Gentle, Effective Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) Delivery for all Ages
Welcome
I specialize in providing SSP to people of all ages, all over the world. I customize delivery to the specific nervous system response of the individual, allowing for a process that is both more gentle and more effective.
SSP is a 5 hour auditory intervention created by Stephen Porges, the founder of polyvagal theory.
SSP is designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, by calming the physiological and emotional state, the door is opened for improved communication and more successful therapy.
The SSP is a research-based therapy showing signicant results in the following areas:
Social and emotional difficulties
Auditory sensitivities
Anxiety and trauma related challenges
Inattention
Stressors that impact social engagement
POTENTIAL AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
The following concerns are among those that may potentially arise 2-7 weeks after completion of SSP Core:
Reduced anxiety, especially social anxiety
Improved assertiveness and self protectiveness
Decreased sensitivity to sounds
Misophonia
Increased displays of affection-seeking affection-expressive contact
Increased facial flexibility and expressiveness
Increased body flexibility
Reduced chronic pain
Change in throat tension/sound of voice
Improved eye contact
Reduced repetitive motions and restlessness
Increased feelings of calmness
Hearing changes/reductions in sensory hypersensitivities
Finding transitions much easier
Speech and language improvements
Reduced sensitivity to food tastes and textures/less "picky eating"
Improved reciprocal communication
Thoughts and behavior have more purposeful flow
Improved comprehension
Easier to follow directions
Improved processing speed
Improved organization
Improved dexterity
More active participant in classroom, able to tolerate and overcome challenges
Improved visual focus/tracking
More able to put words to feeling
Able to remain regulated during face to face communication
Improved self-awareness (particularly of emotions),
Improved communication about self (again particularly about emotions),
Decreased panic, fears and phobias
Improved cardiac function
Improvement in breathing patterns.
Able to tolerate busy environments
Increased sense of humor
Improved ability to read social cues
Less easily stressed
Improved digestion
Hormonal shifts for women
SSP is a completely non-invasive intervention that involves listening to music that has been processed specifically to retune the nervous system (regulating state) to introduce a sense of safety and the ability to socially engage. This allows the client to better interpret not only human speech but, importantly, the emotional meaning of language. Once interpersonal interactions improve, spontaneous social behaviors and an enhanced ability to learn, self-regulate and engage are often seen.
NEW!! In addition to the original SSP (now called SSP Core) we now have two new SSP pathways:
SSP Connect offers a slower way to approach SSP and allows time to adjust and acclimate to the listening and to prepare for SSP Core.
SSP Connect is an invitation or warm up to the SSP for those who would benefit from a slower and gentler introduction. It can help develop familiarity with the music and listening process, thereby providing a sense of comfort and safety in experiencing the music, and sets up a sense of expectancy for what is to come.
SSP Balance offers an integrating experience and the opportunity to extend the state-regulating benefits beyond the five hours of SSP Core.
SSP Balance is a pathway that can be used to extend and integrate the gains of the SSP and potentially act as a state stabilizer. It can also be used for further stabilization and integration before beginning an SSP Core Booster.
SSP Balance can be used by many on an ongoing basis to calm and ground.
How does it work?
SSP uses the auditory system as a portal to the vagus complex, which controls our physiological state. Once physiological state is regulated, we can accelerate or enhance subsequent therapy.
Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, the program is derived from nearly four decades of research on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and social-emotional processes. It is designed to stimulate nervous system regulation by exercising and systematically challenging the auditory system with specically processed music.
The music trains the auditory pathways by focusing on the frequency envelope of human speech. As the client learns to process these speech-related frequencies, they improve the functioning of two cranial nerves that are important for promoting overall social behavior. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial Nerve) helps clients focus on human voice and tune out irrelevant frequencies. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus Nerve) enables self-soothing and autonomic regulation.
SSP is designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, by calming the physiological and emotional state, the door is opened for improved communication and more successful therapy.
The SSP is a research-based therapy showing signicant results in the following areas:
Social and emotional difficulties
Auditory sensitivities
Anxiety and trauma related challenges
Inattention
Stressors that impact social engagement
POTENTIAL AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
The following concerns are among those that may potentially arise 2-7 weeks after completion of SSP Core:
Reduced anxiety, especially social anxiety
Improved assertiveness and self protectiveness
Decreased sensitivity to sounds
Misophonia
Increased displays of affection-seeking affection-expressive contact
Increased facial flexibility and expressiveness
Increased body flexibility
Reduced chronic pain
Change in throat tension/sound of voice
Improved eye contact
Reduced repetitive motions and restlessness
Increased feelings of calmness
Hearing changes/reductions in sensory hypersensitivities
Finding transitions much easier
Speech and language improvements
Reduced sensitivity to food tastes and textures/less "picky eating"
Improved reciprocal communication
Thoughts and behavior have more purposeful flow
Improved comprehension
Easier to follow directions
Improved processing speed
Improved organization
Improved dexterity
More active participant in classroom, able to tolerate and overcome challenges
Improved visual focus/tracking
More able to put words to feeling
Able to remain regulated during face to face communication
Improved self-awareness (particularly of emotions),
Improved communication about self (again particularly about emotions),
Decreased panic, fears and phobias
Improved cardiac function
Improvement in breathing patterns.
Able to tolerate busy environments
Increased sense of humor
Improved ability to read social cues
Less easily stressed
Improved digestion
Hormonal shifts for women
SSP is a completely non-invasive intervention that involves listening to music that has been processed specifically to retune the nervous system (regulating state) to introduce a sense of safety and the ability to socially engage. This allows the client to better interpret not only human speech but, importantly, the emotional meaning of language. Once interpersonal interactions improve, spontaneous social behaviors and an enhanced ability to learn, self-regulate and engage are often seen.
NEW!! In addition to the original SSP (now called SSP Core) we now have two new SSP pathways:
SSP Connect offers a slower way to approach SSP and allows time to adjust and acclimate to the listening and to prepare for SSP Core.
SSP Connect is an invitation or warm up to the SSP for those who would benefit from a slower and gentler introduction. It can help develop familiarity with the music and listening process, thereby providing a sense of comfort and safety in experiencing the music, and sets up a sense of expectancy for what is to come.
SSP Balance offers an integrating experience and the opportunity to extend the state-regulating benefits beyond the five hours of SSP Core.
SSP Balance is a pathway that can be used to extend and integrate the gains of the SSP and potentially act as a state stabilizer. It can also be used for further stabilization and integration before beginning an SSP Core Booster.
SSP Balance can be used by many on an ongoing basis to calm and ground.
How does it work?
SSP uses the auditory system as a portal to the vagus complex, which controls our physiological state. Once physiological state is regulated, we can accelerate or enhance subsequent therapy.
Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, the program is derived from nearly four decades of research on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and social-emotional processes. It is designed to stimulate nervous system regulation by exercising and systematically challenging the auditory system with specically processed music.
The music trains the auditory pathways by focusing on the frequency envelope of human speech. As the client learns to process these speech-related frequencies, they improve the functioning of two cranial nerves that are important for promoting overall social behavior. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial Nerve) helps clients focus on human voice and tune out irrelevant frequencies. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus Nerve) enables self-soothing and autonomic regulation.
About Me
I am a certified Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) practitioner who is passionate about providing the best possible SSP experience to my clients.
In October 2022 I attended the PVI Safe & Sound Summit in Jacksonville, Florida where I was lucky enough to meet Stephen Porges, in person. Attending that conference and learning in greater depth about polyvagal theory was incredibly inspiring and has influenced my work greatly.
My areas of particular expertise include offering SSP to those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention deficit disorder (ADHD), sound sensitivities including misophonia, anxiety and selective mutism.
In October 2022 I attended the PVI Safe & Sound Summit in Jacksonville, Florida where I was lucky enough to meet Stephen Porges, in person. Attending that conference and learning in greater depth about polyvagal theory was incredibly inspiring and has influenced my work greatly.
My areas of particular expertise include offering SSP to those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention deficit disorder (ADHD), sound sensitivities including misophonia, anxiety and selective mutism.
Pricing
For those located in Ontario, Canada who have extended health plans that cover counselling with social workers, the majority of the fee may be covered within the limits of your plan. Please enquire for details.
Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)
Ages 12 & Under: $400 CDN (about $325 US)
Teens & Adults: $520 CDN (about $390 US)
This fee includes access to the digital SSP app for up to 4 months, as well as ongoing support and guidance by myself, via email.
For teens and adults, the $520 fee includes an online session in which I observe the beginning of listening. For those aged 12 and under, an online session is not required.
If a longer time period is desired or needed - whether to take more time in doing SSP Core (the main SSP protocol, or to access SSP Balance on an ongoing basis - there is an additional $50 CDN/$40 US per month fee.
Subsequent Rounds of SSP
Most people can benefit from repeating SSP but it is typically necessary to wait at least 3 months before doing so.
Subsequent rounds of SSP, when a previous round has been done with myself, are $320 CDN/$235 US regardless of age.
Family Discounts
If you have more than one family member in the home there is an additional $120 CDN ($90 US) fee per person aged 12 and under, or $240 CDN ($180 US) for those aged 13 and up.
If you are located within Ontario Canada and have an extended health plan that covers services with social workers, the majority of the fee may be covered by your extended health plan - please enquire for details.
SSP is not considered the "end" of treatment but rather than beginning as, by shifting physiology, it boosts the effectiveness and efficiency of all other approaches that someone accesses. It is best followed by other approaches relevant for the particular individual, such as neurofeedack, Unyte-iLs Focus, or other approaches. I am happy to provide referrals for these as well.
Ages 12 & Under: $400 CDN (about $325 US)
Teens & Adults: $520 CDN (about $390 US)
This fee includes access to the digital SSP app for up to 4 months, as well as ongoing support and guidance by myself, via email.
For teens and adults, the $520 fee includes an online session in which I observe the beginning of listening. For those aged 12 and under, an online session is not required.
If a longer time period is desired or needed - whether to take more time in doing SSP Core (the main SSP protocol, or to access SSP Balance on an ongoing basis - there is an additional $50 CDN/$40 US per month fee.
Subsequent Rounds of SSP
Most people can benefit from repeating SSP but it is typically necessary to wait at least 3 months before doing so.
Subsequent rounds of SSP, when a previous round has been done with myself, are $320 CDN/$235 US regardless of age.
Family Discounts
If you have more than one family member in the home there is an additional $120 CDN ($90 US) fee per person aged 12 and under, or $240 CDN ($180 US) for those aged 13 and up.
If you are located within Ontario Canada and have an extended health plan that covers services with social workers, the majority of the fee may be covered by your extended health plan - please enquire for details.
SSP is not considered the "end" of treatment but rather than beginning as, by shifting physiology, it boosts the effectiveness and efficiency of all other approaches that someone accesses. It is best followed by other approaches relevant for the particular individual, such as neurofeedack, Unyte-iLs Focus, or other approaches. I am happy to provide referrals for these as well.
