Safe and Sound Protocol
The Safe and Sound Protocol was developed by Dr Stephen Porges, a professor in the department of psychiatry at UNC Chapel Hill. SSP is based upon his Polyvagal Theory which holds that we have three different states that our autonomic nervous system moves through: social and connected, fight or flight, freeze and faint. How much time we spend in each depends on many factors and influences all of our daily functions such as digestion, muscle tension, cognitive processing, social connection, sleep, and the ability to feel safe. The Safe and Sound Protocol consists of a total of 5 hours of listening to computer altered music that exercises and dramatically improves the functioning of the polyvagal system. What this means is that after the program we can feel safer, connected, in control of our reactions and triggers, more relaxed and grounded, and less stuck in harmful patterns of fear and depression. SSP is perfect for those with PTSD or who have experienced trauma in the past, those who struggle with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, TBI, attention or sensory processing issues, digestion issues, insomnia, and even chronic physical issues that just won’t go away. It literally pulls stress, trauma, and tension out of the nervous system.
SSP is a total of 5 hours of listening, broken up into sections of usually 30 minutes each. Each time we meet, we spend an hour together working on self-regulation exercises, sensory awareness practices, breathing, and movement, in addition to the listening portion of the session. Clients leave with practical exercises for self-regulation, grounding, self-care and a greater awareness of their own internal state and how to regulate it rather than be at the mercy of it.
SSP sessions may be done in person or remotely via Zoom. We generally have between 1-2 sessions a week. It may be repeated in the future for further progress if desired.
Please register for a free preliminary consultation before beginning in this program. Choose Consultation in the Book Now menu.
$130 per session. Gift Certificates can be purchased at www.flourishwholenesscenter.clinicsense.com/gift/ or by clicking the button below.
Please make sure to sign up for either online or in person when you register.
For more information about The Safe and Sound Protocol and how it can help you, please watch this video from Unyte iLs Safe and Sound Protocol Video
Precautions/Considerations/Contraindications for SSP:
Each client is considered on an individual basis. If any of the following are present, the provider may recommend waiting to do the SSP until a later date.
- Experience of uncontrolled seizures
- Taking antipsychotic drugs
- Diagnoses of Bipolar Disorder
- Demonstration of self-harm and/or suicidal behaviors
All in person sessions are performed at 1143 C Executive Circle #201, Cary, NC 27511
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