You may listen for up to 30 minutes or perhaps much less, depending on how the music is affecting you. We will be looking for the “just right” amount for your nervous system. From here we will decide how best to proceed. Some people may then complete some listening on their own before we meet up again around hour 3 of the program. We will also meet during hour 5 and at that point will discuss next steps. For some people, particularly in cases of trauma, I recommend working more closely together and adding sessions of Somatic Experiencing in order to support what may emerge as part of the listening process. These sessions are billed separately. Throughout the program I am available to you as needed via text, phone, email or zoom.

Children

For children, the safest way to experience the program is usually in the company of their parents or caregivers. Because of this I offer the program a little differently for them than for adults. I will initially meet with you, the parents or caregivers, to gain an understanding of your child and the challenges they may be facing. Then I will orient you to the program, teaching you how to administer it and what to look out for. We discuss how often, how much, when and where to listen. The actual listening is done with you as the safe presence in your home. We will maintain close contact via zoom, phone, email or text to support you and adjust the program as needed.

SSP can create a wide variety of responses. I am quick to recognize signs of dysregulation, particularly because of my training in Somatic Experiencing and can help you return to a state of balance so that your journey with SSP can be smooth and enjoyable. This is also why we do the first few sessions typically together to see how you respond and how much you need.

What the Safe and Sound Protocol Can Do For You and Your Family

• Repair and strengthen relationships

• Engage in more satisfying social interactions

• Build resilience

• Improve communication skills

• Enhance the work of other modalities

• Focus and learn

  . . . just to name a few

The Science Behind the Polyvagal Theory: The Vagus Nerve

The mind and body are connected through the vagus nerve, the longest nerve in the autonomic nervous system, stretching from the brainstem to the colon. It is our internal control center, allowing the brain to monitor and receive information about many of our bodily functions.

The vagus nerve helps to regulate critical aspects of human physiology, including the heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, digestion and even speaking. As the body takes in information automatically through neuroception, the vagus nerve communicates this information to the brain, which processes the signals and cues from the world around us and in turn determines how we react through three physiological states: Parasympathetic/ventral vagal state, sympathetic state, or dorsal vagal state.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to change in response to stimulation is known as “neuroplasticity.” The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)and Focus System are based on this principle, providing gentle and specific stimulation in order to activate the neural pathways used in the processing of sensory information. 

Neural connections in these pathways are strengthened and new connections are established through repeated sessions of multisensory input, allowing the nervous system to adapt and find safety more quickly and easily.

Being in Ventral Vagal - Parasympathetic

At the top of the autonomic hierarchy, is the system of connection. The ventral state is essential for health and wellbeing. In this state, we feel grounded, organized, and ready to meet the day. Life feels manageable; we see options, have hope, and hear new stories. We connect to ourselves, to others, to the world around us, and to Spirit. We are regulated and ready to engage. Our heart rate is regulated and our breath is full. We take in the faces of friends, tune in to conversations, and tune out distracting noises. We see the big picture and connect to the world and the people in it. I might describe myself as happy, active, interested and the world as safe, fun, and peaceful.

From this ventral vagal place at the top of the autonomic ladder, I am connected to myself and can reach out to others. Some of the daily living experiences in this state include being organized, following through with plans, taking care of myself, taking time to play, doing things with others, feeling productive at work, and having a general feeling of regulation and a sense of management. Health benefits include a healthy heart, regulated blood pressure, a strong immune system decreasing my vulnerability to illness, good digestion, quality sleep, and an overall sense of well-being.