Integrated Listening: Nurturing and Awakening the Nervous System with the Safe and Sound Protocol
In the quest to help children overcome challenges and lead more fulfilling lives, innovative approaches like the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) have emerged as powerful tools. At CMT, we recognise the incredible potential of the SSP, a noninvasive application of Polyvagal Theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges.
By harnessing the power of specially-designed music, the SSP aims to help individuals feel better, think better, and connect better. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the science behind the SSP, explore its three main pathways, and discover how this protocol can help nourish and awaken the nervous system.
The Science Behind the SSP:
The SSP is rooted in Polyvagal Theory, a revolutionary framework that explains how the autonomic nervous system regulates our emotional and physiological states. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, this theory highlights the importance of the vagus nerve in mediating our response to stress and social interaction. The SSP leverages this understanding by using specially-filtered music to stimulate the neural network associated with listening and the vagus nerve.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the SSP’s effectiveness, notably two clinical trials involving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Participants in these trials showed statistically significant improvements in emotional control, behavioural organisation, and hearing sensitivity and listening.
Three Pathways to Regulation:
The SSP program comprises three main pathways: Connect, Core, and Balance. Each pathway is designed to help the nervous system better receive, process, and respond to environmental cues and signals.
1. SSP Connect: This pathway gently introduces the nervous system to the program, establishing a sense of safety and familiarity. It serves as a warm-up, preparing the individual for the deeper work to come.
2. SSP Core: As the original 5-hour listening program, SSP Core is designed to awaken, exercise, and open the nervous system. It helps build capacity and fosters a more resilient physiological state, reducing sensitivity to stimuli.
3. SSP Balance: Building upon the foundation laid by SSP Core, this pathway aims to stabilise and maintain a sense of calm and grounding. It further integrates the benefits achieved in the previous stages, promoting long-term regulation.
The Power of Listening:
What we hear and how we hear profoundly influences our body’s response. The SSP capitalises on this connection by focusing on the frequency range of the human voice. As we learn to attune to these frequencies through specially designed music playlists, the vagus nerve is stimulated, promoting a state of safety and calm.
This process of “priming” the nervous system helps it achieve balance or homeostasis more readily. By exposing the nervous system to different sound frequencies through over-the-ear headphones, the SSP supports the individual in developing a more adaptive and resilient response to life’s challenges.
Accessible and Flexible Delivery:
One of the key advantages of the SSP is its digital delivery format. Certified professionals can easily access, control, and track their clients’ progress through an online and app-based platform. This flexibility allows for both in-clinic and remote delivery, making the SSP a convenient and accessible option for many individuals.
At Connect Movement Therapy, we often use the SSP in conjunction with other modalities to enhance and accelerate therapeutic results. Our team is dedicated to providing the support and guidance necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Recommended Reading:
For those interested in delving deeper into the science and application of the SSP and Polyvagal Theory, we recommend the following books:
The Safe and Sound Protocol represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of the nervous system and its role in emotional regulation, social connection, and overall well-being. The SSP offers a noninvasive and effective means of nurturing and awakening the nervous system by harnessing the power of specially designed music and Polyvagal Theory.
At Connect Movement Therapy, we are committed to helping our clients feel, think, and connect better through innovative approaches like the SSP. If you believe you or someone you know could benefit from this transformative protocol, we invite you to reach out and learn more about how we can support you on your journey towards greater regulation and resilience.
As an Amazon Associate, Connect Movement Therapy may earn a commission from qualifying purchases in this post.