What is the SSP?

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the SSP is a five-hour auditory intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. The program is implemented based on client’s  By calming the physiological and emotional state, the door is opened for improved communication and more successful therapy.

Research-based therapy showing significant results in the following areas:

Stressors that impact social engagement

• Social and emotional difficulties

• Auditory sensitivities

• Anxiety and trauma-related challenges

• Inattention

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, the program is derived from nearly four decades of research on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and social-emotional processes. It is designed to stimulate nervous system regulation by exercising and systematically challenging the auditory system with specifically processed music.

The music trains the auditory pathways by focusing on the frequency envelope of human speech. As the client learns to process these speech-related frequencies, they improve the functioning of two cranial nerves that are important for promoting overall social behaviour. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial Nerve) helps clients focus on the human voice and tune out irrelevant frequencies. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus Nerve) enables self-soothing and autonomic regulation.

Following the successful completion of the intervention, individuals will be better able to focus in school, at work, in therapy, and in everyday life, and will experience a calmer/regulated emotional and physiological state.  This is based on studies that suggest that skills such as attention, state regulation and the ability to engage socially will be enhanced.