Safe and Sound Protocol
SSP is a music-based intervention that helps to train the ear to hear for calming sounds instead of fear-provoking sounds. It can help can address stress and dysregulation caused by Sensory Processing Disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, sleep disorders, sensitivities found with Autism, misophonia, and other factors that cause an overactive or underactive emotional state. By reducing auditory sensitivities and improving the ability to process human speech, the goal of SSP is to calm the autonomic nervous system so that the child or adult can become more social, engaged, and responsive to their own emotional needs. Other benefits may include improved digestion, improved sleep, and improved vocal tone.
SSP is a great way to help children and adults improve emotional management, move through stressful changes, improve connection with others, and be more open to traditional talk therapy or other therapy techniques. SSP is meant to support the work a child or adult is already doing (or will be doing) in therapy-- it is not meant as a stand along intervention. As SSP works improving the way the nervous system responds to the environment, the work with a therapist will teach you to better recognize your own feelings and needs and find strategies to get back to a calmer or more in control state. The protocol is also adaptive and changes with the latest research in the field. Visit the Integrated Listening System (iLs) website for more information.
Based on years of research by Dr. Stephen Porges and his Polyvagal Theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a five-hour therapeutic listening intervention designed to supports the client's emotional regulation and neuroception (i.e. sense of one's safety), as well as decrease the client's auditory sensitivity. The music is designed to stimulate the vagus nerve, which is responsible for calming the nervous system. This allows for enhanced social engagement and resilience in children and adults. The purpose of SSP is to create new, positive connections in the brain that allow the client to regulate oneself by "stretching the nervous system, not stressing the nervous system."
Package 1: Current therapy clients - $400
For current clients of Kelsey Darmochwal, LMHC, NCC, Safe and Sound Protocol may be added to your current treatment plan for an additional fee. If you are interested in this Protocol, please inform your therapist and you can determine if it is right for you.
Package 2: Remote Therapy Only - $600***
This package includes an initial 1 hour assessment to discuss the protocol and make sure you or your child is a good candidate for the program. Software set up to help you get started. Access to 5 hours of the specially filtered Safe and Sound Protocol music. Phone or text check ins as you work on the program to keep you feeling connected and progressing through sessions. A 30 minute session to evaluate progress after listening is completed, and a 30 minute follow up session 6 weeks after Safe and Sound Protocol is completed.
Package 3: In Office/Remote Safe and Sound Protocol Hybrid - $700-$900***
For individuals with more extensive trauma or extreme sensativities, completing some or all of the protocol in the immediate presence of a therapist can be benificial to help create the calm safe space needed for SSP to be effective.
This package includes the initial assessment to discuss the protocol and make sure you or your child is a good candidate for the program, 1 or more in-person sessions with the therapist creating a calm-safe space for treatment to take place and ensure program is adapted to your needs.
If you or your child are able to complete the program at home you will have access to the remaining hours of the specially filtered Safe and Sound Protocol music remotely. Phone or text check-ins as you work on the program to keep you feeling connected and progressing through sessions. A 30 minute session to evaluate progress after listening is completed, and a 30 minute follow up session 6 weeks after Safe and Sound Protocol is completed.
For fully in-office SSP delivery , you must be scheduled the first through last day of the session on consecutive business days. ( i.e. 1 hour sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the same week, or Thursday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.)
*** Payment plans, sliding scale, and multi-family member discounts available.