The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a non-invasive behavioral neural intervention that is intended to improve vagal tone and flexibility so that our nervous system can feel safe.

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It engages the middle ear muscles that connect to our vagal nerve system through listening to music that has been modulated so that it only plays the middle frequency. The middle frequency is important because it mimics the frequency of the human voice.  On completion of the 5 hours of music a permanent change is produced in a person’s nervous system (in contrast to external vagal nerve stimulators, which are temporary and have to be repeated daily to feel the effects).

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Dr. Stephen Porges developed the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) based on his Polyvagal Theory. Initially designed as a 5-hour auditory intervention, SSP aims to soothe both physiological and emotional states. This protocol draws from four decades of research exploring the intricate connection between the autonomic nervous system and socio-emotional processes.

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Highlights of the SSP:

• A 5-hour auditory intervention developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of the Polyvagal Theory.

• A way to stabilize the nervous system without the use of psychiatric medication.

• Designed to reduce sound sensitivity and improve auditory processing and behavioral state regulation.

• Activates the client’s social engagement system, helping to accelerate and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

• Supports physiological state regulation, allowing for greater resilience.

 

Who can benefit from Safe and Sound?

• PTSD, trauma histories

• Anxiety and depression

• OCD and Pans/Pandas

• Emotional regulation difficulties

• Autism Spectrum Disorders

• ADD and ADHD

• Auditory hypersensitivities

• Dysautonomia/POTS

• Multiple chemical sensitivity

• Mast Cell Activation Disease

• Adrenal fatigue/dysfunction

• ME/CFS (myalgic encephalitis/chronic fatigue syndrome)

• Chiari malformation, intracranial pressure issues, and ECF leaks

• Mood dysregulation

• Motion sickness

• Misophonia (a strong reaction to certain sounds, such as dripping water, chewing, tapping)

• Auditory processing disorder

• Sensory processing disorder

 

Does the Safe and Sound Protocol really work?

Peer reviewed research has shown that the SSP provides enhanced vagus nerve function and positively affects HRV. The HRV is an important indicator of general health.
 

The SSP also demonstrated that it improves attention. And that it helps to cope better with changing situations.

It can also help us connect more easily and better with others and the world around us. In addition, it supports with concentration problems.
 

How Does SSP help with chronic illness?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) can be particularly helpful for individuals with chronic illness such as Long COVID and ME/CFS due to its impact on the Vagus nerve. The Vagus nerve connects major organs and originates in the gut. Inflammation in the gut, potentially caused by COVID-19, can send proinflammatory signals to the brainstem, leading to symptoms like malaise, flu-like symptoms, and autonomic dysfunction1.
 

The SSP works by restoring Vagal tone and function, helping to reduce these symptoms. By sending signals of safety to the Vagus nerve, the SSP can interrupt the false signals being sent to the brainstem, allowing the body to spend more time in a “rest and digest” state. This promotes natural healing and can alleviate symptoms associated with Long COVID and ME/CFS2.
 

Want to learn more? Visit the following links:

https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2021/02/22/long-covid-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-brainstem-dysautonomia/

SSP explanation Website: https://www.whatisthessp.com/

SSP/Polyvagal video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_kl9fu0F88

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdIQRxwT1I0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baalpOg3Yts

 

 

 

 

Rest and Restore Protocol

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and Anthony Gorry, Rest and Restore Protocol™ (RRP) is an innovative, clinical-grade listening therapy designed to help calm and restore mental and physical functioning.
 

RRP is informed by decades of research studying physiological rhythms in the body, including heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and in the gut, alongside deep knowledge of advanced sound technology. This scientifically engineered acoustic signal and music support deep relaxation and optimal recovery for clients.
 

Rest and Restore Protocol™ is Sonocea® Enhanced

Sonocea® is an innovative, patent-pending sonic augmentation technology that uses acoustic parameters that go beyond traditional sound design, integrating the scientific knowledge of endogenous biological rhythms with the nervous system’s potential to be entrained through rhythmic stimulation. 
 

Why does this matter?

By fostering coherence and harmony within these neural pathways, RRP helps individuals feel more at ease, and improve mental and physical well-being. It complements existing therapeutic treatments and interventions for chronic stress and trauma-related challenges, offering healing professionals a powerful tool to enhance and accelerate therapeutic outcomes and provide holistic support.
 

RRP’s innovative approach to modulating neural rhythms through musical themes offers a non-invasive, accessible solution for promoting relaxation, restoring balance, and supporting overall vitality. 

Who can benefit from Rest and Restore?

• Patients with SIBO

• Patients with gut dysfunction

 

Program Outline for SSP/RRP:

SSP/RRP therapy at SFM is a subscription program allowing unlimited, online and on-demand access to SSP/RRP listening therapy sessions.
 

• A 60-minute Intake Session is required with our Provider prior to initiating these programs.

• One 45-minute in-person Listening Session with our Provider is required after the intake to ensure program efficacy.

• Any further 30-minute follow up sessions are not required, but may be utilized throughout the completion of these programs.

Your Investment in Restoring Health:

• Required 60-minute Intake Session = $165

• Required 45-minute Listening Session = $145

• Monthly subscription of $99/month to be billed on the first of the month following initiation of the program

  • Family discount offered to family members at $49/month

• Optional 30-minute follow up sessions = $95

 

Individual Integrative Therapy Sessions 

Health Benefits Provided:

You will start with a 60-minute Initial Intake Session with Casey. Your follow up sessions will be determined based on your individual needs and can be either a 45-minute session or 30-minute session.

Your Investment in Restoring Health:

All appointments will be paid with a Pay Per Visit structure based on appointment length and type as outlined below:

• 60-minute Intake Session = $165

• 45-minute Follow-Up Session = $145

• 30-minute Follow-Up Session = $95