SSP stands for the Safe and Sound Protocol. This is a supportive healing modality developed by Dr. Stephen Porges (who also created Polyvagal Theory). This listening tool bathes the vagus nerve and stimulates the social engagement system. How does it work? Listening to the SSP encourages the middle ear muscles to tune in to cues of safety signaled by the frequencies of human voice. This can lead to profound transformations in relationships, boundaries, embodiment, sensory integration and overall nervous system wellness.

You will need an internet connection and a zoom account, an iPhone or android smartphone and the unyte app, and around-the-ear headphones. You might also like to have some supportive tools with you while you listen. I’ll share potential tools (many you might already have around) in our welcome materials.

Group SSP sessions can be really enriching! In a group, we can experience co-regulation and collective support and the feeling that we are not alone. Although everyone will be listening individually and on their own journey, there is time to share about your experience and be deeply heard (if you want to). I strive to make space for your individual experience to be held within our group.

And, if a group isn’t your cup of tea, I offer individual sessions.

In an SSP group, after a somatic practice and optional check-ins, you will be invited to listen to 10 minutes of your playlist. Then, there will be time to share, connect and digest that experience.

In a 2 hour group, there will be three rounds of listening (10 minutes per round), with optional processing after.

You will have access to the SSP playlist through an app on your phone, so you can press pause, opt out, and make your own choices.

Listening happens while we’re together in the group, but you can be in your own space. I will also be there for co-regulation and support.

Okay, hi! So this part sounds awkward. Healing and processing in a group can be kinda awkward. But here’s what I want you to know. I ask for cameras onso I can co-regulate and attune and I know folks are connected to our Zoom space, but while you listen, you do not need to stay in front of your screen!

Folks often listen while folding laundry, bopping around their house/space, moving or stretching, cozying up on the couch or with pets, being on the floor, watering plants they just noticed looked thirsty (true story) etc. I support what feels right to you!

Also - how you engage with the zoom space is something I’m always reminding you that you can change. Do your eyes need a break from the screen? How do you want to be perceived rn? Would you like to share via voice, chat or not at all? Etc. I’m often reminding us that we have choice in how we show up.

Yep, I get that. It can seem like a lot to commit to! And, 13 weeks offers time to experience the medicinal qualities of the listening, track changes in your nervous system, and show up to new tools and new ways of being. Over time, the transformation/s can be profound. It also offers time to settle into our group and connect with one another at a slower pace.

Feeling nervous makes sense. What I can tell you is this: The SSP is gentle and I am gentle. This group is trauma-informed, so your agency and comfort is always prioritized. The SSP is not prescriptive; there is space for flexibility and adaptability. If you want to do it, and you’re also nervous or unsure, you’re welcome to book a connection call and we can chat.

If you need to miss a session, you can listen on your own or schedule a make-up listening session with me at a reduced rate. I can help you determine what works best for you.

If a 1-1 session is a better fit for you than a group experience, fill out an application and we will be in touch. I offer 60 minute 1-1 Somatic SSP sessions. It includes an orienting session with nervous system mapping and a reflective closing session, same as the group. The difference is you can take more time and listen over more 1-1 sessions. You can also experience a blend of SSP listening and Somatic Experiencing approaches and practices.

There are a few contraindications to the SSP. I’m happy to talk about your individual circumstance. Know I won’t recommend it if it truly doesn’t sound like the right fit for you or your life circumstances.

In general, the SSP is not recommended for:

Folks experiencing active psychosis, currently on antipsychotic medication, or with recent psychiatric hospitalizations.

Folks with active or uncontrolled seizures, active tinnitus, or who are actively reporting thoughts of suicide.

And, participants need to have a “safe enough” home environment to return to after each listening session without threat of physical harm. I recognize this is relative. Please do connect with me if you’re not sure about this one.

The SSP experience comes with the possibility of benefits as well as side effects. It’s possible to experience nervous system dysregulation and activation, increased sensitivity to sound, increased emotional sensitivity, gastrointestinal upset, increased anxiety, and more than what’s on this list, depending on your unique body and nervous system.

I am here to help if you are feeling ill effects from the SSP, and we can make adjustments in the listening experience to offer my support. In my experience offering the SSP, side effects are often brief and then settle, but of course it’s possible to have intense or adverse experiences. I’m here if you’d like to talk more about this.

The SSP deposit (1/2 of your tuition) is non-refundable. If something arises and you need to cancel your spot within 2 weeks of the SSP group beginning, I can waive your remaining payments if I am able to fill your spot. If you need to cancel your spot after our group begins, there are no refunds. If you have extenuating circumstances, please be in touch.