Listening for connection
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is part of our Sensing services offering, which aims to improve sensory integration and processing.
Sensory integration is the process by which the nervous system receives, organises, and interprets sensory information from the environment and the body. It influences our neuroceptive evaluation, determining how our ANS regulates our physical and psychological health and enables us to respond appropriately to stimuli and engage with others and our environment. It influences our Ontology: who we are – our doing, being, becoming and belonging, our ability to connect our Self and soul values and our experience of psychological safety within our environment.
SSP is a groundbreaking intervention rooted in the Polyvagal Theory. This theory revolutionises our understanding of how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) processes and responds to safety and threat cues from our environment. The SSP leverages this understanding by using specially filtered music to stimulate and regulate the vagus nerve, a key player in the ANS.
The core mechanism of SSP focuses on the frequency band of human speech. By using sound frequencies within this range, the protocol signals safety to the listener, helping to calm their internal state. In contrast, sounds outside this frequency range can signal danger and disrupt the internal equilibrium. During the SSP process, the middle ear muscles contract and stiffen the ossicular chain, effectively reducing low-frequency background noise. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with auditory processing difficulties, high stress, and trauma-related conditions.
One of the key benefits of SSP is the reduction of auditory hypersensitivity. Many individuals, especially those with trauma, PTSD or C-PTSD, experience heightened sensitivity to background sounds, which can be overwhelming and disruptive. SSP helps mitigate this hypersensitivity, making focusing on human speech and other essential auditory cues easier and thus, we experience more psychological safety in our environment.
Emotional regulation is another significant advantage of SSP. By calming the autonomic state, SSP supports better emotional control and reduces anxiety levels. This regulatory effect extends to improving social engagement, as perceived safety naturally facilitates social interaction and connection.
The SSP is particularly important for individuals who have experienced trauma or have conditions such as ADHD and autism. Trauma survivors often struggle with auditory hypersensitivity and autonomic dysregulation, making SSP a valuable tool in their recovery process.
SSP can help improve focus for those with ADHD by reducing auditory distractions. The calming effects of SSP may also enhance auditory processing and social engagement for individuals with autism.
Safe and Sound Protocol is a vital tool in modern therapeutic practices. It offers a science-backed method to enhance auditory processing, emotional regulation, and social engagement by leveraging the body’s natural mechanisms for regulating the autonomic nervous system.
Understanding and implementing SSP can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being, particularly for those dealing with trauma, ADHD, autism, and anxiety. At Neuroceptive Learning, we provide a supportive environment where you can experience the calming and regulatory effects of SSP.
To find out more, please contact me here.
