Lorrie is now offering the Safe and Sound Protocol for Long Covid and ME/CFS nervous system regulation and health.

About the Safe and Sound Protocol:
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a non-invasive behavioral neural intervention that is intended to improve vagal tone and flexibility so that our nervous system can feel safe.

It engages the middle ear muscles that connect to our vagal nerve system through listening to music that has been modulated so that it only plays the middle frequency. The middle frequency is important because it mimics the frequency of the human voice. On completion of the 5 hours of music a permanent change is produced in a person’s nervous system (in contrast to external vagal nerve stimulators, which are temporary and have to be repeated daily to feel the effets).

Dr. Stephen Porges developed the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) based on his Polyvagal Theory. Initially designed as a 5-hour auditory intervention, SSP aims to soothe both physiological and emotional states. This protocol draws from four decades of research exploring the intricate connection between the autonomic nervous system and socio-emotional processes.

SSP, a research-based intervention, has demonstrated significant results in the following areas:

  • Moving the nervous system from fight or flight/freeze to parasympathetic rest/digest/heal
  • Social and emotional difficulties
  • Auditory sensitivities
  • Anxiety and trauma-related challenges
  • Inattention
  • Stressors affecting social engagement

Why is SSP helpful for Long Covid and ME/CFS?

The Vagus nerve connects all major trunk organs, and it originates in our gut. If there is inflammation in the gut due to COVID (which research is showing to be likely), it conveys a proinflammatory signal all the way to the brainstem at the back of the brain where the vagus nerve ends. The Vagus Nerve also connects to all the major organs and those proinflammatory signals can stimulate symptoms there. Importantly, the brain stem portion of the Vagus Nerve controls the feelings of being sick, malaise, flu like symptoms, autonomic symptoms, nausea, ability to go from sitting to standing, all of which we recognize as classic symptoms of Long COVID and ME/CFS. So a tiny impact on the vagal system from our gut causes a whole lot of symptoms.

It is also possible that there is viral persistence in the vagus nerve or the brain stem itself, which would exacerbate the system even further and cause even more of the symptoms above.

So what does this have to do with the Safe and Sound Protocol??

The SSP will works to restore Vagal tone and function so that symptoms will subside on their own. The signal that is being sent to the brain stem is a false one!! You can interrupt that with the Safe and Sound Protocol. Then the body can spend more time in rest and digest, which in turn allows the body’s natural immune system to heal.

Is this the right therapy for you?

The question often arises: Why choose the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)? We firmly believe that our clients experience accelerated progress and substantial improvements when combining SSP with other services such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Counseling, Trauma therapy, tutoring, and more. This protocol has made a remarkable difference in the lives of many individuals we have worked with.

Stress, trauma, and other challenging situations can overwhelm our nervous system, leaving us in a state of fight, flight, or freeze. This not only impacts our physical health but also influences our interactions with others and our overall emotional well-being. ILS/UNYTE suggests that SSP can bring about positive enhancements in various areas, including spontaneous speech, hearing sensitivity, emotional regulation, autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation, and increased social engagement.

3 Pathways:

Since the initial release of Dr. Porges's original Safe and Sound Protocol, the collective research, experiences, and insights of the Safe and Sound Protocol community have provided additional support for families.

  1. SSP Connect (Classical):

    This pathway offers a gentle and "safe" introduction, particularly suitable for individuals who may require a more delicate approach. The playlist comprises calming and grounding classical music. It is recommended as the first step for sensitive clients or those with a highly dysregulated nervous system.

  2. SSP CORE: The traditional 5-hour listening protocol

    The SSP CORE represents the traditional 5-hour listening protocol that forms the core of the Safe and Sound Protocol intervention.

  3. SSP Balance:

    You can begin this phase 8 weeks after completing the SSP CORE. The SSP Balance phase is predominantly unsupervised and can be conducted at home. It serves to extend and integrate the gains achieved through the SSP CORE. The playlist remains the same as the SSP CORE, but the filtering process utilizes a lighter frequency modulation algorithm. It can also be utilized as ongoing daily support for clients in need, as many find it calming and grounding. Additionally, it can serve as a "warm-up" prior to engaging in the SSP CORE booster session.

SSP COST:
$347 2-months
Get $100 off your 2-month plan with our Summit Coupon (You’ll find the coupon in the 2023 Long Covid and ME/CFS Holistic Healing Summit SSP talk by Lorrie)

What is Included:

  • Two months of access to SSP tracks (all of them)
  • One Intake Session with Lorrie - 20 minutes
  • Your personalized protocol recommendations from Lorrie
  • Weekly email check-in with Lorrie (8).
  • One Exit session and pathway moving forward with Lorrie - 20 minutes
  • One follow-up email and assessment with Lorrie to assess long-term gains.

During your 7th week, we will reassess whether it’s been for you to continue with SSP CORE, to move on to SSP Balance or that you’re done. If you decide to continue, you’ll sign up for continued access to the SSP recordings at $50/mo.