SSP offers a gentle, supportive way to ease into the therapeutic process
Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), is a non-invasive auditory intervention
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, is a non-invasive auditory intervention designed to help individuals, especially those who have experienced trauma, feel safer and more connected. This innovative tool works by gently stimulating the vagus nerve, a critical part of the parasympathetic nervous system, through specially curated music. The music used in SSP is filtered in such a way that it targets the middle ear muscles, which play a key role in how we process sound and, subsequently, how we perceive safety. By improving the function of these muscles, the SSP helps individuals shift from a state of heightened alertness or anxiety to one of calm and relaxation, making it easier to engage in therapy or daily activities.
The Safe and Sound Protocol is typically delivered in sessions over the course of several days
At the heart of the Safe and Sound Protocol is Dr. Porges' Polyvagal Theory, which explains how our nervous system responds to stress and trauma. According to this theory, our autonomic nervous system has three primary states: the safe and social state, the fight-or-flight state, and the shutdown state. When we feel threatened, our body can get stuck in either a heightened state of alertness or a state of numbness and disconnection. These responses are automatic and are governed by the vagus nerve. The SSP works by engaging this nerve in a way that encourages the nervous system to move back into a state of safety and social engagement, which is where healing and connection can occur.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Safe and Sound Protocol is how it specifically addresses the auditory system's role in our sense of safety.
Often, people who have experienced trauma are hypersensitive to sounds, perceiving even everyday noises as threatening. The SSP helps to reset this sensitivity by gradually training the middle ear muscles to focus on the frequencies of the human voice, which are associated with feelings of safety and connection. As a result, individuals often report feeling more at ease, more present, and better able to connect with others after completing the protocol.
The Safe and Sound Protocol is typically delivered in sessions over the course of several days
For someone who has experienced trauma, feeling safe in any setting, especially in therapy, can be incredibly challenging. Traditional therapy approaches may feel too overwhelming or triggering. The Safe and Sound Protocol offers a gentle, supportive way to ease into the therapeutic process. By calming the nervous system, it can make it easier to engage in talk therapy or other therapeutic modalities, as the body is no longer stuck in a state of defense. This makes SSP an excellent adjunct to traditional therapies, providing a foundation of safety on which further healing can be built.
The Safe and Sound Protocol is typically delivered in sessions over the course of several days. During each session, the individual listens to the specially filtered music through headphones in a quiet, comfortable setting. It’s important to note that the SSP is not a stand-alone treatment but is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive therapeutic plan. The effects of SSP can be profound, with many individuals reporting lasting changes in how they experience the world, including improved emotional regulation, better social engagement, and a greater sense of inner calm.
Safe and Sound Protocol might be a gentle way to begin your healing journey
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of starting therapy, the Safe and Sound Protocol might be a gentle way to begin your healing journey. It’s specifically designed to help your body feel safer, which can make the idea of therapy feel less daunting. As your nervous system learns to stay in a state of calm, you may find that other therapeutic interventions become more accessible and less intimidating. This can pave the way for deeper healing and a more connected, fulfilling life.
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Seattle Trauma Counseling is a collective of licensed somatic trauma therapists co-founded in 2015, with offices in Edmonds and Kirkland, Washington, and telehealth across the state.
We specialize in EMDR, Brainspotting, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems for trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, religious trauma, sexual trauma, anxiety, and dissociation.
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8923 240th St SW, Edmonds, WA 98026 United States
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10512 NE 68th St #202, Kirkland, WA 98033 United States
