Frequently Asked Questions

​hOW LONG DOES IS TAKE TO DO THE SSP?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is different for every person and is designed to fit your specific nervous system needs. You must first complete paperwork and schedule an intake to determine the best course of action for you. Some clients are ready for SSP Core program immediately. Some with higher sensitivities will need to take the protocol at a slower pace and incorporate SSP Connect and SSP Balance.  Most clients will need 2-3 months to complete the protocol in a safe manner that has sustained changes. After month 3, we will meet to track progress and change in symptoms and reevaluate if another installation of the protocol is needed. You can repeat the protocol up to 3 times per year.
hOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Please see each individual program for cost.
dO YOU TAKE MY INSURANCE?
Soma & Soul does not accept insurance. ​Your HSA will likely cover the cost given it is a healthcare protocol and wellness cost.
what type of headphones do I need for ssp?
  • We recommend over-the-ear (circumaural) headphones for their enclosed nature and the immersive sound experience
  • On-ear headphones and earbuds are not recommended
  • Avoid noise-canceling headphones (unless noise-canceling can be turned off)
  • Bluetooth headphones are approved as long as the distance between the headphones and the device is kept to a minimum so as to not disrupt the music.
who is remote ssp not indicated for?
​Not every client is a candidate for remote facilitation. Some will need the personal presence, direction and guidance of a skilled therapist for safety and best results. For every client it’s important to assess the suitability of remote facilitation of the SSP. 
Characteristics of a client who would not be appropriate for remote delivery: 
  • Engages in self-injury behaviors
  • Experiences suicidal thoughts/ideation
  • Has recently started or changed type/dosage of a psychiatric medication
  • Recently suffered a head injury or experiences significant medical instability
  • Experienced a recent major destabilizing personal life event (divorce, death, job loss, etc.)
  • Lives in an unstable/difficult household 
  • Has been or is significantly impacted by COVID-19
  • Is currently experiencing seizures
  • Has a history of significant trauma
People experiencing any of the above will be best served by working one-on-one in person with a skilled mental health therapist.
What is the purpose of the SSP?
A Therapeutic Model based on Physiological State. The purpose of the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is to initiate and access a physiological state conducive to well-being, positive engagement with others, and growth in learning and therapy. Rooted in his Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Stephen Porges created the SSP to help people learn to attain a grounded state where they feel safe, connected, calm and social. By helping to access a calm and grounded state, the SSP promotes a neural platform for health, growth and restoration.
What does neural plasticity of the autonomic nervous system and state mean?
The SSP exercises the neural pathways associated with regulating behavioral state and social engagement. These are aspects of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). And just as the brain is plastic and can change based on experience, the ANS is also plastic. Peer-reviewed research has shown the SSP to significantly increase vagal regulation of the heart, which promotes better control of our state.
What is physiological state?
Physiological or emotional state is at the root of all behavior. Some states promote sociability. Some promote tantrums. Others promote shut down. What is the “just right” state for therapy? It’s the sweet spot where a person is available and motivated for the task at hand. How do you know when your client or student is in the perfect state for optimal performance? You’ll notice signals in the: eyes (bright and focused); face (content with the ability to express all emotions); voice (capable of prosody or tone changes); body (relaxed but with good muscle tone); and rate of movement (smooth and responsive – not too fast or slow). These are all indicators of a state of focused, relaxed, and confident alertness optimal for learning and performing with confidence.
who might benefit from the ssp?
SSP can benefit individuals with:
  • Auditory sensitivity
  • ​Chronic anxiety
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder 
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Social anxiety
  • Separation anxiety
  • Behavioral acting out
  • Anger
  • Learning problems
  • Sleep problems (due to worry and ruminating)
  • Self-medicating behaviors (alcohol or drug use, gambling addiction, etc.)
Our physiological state is critical to how we approach the task at hand (work, parenting, navigating relationships, etc). So when a client has better state control, not only can they be more socially engaged, they are more open to therapy. Better state regulation improves therapeutic outcomes, social engagement and resilience.
Do you have any covid-19 resources? Help!
We sure do. We'll keep adding to this list as more resources become available.