What is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)?

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The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening program designed to support the nervous system in achieving a regulated state. By engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, the SSP helps individuals feel more at ease and connected, enhancing their ability to engage in social interactions and process sensory information.

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How SSP Works

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The SSP uses specially designed sound frequencies to stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in regulating the autonomic nervous system. This gentle auditory input can help create a sense of safety and calm, supporting the body’s ability to rest, restore, and connect with others.

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Benefits of SSP

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The SSP is a research-based intervention that has shown positive outcomes in the following areas:

• Enhancing Social and Emotional Wellbeing: Supports individuals in feeling more comfortable and engaged in social settings.

• Reducing Auditory Sensitivities: Helps ease sensitivities to sound, allowing for a more balanced sensory experience.

• Supporting Emotional Regulation: Assists in managing responses to stress and enhancing self-regulation abilities.

• Addressing Anxiety and Trauma-Related Challenges: Provides a supportive environment for processing and reducing anxiety.

• Improving Focus and Attention: Enhances the ability to attend to tasks and activities with greater ease.
   

Suitable Candidates

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The SSP is beneficial for anyone over 18 months who may experience:

• Sensitivity to sounds or difficulty processing auditory input.

• Challenges with emotional or sensory regulation.

• Difficulties with social engagement and connection.

• Experiences of anxiety or heightened responses to stress.
   

Understanding Polyvagal Theory

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The SSP is based on Polyvagal Theory, which helps us understand how our nervous system influences the way we respond to our environment and connect with others. It highlights the body’s natural responses to cues of safety or danger, impacting our emotional and social experiences.
 

Key Principles of Polyvagal Theory

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• Neuroception: The body’s subconscious detection of safety or danger based on sensory input, influencing how we react to situations and people.

• Vagus Nerve and the Autonomic Nervous System:

  • Parasympathetic (Ventral Vagal) State: The body’s state of calm and social engagement, where we feel safe and connected.

  • Sympathetic State: Activated in response to perceived threats, leading to fight or flight reactions.

  • Dorsal Vagal (Freeze) State: A protective response to overwhelming stress, resulting in feelings of shutdown or disengagement.

• Co-Regulation: Achieving emotional and physiological regulation through safe, supportive interactions with others. This is a foundational principle in helping individuals feel secure and ready to engage.
   

Considerations for Participation

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The SSP can be a powerful tool, and it’s important to consider the individual’s comfort and readiness. Here are some general guidelines:

• Ensure that the individual is comfortable wearing headphones (over-the-ear is recommended) for sessions lasting 30 minutes.

• Provide a calm, safe, and positive environment, with a trusted adult available for co-regulation.

• Have calming activities on hand for the individual to engage in during listening sessions.
   

Listening Schedule

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The SSP is typically delivered in 30-60 minute sessions over a minimum of five days. The schedule can be adjusted based on the individual’s comfort and tolerance, allowing for a slower pace if needed to support better integration of the experience.
 

General Guidelines

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• Observe the individual’s response and adjust the listening schedule as needed.

• Create a safe and supportive environment before starting each session.

• Be mindful of your own regulation, as it can impact the individual’s experience.

• Allow for breaks and pace the listening sessions to prevent discomfort.

• Do not leave the individual alone during sessions—ensure they have access to a supportive adult for co-regulation.
   

Program Availability

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As the SSP requires oversight by a trained clinician and is intended to be integrated with ongoing therapeutic support, it is available only to current clients of Kids World Paediatric Therapy.