Polyvagal Theory Tools: SSP

The Safe & Sound Protocol & The NEED for Connection

There are several ways that the PVT concludes the need for safe connection with a trusted caregiver, to feel safe enough for our nervous systems to develop normally. This means, we get activated, and that may be troubling, but just as 'zebras don't get ulcers' because their regulation returns to baseline very quickly, our nervous system may return to baseline when their parent comes back to pay attention. The next time there is a stress response, the zebras flee, and their nervous systems go back down into a parasympathetic rest and digest state. Ours may too, if this isn't our normal. In fact, It has been suggested (that mammals) people could, without other CONSTANT cues, if it's not the neuroception, it's our thoughts, or physical pain or sensations or exteroceptive (outside information coming in) awareness. So, humans may default to a higher, more developed and strongly patterned (and for us the typical) response. The Social Engagement System says

we never get back to parasympathetic, our default mode network does its thing and we may not realize that our system is harmful, until we develop an illness from hormones and chemicals that disrupt functioning in likely all oof our systems.
we continue to develop experiences from social connection, and if our nervous system can't come down, eventually, due to the dorsal break (that shuts off heart, so it doesn't automatically get so elevated an infant dies).

WhatistheSSP

Science of Safety

So, What is the SSP?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music. As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to retune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience. The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider in person or remotely. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.

Highlights of the SSP:

A 5-hour auditory intervention developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of the Polyvagal Theory.
Designed to reduce sound sensitivity, and improve auditory processing and behavioral state regulation.
Supports physiological state regulation, allowing for greater resilience.
Activates the client’s social engagement system, helping to accelerate and enhance therapeutic outcomes

Polyvagal Theory: the Science of Feeling Safe

Developed by world-renowned researcher and Unyte’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system, and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life-threat can impact our behavior.

Understanding Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework that can be

applied through physiological, or “bottom-up” therapies, to help change and

improve how we feel, think and connect with others.

Video: https://vimeo.com/unyte/ssp (also plain in button in After first section).

About Unyte

About Unyte: Unyte is a category-creating neuro-tech company with proprietary, clinical-grade solutions and a loyal (and growing) provider community of 3,000+ mental health and neurodevelopmental professionals with a shared mission to help people become more aware, regulated, and resilient so they can better respond to life’s challenges and live happier and healthier lives.

Purpose: Unyte helps transform the lives of children and adults every day through empowering therapists, educators, clinicians and healthcare providers to guide their clients to feel better, think better, and connect better through improved nervous system regulation.

Mission: Unyte’s mission is to empower every person to guide their nervous system to be more aware, regulated and resilient so they can feel safe, happy and healthy, and more effectively respond to life’s challenges

Contact

Contact Us

If you are SSP Trained, Practice Health Coaching, or Psychotherapy please reach out here.

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