Safe and Sound Protocol™
WHAT IS SAFE AND SOUND PROTOCOL?
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Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a precise and non-invasive neural listening exercise for use at home or in a clinic setting. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, it was designed to stimulate and tone the nerves of the Connection Network of our nervous system, giving us broader access to its emergent properties of happiness and well-being.
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**If you haven’t already, visiting the Nervous System Health 101 tab now might help to make better sense of this one.**
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SSP is a collection of frequency modulated music listened to through over-the-ear headphones. What you hear are altered recordings of songs you may or may not be familiar with. There are both adult and child versions. Listening duration and frequency vary greatly, depending on a number of factors. The maximum amount of time for one session is 30 minutes. Those with different degrees of sensitivity may decrease session time to 15 minutes or less. One song is a sufficient session for many.​ The length of time is less important than the effect on the nervous system, so the autonomic nervous system decides how long each listening session is. We move at the pace of the nervous system.
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SSP is not intended to be a stand-alone therapy, rather used as part of a broader treatment plan that may include both traditional and alternative physical and mental health providers. People who use SSP report an increase in the gains experienced in other facets of their health and wellness care.
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HOW DOES SSP WORK?
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SSP works by using the nerves and muscles of the inner ear as a portal to access and stimulate the Connection Network of the nervous system. In essence, the modulated music re-tunes the ears to cues of safety in the environment. This sends the signal of increased safety to the brain, which invites the other nerves in the Connection Network to engage. When the nervous system has access to the Connection Network, the Danger and Overwhelm circuits can quiet down. Somatic and neural exercises maintain and strengthen these re-connections.
The Nervous System Restoration program will tailor a personalized resource kit of practices to help you do this. Over time, your nervous system learns to return to Connection Network dominance and reside there longer, providing greater access to its benefits.
More information about SSP at www.integratedlistening.com