that stimulates and tones the vagus nerve, and is described by Dr. Stephen Porges as “the distilled essence of safety” for your autonomic nervous system.
Paving the pathways of lasting health:
How Does It Work?
The SSP allows for the repatterning of neural networks and improved regulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) for lasting change.
The SSP trains the middle ear muscles (innervated by the vagus) to tune-in to cues of safety signaled by the frequencies of human voice, which stimulates the social engagement system through the neural network associated with listening.
The Autonomic Nervous System, Neuroplasticity, and Polyvagal Theory
Scientific advancements have helped us better understand how the nervous system and brain work and have given us greater insight into what’s happening in the minds and bodies of those who struggle with physical, mental and emotional health concerns.
Our brains and nervous systems have an amazing capacity to change in response to stimulation and repeated experience, an ability known as “neuroplasticity.” SSP provides gentle and specific stimulation in order to activate the neural pathways associated with safety and connection – which are foundational to physiological health. Neuronal connections in these pathways are strengthened and new connections are established through repeated sessions of SSP, administered by a Certified SSP Practitioner, combined with ample opportunities for connection, comfort, increased awareness and ability to track state changes and sensations, as well as successful co-regulation.
-
Rooted in Polyvagal Theory
Dr. Stephen Porges created the SSP to help people learn to attain a grounded state where they feel safe, connected, calm and social – these are the physiological underpinnings of vibrant good health.
By helping to access a calm and grounded state, the SSP promotes a neural platform for health, growth and restoration, and prepares the body to receive and take greater benefit from all of our other Functional Medicine interventions.
-
Benefits of SSP
SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, depression, sensory processing issues, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, chronic health issues, Autism Spectrum Disorder much more.
The purpose of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is to offer ongoing, consistent access to a physiological state conducive to health and well-being, positive engagement with others, and growth in learning and therapy. This helps to pave the neural pathways that promote healing and repair as well as experiences such as safety, joy, love, comfort, connection, play, awe and wonder.
-
SSP is an ideal entry point for successfully addressing:
Social, emotional and attachment disorders
Auditory hypersensitivity
Chronic illness
Autonomic nervous system dysregulation
Learning, cognition and attention difficulty
Sensory processing differences
Stress-related physical conditions