Sophisticated Treatment in the age of Neuroscience

The Safe and Sound Protocol

Introduction
The Protocol
How to get the Protocol
Testimonials
For Practitioners
In Depth

Introduction

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a research-based listening intervention that impacts vagus nerve functioning. The SSP was developed by Stephen Porges based on his Polyvagal Theory, after a lifetime of research on heart rhythms and the impact of hearing on heart rhythms and the development of childhood abilities. He describes how the proper working of a major sense organ, the ear, starts and maintains the body’s ability to alert or calm in the presence of others. Calm states are required for learning and development.

People who benefit from the SSP experience relief from

chronic internal agitation
reactivity
explosiveness
dissociation
overload in social situations
and a host of related physical and psychological functioning changes

Change is truly comprehensive.

Some of these changes may occur immediately, but many are gradual as the person is able to engage, relate and learn in a new way. Support with other therapies after the SSP is required to increase and maintain gains. Heartening gains are most evident in clients that have failed to respond to other treatments. This is not to say that the SSP is a cure-all; it is however a tool well worth considering when you are looking for alternatives.

Video

Understanding the Safe and Sound Protocol

The Protocol

The Protocol is delivered via a phone app that plays specially filtered vocal music. Over the ear headphones are required. Five hours total of listening occurs over the course of days or weeks, depending on how your body responds. You may know the songs from popular music or movie themes, though they may sound odd at times, with changes in volume, and moving from one ear to another. This is because the purpose of the music is affect the function of a tiny muscle in your middle ear. The fluctuating challenges of the music invite the ear to listen and deactivate protective reflexes that interfere with listening. Fluid and pressure changes in the ear occur as well which affects balance. Once the ear begins to work more normally, resulting changes in your nervous system allow you to remain calmer and regulated even in the presence of things that used to be upsetting. This calming of the nervous system allows time for growth in the realms of social relations and self-regulation. Essentially, the SSP opens a window of development because we learn and process when calm.

What to expect while you are listening to the Protocol

The experiences you may have while taking the the SSP can range from mild to more extensive. Many systems of the body may be affected. Depending on the degree of existing challenge present in each individual system (how healthy or stressed are you?), changes in the polyvagal system while taking the SSP can impact experience and functioning short-term (typically up to 2 weeks). Most often this involves exacerbation of existing problems with energy, focus and mood. Other exacerbations or regressions may include bedwetting, meltdowns and sensory sensitivity. I work closely with you, encouraging careful noticing and discussion so that I can modify your listening experience and keep it comfortable. There is no known instance of the SSP being associated with long-term symptom exacerbation.

Video

Suggestions for supporting your child through regressions by Patty Wipfler

Repeats

It is quite common for people to need to repeat the entire protocol or to need a ‘tune up.’ Over time feelings of activation and distress may build to the point of discomfort again, and a single day of listening or a repeat of the entire protocol is called for. In-session tune ups at LifeWorks are free; see our pricing for repeats.

How to get the Protocol

If you are interested in taking the protocol yourself, or referring a family member or patient, please explore the resources here and feel free to contact me via email or phone with questions. Once you have determined that you would like to take the protocol, we will meet for an assessment to determine what your support needs might be during and after the protocol. Additional time is allocated to allow me to coordinate with your therapist and other providers who will support you once the protocol is completed. During the time that you are taking the protocol I will check in regularly to briefly track your progress and manage any questions or concerns that arise. Following the SSP we will meet to discuss how it has affected you and how you and your existing team can make the most of the rich learning window that lasts about 3 months.

For Practitioners

Repeats

it is quite common for people to need to repeat the entire protocol or to need a ‘tune up.’ Over time feelings of activation and distress may build to the point of feeling overwhelming again, and a single day of listening or a repeat of the entire protocol is called for. In-session tune ups at LifeWorks are free; see our pricing for repeats.

Movement support

Change resulting from the Protocol includes a window of opportunity during which intensive integrative work can occur. This affects things like coordination, posture, and other signs of sensory integration (for example eye-hand coordination). Our ability to function in an integrated way and maintain posture free of reflex dominance is our goal, because it indicates that the body is not on constant alert. Movement modalities such as MNRI (the Masgutova Method), rhythmic movement and others are critical to help the body create new patterns of movement that are more efficient and release reflex patterning.

Video

Dr. Masgutova has developed her expertise for working with survivors of trauma such as Chernobyl, the Armenian War, and the Newtown tragedy. This video provides guidance about how to do these exercises.