A Harmony of Healing: Music and the Safe and Sound Protocol’s Effect on Emotional Wellness
Have you ever experienced a rush of nostalgia, experienced a wave of calm or a surge of energy, and/or been moved to tears by music? If so, you have experienced the remarkable power that music holds over our emotions. From the anthems that stir the hearts of millions to the melancholic melodies that provide solace, music has an unparalleled ability to touch us at a deeply emotional level. How it works its magic has been a source of extensive research in the fields of neuroscience and psychology, and studies have validated the impact of music on the brain, mood and mental health. Music has a multi-faceted impact on the brain, influencing emotions, cognition and even our physical well-being. Its effects are diverse and can be harnessed for various therapeutic and recreational purposes.
In recent years, there have been further developments in the use of music for mental health issues. Dr. Stephen Porges, a distinguished researcher in the fields of psychology, psychiatry and neuroscience, has explored the link between auditory stimulation with music and promotion of a sense of safety and well-being, particularly for people with sensory processing difficulties, trauma history and/or other emotional and social challenges. His interest was both personal because of a family member’s struggles and professional as he had spent much of his career studying the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which regulates physiological responses to stress and safety.
Dr. Porges developed the Polyvagal theory to explain his understanding of the working of the ANS, with a particular focus on the role of the vagus nerve in regulating social engagement, stress responses and emotional states. More recently, he focused his efforts on developing a practical therapeutic intervention to help individuals feel safer and more at ease in their interactions with the world. What emerged from his work is a cutting edge music therapy intervention called the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) which we are very pleased to be offering at Heritage.
What is the SSP? The SSP is a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through specially-filtered music. It is a music listening intervention that uses prosodic music that has been specially filtered to train the middle ear muscles to focus in on the frequency envelope of the human voice, which stimulates the vagus nerve and leads to a calmer physiological state.
In other words, the SSP is a music program that can help us feel calmer, less bothered by sounds, and better able to notice our feelings. The SSP consists of filtered music that may sound slightly different from what you typically hear on the radio or elsewhere. Music has what's called frequencies, which can be high, think of a bird chirping, or low, think of a drum beating. The music within the SSP focuses on frequencies that can help us feel calm.
The SSP has been used with individuals with various conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety, trauma and sensory processing disorders.
What is involved in the program? The SSP includes up to 15 hours of music listening typically administered over 30-60 listening sessions, depending on individual needs. During each session, the trainee listens to the specially modified music using headphones. The auditory stimulation starts at a low level of auditory challenge and progressively increases in complexity over the course of the sessions. This gradual progression helps the ANS adapt and regulate more effectively. Training sessions are accessed through an App and can be done as part of therapy sessions and/or at home.
What are the potential benefits of SSP training? The goal of SSP is to stimulate the vagus nerve in a way that promotes a sense of safety and enhances the trainee’s ability to regulate their emotional and physiological responses. Research on the effects of SSP is ongoing. Some key findings and themes from the research available to date:
Sensory Processing and Regulation: SSP can be effective in improving sensory processing and emotion regulation in individuals with sensory sensitivities, autism spectrum disorders and other related conditions.
Stress Reduction and Anxiety: SSP may help reduce stress and anxiety symptoms.
Enhanced Social Engagement: SSP has potential to enhance social engagement and improve the ability to read social cues and interact with others.
Speech and Language Development: SSP has potential benefits on speech and language.
Trauma and PTSD: SSP has shown positive impact in reducing symptoms of PTSD.
Behavioral and Emotional Regulation: SSP has shown impact on behavioral and emotional regulation in children and adults with various challenges, including those with ADHD, anxiety disorders and emotional dysregulation.
Neurophysiological Changes: SSP has shown positive impact on ANS functioning and the potential for neurophysiological changes.
Impact on Other Therapies: SSP training can boost or accelerate other therapies such as psychotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of SSP may vary from person to person and results can depend on various factors, including the trainee’s specific challenges and needs. Because of that, the SSP is administered and monitored by qualified professionals who can tailor the protocol to each trainee’s unique needs.
What SSP offerings are available at Heritage? Heritage has providers who are specially trained to offer SSP training, and we do so in one of 3 ways. First, one of our trained providers can incorporate the SSP into your therapeutic work with that clinician. Second, SSP training can be done along with specific somatic, emotion regulation and therapeutic interventions in therapy sessions as an adjunct to your individual therapy with another provider. Thirdly, we can provide SSP training to enhance functioning and/or work in other therapies. There is a charge for SSP which insurance does not cover. The amount varies depending on which training program is chosen.
Do you want to learn more? If you are interested in learning more about the SSP, you can find more information on our website or the SSP website.
Are you ready to get started on SSP training? Please call our office at 630.325.5300 or complete and submit this form.
Whether you participate in SSP training or not, don’t forget to consider the positive benefits of music in your life. Using music for mental health benefits can be a powerful and accessible tool for improving your emotional well-being. Here are some recommendations for how to incorporate music into your daily life to support your mental health:
Choose Music Mindfully: Select music that resonates with your emotions and current mood. Upbeat and energetic music can boost your mood, while slower, calming tunes can help you relax. Pay attention to lyrics and themes, as they can influence your thoughts and feelings.
Create Playlists: Curate playlists for different purposes. For example, you can have a playlist for relaxation, another for motivation and one for expressing emotions. Have pre-made playlists can make it easier to access the right kind of music when you need it.
Use Music for Stress Reduction: When you are feeling stressed or anxious, listen to calming music. Classical, ambient or nature sounds can be particularly soothing. Focus on your breath and let the music help you relax.
Singing, Humming and Chanting: Vibrating sounds from singing, humming or chanting can create a soothing effect on the body and nervous system, promoting relaxation.
Express Your Emotions: Sometimes it’s helpful to listen to music that mirrors your current emotional state. It can provide validation and an outlet for your feelings. This can be especially therapeutic for individuals dealing with depression, grief or other emotional challenges.
Dance and Move: Physical movement, like dancing, can be an excellent way to release pent-up emotions and boost your mood.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in active listening by paying close attention to the details of music. Focus on the instruments, rhythms and melodies. This can help ground you in the present moment and reduce racing or distressing thoughts.
Use Music for Focus: Instrumental music or ambient sounds can enhance concentration and productivity. Many people find it helpful for tasks that require sustained attention.
Learn to Play an Instrument: Playing a musical instrument can be a therapeutic and creative outlet. It can help you express yourself and develop a sense of accomplishment.
Participate in Music Therapy: Consider engaging in other forms of music therapy.
Join a Music Group or Choir: Participating in a music group, choir, or band can foster a sense of community and social connection. Collaborative music-making can be a source of joy and support.
Be Mindful of Volume: While music can be therapeutic, listening at high volumes for extended periods can damage your hearing and potentially exacerbate stress. Use ear protection when necessary.
Experiment and Explore: Don’t be afraid to explore new genres and styles of music. What resonates with you may change over time, and variety can keep your musical experiences fresh and engaging.
Remember that the effectiveness of music for mental health varies from person to person, so it’s important to find what works best for you. If you have a specific mental health concern, consider consulting with a mental health professional who can assist you in incorporating music into your treatment plan. Music can be a valuable tool to complement therapy and self-care practices in promoting mental well-being.