Dr. Stephen Porges
Polyvagal Protocols that Retrain the Nervous System
About the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a research-based practical application of Polyvagal Theory. It is a listening program designed to retrain the autonomic nervous system to feel safe, so that people feel more able to connect with others, assert themselves, feel happy and relaxed, and release the effects of trauma, and be more resilient in the face of stress. It is designed to reduce sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors. The SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to re-tune 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.
For further information about the Safe and Sound Protocol, visit whatistheSSP.com
Polyvagal Theory: the Science of Feeling Safe
Developed by world-renowned researcher, 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.
Rest and Restore Protocol™ (RRP)
A new sound technology from Dr. Stephen Porges and Anthony Gorry.
Using pioneering technology in sound engineering, this program supports access to deep levels of parasympathetic renewal and restoration. The program is designed to shift the physiology out of states of chronic stress and shut-down related to trauma into states of expansion and inner balance.
This powerful program is grounded in deep understanding of how energy in the form of sound waves (music) influences brain and body. Extensively researched, RRP signals the healing functions of the autonomic nervous system to move gently in calm and relaxed states. The autonomic nervous system regulates essential bodily functions such as heartrate, breathing, sleep, digestion, and blood pressure. They are severely impeded when the system goes into sympathetic nervous system’s fight-of-flight response. This affects behavior, bodily functions, and health. Training the nervous system to relax and be calm restores health, improves brain/nervous system communication, leading to transforming of neurons and dendrites, better chemistry, improved regulation and emotional processing, learning, memory and motivation.
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