Safe and Sound Protocol
“Music can heal wounds which medicine cannot touch.”
— Debasish Mridha
Interested in learning more about the program?
Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Call or text 904-869-6082
info.lindseywoodstock@gmail.com
Struggling to keep up with the demands of life?
Have you been in counseling and feel like you understand why you have the emotions but would like to go deeper in your nervous system so you are not just reacting through life?
Are you on a journey of wellness and healing, looking for the next step to go deeper within your self?
This listening program has so many wonderful benefits and can offer support to so many. With a regulated nervous system you are better able to handle transitions and life’s curveballs without feeling stuck, improve productivity and motivation, improved digestion and sleep, improved communication with loved ones and just more present and able to enjoy the life you are living. Anyone over the age of 2 can complete this program.
What is SSP?
Safe and Sound Protocol is a listening program that you complete in the comfort of your own home. It is a total of 5 hours that you will listen to in shortened sessions - typically 15-30 minutes. The exact length of time will be discussed with provider based on your own nervous system response and tolerance.
The safe and sound protocol has a filter over the music that is difficult to distinguish while listening but it is working your nervous system to get out of fight or flight and into rest and digest. The filter sends out a stress signal and then reassures you that you are safe. Almost like how a mother comforts a newborn in distress. Since our nervous system is built by the age of three this is a way to go back to regulate our own.
This program is doing a couple of things with your Vagus nerve while you are listening - working on Vagal Tone and Vagal Break. Vagal tone helps going up and down the autonomic ladder so that you are able to bounce back more quickly in stressful or tense situations. Vagal break helps cut off the stress response so that we don’t have to go so deep in fight, flight or freeze but can stay more at ease.
WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?
More calm and at ease during life’s transitions or stressful situations
Increased productivity, creativity and clearer thinking
Improved communication, healing relationships (not so triggered by old wounds) also able to move on from unhealthy relationships
Improved sleep - doesn’t take so long to fall asleep/racing thoughts
Improved digestion
Better able to participate in life without just reacting
Not as reactive to sensory input (picky eating/tactile/ sound)
Improved self awareness
Improved transitions
Some clients notice a change after the very first session while others can take weeks to notice a difference or may require more than one attempt.
While this is an intense listening program, adverse effects are not common, however can happen. It is important to stay in contact with the provider and not overload your nervous system. If this is your experience, please reach out immediately.
WHY DOES THIS WORK?
Developed by world-renowned researcher and Unyte’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system, and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life-threat can impact our behavior. Understanding Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework that can be applied through physiological, or “bottom-up” therapies, to help change and improve how we feel, think and connect with others.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS LIKE?
Once you are set up, you will listen to the provided playlist in the comfort of your own home though the app. The CORE program includes 5 hours of heavily filtered music either classical, adult or children’s playlist. This will be spaced out based on what you are able to tolerate. On average clients listen to 15–30-minute sessions. After the CORE program is completed the BALANCE program is an option to continue the benefits with less of a filter on the playlist. The only thing that is needed by you, are over the ear headphones ( which I can send a link of recommended ones on Amazon between $30-$40) and phone or tablet that can download the Unyte app which is how the playlist is sent to you.
While listening you should be in a quiet space and uninterrupted if possible. Quiet and calming activities can be done such as coloring, drawing, knitting, walking, gardening, or movement such as yoga. If those activities are not of interest to you – you can use this time to complete household upkeep like laundry, dishes or organizing. The idea is to complete more meditative or simple activities to let your brain fully absorb the music. Avoid reading, watching tv or scrolling on your phone.
CASE STUDIES
Click the link below to access the database to SSP’s case studies showing results with both adults and children with a variety of diagnosis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
This program would not be appropriate for those in active psychosis, seizures, recent concussion/brain injury, recent or upcoming major dental work, suicidal thoughts or any ear trauma to be cleared by audiologist.
COST OF THE PROGRAM?
The cost of the program is $400 for evaluation, onboarding and access to music for one month. We will discuss listening duration time, regulating activities and go over the program as well as answer any questions you might have. I will check in weekly by email and available if any questions or dysregualtion is encountered. To continue the program after the first month it will be $100 for each additional month to access. Payments can be spaced out if needed. On average clients complete the program in 1 to 2 months unless going at a slower pace which will be discussed upfront.
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MY EXPERIENCE
How do I know all of this - because I have used it and it completely changed my life. I had no idea how I was running on empty and my nervous system was hanging on by a thread. I am a pretty self aware and reflective person. I was doing all the things - yoga, meditation, my faith, journaling, counseling, acupuncture, exercise, sunshine, walking, spending time in nature, drinking lots of water . . .the list could go on and on. It felt like a constant to do list and there was always a restlessness within. After my first hour of listening I felt a shift and I have never gone back. A safety that I needed to feel in my own skin.
As a new Mom, my family was amazed at how I handled the transition. As a former worrier and wanting to have control I have been able to handle the chaos that is inevitable and also shift into this role with greater ease. It has allowed me to be more present and relaxed into this new version of life. My husband survived a severe traumatic brain injury in a boating accident and lost my brother after a decade long battle with addiction. I don’t mention these things for sympathy - but if you can relate - you get it. We all try to do the best we can in this life, but sometimes circumstances can just be heavy and hard to keep up with all of the demands. This program allowed me a much needed reset and the ability to tap into myself when I needed it most. I am so grateful and want to spread that peace going forward.
