Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) UK
SSP is an easy-to-access, digital sound & listening therapy to facilitate a pathway to a calmer and more regulated nervous system.
- SSP was developed by Dr Stephen Porges, (the founder of the Polyvagal Theory) and is a practical application of the theory
- SSP contains a playlist of specially filtered music that stimulates the vagus nerve (part of the autonomic nervous system)
- SSP interrupts chronic physiological defence states (fight, flight or freeze) by stimulating the vagus nerve
- SSP trains the middle ear muscles to tune into the cues of safety signalled by the human voice and away from chronic defence states
- Clients can then re-pattern their nervous systems and connect with themselves, others, and the world around them from a foundation of body (physiological) safety
- SSP is not a stand-alone treatment. It is designed to be delivered alongside other supporting approaches and modalities
- SSP is a flexible, evidence-based, therapeutic tool designed to reset the nervous system and return it to a state of balance i.e. feeling safe and calm
Who is SSP for?
- SSP is suitable to be used with adults and teenagers
- It is also suitable for children who are physiologically and psychologically available
- In my practice I work with adults and teenagers
- SSP has been used effectively with individuals with anxiety, trauma and PTS symptoms
- It is also effective for those with sound sensitivities, behavioural state regulation difficulties, sensory processing differences, for improving social engagement, ADHD support and more.
- It can also be delivered in a group setting for those who can easily ground and self regulate
- SSP can be applied to assist many different issues you can view the latet research HERE
What happens when experiencing an SSP Course?
- Prior to starting the Safe and Sound Protocol clients undertake evaluation and assessment so that we can evaluate a workable treatment plan
- SSP is always facilitated by a trained professional and can be delivered in person or remotely via an easy-to-use app
- Clients experience the different SSP playlists through over-the-ear headphones
- The SSP uses specially filtered music which trains the neural network associated with listening to focus on the frequency range of the human voice whilst stimulating the Vagus Nerve to engage the ventral vagal (safety) complex
- SSP is an interactive protocol. Using SSP is not about disappearing into the playlist on your own. Some active support and interaction to support ventral vagal growth is necessary
- SSP is delivered with a mix of interaction with me in-person and some remote use
How long does SSP take?
How long does an SSP course take?
Depending on an individual’s requirements & responses to the Safe and Sound Protocol the delivery of the SSP can take anywhere between 6 weeks to 3 months (or more).
Often ‘less is more’ and timing of delivery is paced around each individual.
What you hear and how you hear influences how your body responds.
We look speak and listen with the same system, when the voice changes the body responds. Think of how a baby or pet response to your voice. Everyone is different and has different sensitivities.
Why try SSP?
- SSP listening helps the nervous system achieve balance and feeling of relaxation and safety
- As we learn to focus on the sound frequencies of human speech through the SSP the vagus nerve becomes stimulated and the state of feeling safe and becoming calm becomes more accessible as we engage the ventral vagal complex
- SSP specially treated music with filtered playlists helps prime the nervous system by exposing it to different sound frequencies with the algorithmically filtered music
- SSP effectiveness has been proven in a wide range of studies including clinical trials involving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- SSP has also been very effective with numerous case studies demonstrating effectiveness with emotional regulation, trauma, anxiety and more
The complete SSP contains 3 pathways.
All 3 are facilitated by a trained professional
Each pathway helps the nervous system to regulate
- Connect – A gentle and slow introduction
- Core – Wake up exercise and open the nervous system
- Balance – Continue to stabilise and continue with calming and grounding
Cost:
Adults & Teens (Age 13+) £595
(this is a provisional fee – further in-person sessions may be required)
This includes:
- Access to the SSP Playlist Pathways for 3 months via the app
- Use of the Pathways where directed: The Pathways are offered as supplements to the SSP Core to support and integrate
- Initial 90-120 minute session to discuss the SSP Intake Form and any pre-assessments to determine an initial plan for facilitation
- Most support for the client will be during SSP Core. This will include:
- Two 30-minute individual sessions either in person or remotely. This may include 10 minutes of listening and assessment + grounding techniques
- Regular email contact to discuss progress and pacing to check in regularly to assure the listening is still meeting client needs and supporting them
- Inclusion of a 75-minute concluding session to debrief the experience, review the findings from assessments, and assess the next steps
- If clients are experienced with TRE Trauma Release Exercises & embodiment as part of their self-care routine attending my online classes is encouraged during the 3 months
About Kate
Kate is a trauma and emotional abuse specialist. She is a Global TRE Certification Trainer & Mentor and current Chair of the TRE UK Association. She is a EFT Trainer & Advanced Accredited Practitioner, having served as Exec Director EFT International for 6 years and is a member of ACEP.
She is also an accredited SSP Provider, and an Integrated Psychology Practitioner and body worker with over 30 years of experience in the field.
Kate is privileged to have trained with Dr David Berceli (the creator of TRE) and now teaches and Mentors TRE students alongside offering regular trainings, workshops and 1:1 TRE consultations and embodiment coaching.
While she works with any problem state she specialises in the sensitive areas of Post Traumatic Stress PTS (specifically narcissistic emotional abuse), chronic pain and anxiety.
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