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Dr. Mana
Registered Clinical Counselor & SSP certified.

What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, founder of the Polyvagal Theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol is a non-invasive acoustic vague nerve stimulator that helps clients connect with themselves, others, and the world from a foundation of physiological safety. Your client experiences the SSP playlists through over-the-ear headphones which can be delivered in-clinic or remotely.

How Does It Work?
The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is the only practical application of Polyvagal Theory and is designed to improve sound sensitivities and auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through specially filtered music.
The SSP allows for the repatterning of neural networks and improved regulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) for lasting change. Based on hierarchical recruitment of the ANS, the SSP trains the middle ear muscles to tune-in to cues of safety signaled by the frequencies of human voice, which stimulates the social engagement system through the neural network associated with listening.

Who Is It For?
The SSP is suitable for children and adults and has been designed to work with a diverse variety of therapeutic approaches and modalities. Its effectiveness has been proven in a wide range of studies including clinical trials involving children with autism, along with numerous case studies demonstrating effectiveness with emotional regulation, trauma, anxiety and more.
Research has even begun on how the SSP can affect the impact of long COVID.