Julie K Play Therapy

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SAFE AND SOUND PROTOCOL

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Thank you for your interest in the Safe and Sound Protocol. This intervention is evidence based, which means that it has been found through research to have a positive impact on individuals who participate in it. I am hopeful it will be helpful for your child as well!

 

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a result of Dr. Stephen Porges’ forty years of research on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system, auditory sensitivities and social emotional processes. The SSP is a five-hour sound-based intervention that has been found to calm physiological and emotional states. It was designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity and enhance social engagement and resilience by stimulating nervous system regulation. This is accomplished by exercising and systematically challenging the auditory system with specifically processed or filtered music.

 

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

The SSP Core was originally designed to be delivered over 5 consecutive days for one hour per day. However, each individual is unique and the delivery of the SSP can be adjusted to best suit each individual client. Depending on your child’s experiences and/or sensitivities, I will suggest a few minutes up to 30 minutes per listening session. Listening will take place during scheduled sessions on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to best support your child’s nervous system. 

 

While listening, your child can engage in quiet activities such as coloring, play doh, drawing, puzzles, card games, fidgets, etc. Participants may choose to simply sit quietly and listen to the music but some type of quiet activity with the hands supports the process. Rhythmic movement (rocking chair, hammock, swing) and other gentle movement can also help children sooth and stay regulated while listening.

 

POTENTIAL RISKS

The SSP is not a passive intervention. Shifts are happening within the autonomic nervous system and the vagal nerve complex. Sometimes shifts are subtle and other times, big changes occur. Some may experience temporary discomfort such as gastrointestinal symptoms (ex., bowel changes or gas), an uptick in strong emotions, irritability and emotion dysregulation, increased anxiety, fatigue or sleep disturbances, heightened sensitivity to sound/light/emotions/sensations, vivid nightmares or dreams, blurred vision, feeling spaced out/brain fog, heart palpitations or dizziness or no improvement.

 

In part, this is because the interventions are “changing” the nervous system into a more settled state, but because this “feels” different, it can be disorienting. It is quite common to feel physically tired during and after the intervention, so getting adequate rest is very helpful. As time passes, your child should settle into the new, calmer state.

 

There may be other risks that I cannot predict. This is why having me as a support is very important as I can offer guidance and co-regulation support during the entire listening process.

If your child experiences any adverse effects between our sessions, please contact me so I can offer support.

If your child is going through a period of stress (beginning school, moving, etc), participating in this project should be reconsidered until a less stressful time.

 

YOUR RIGHTS

Participation in this intervention is voluntary. You have the right to end your child’s participation at any time. Your confidentiality rights are the same as in psychotherapy, with the same exceptions; reported/suspected child abuse, planned harm to self or others, and in the rare case your records are subpoenaed.

 

 

________I understand the risks and benefits associated with the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and agree for my child to participate.

 

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