The Safe and Sound Protocol supports other therapies so that they work better. This is because the Safe and Sound Protocol helps bring the body and mind into a state of safety. In this state, we are able to learn and transform.

ADHD can make it difficult for people to control their emotions and actions due to the fight-or-flight response of their nervous system. The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a method that uses sound to help people with ADHD relax and better understand their environment, making it easier to participate in therapy.

The SSP is suitable for people with stress, anxiety, trauma, autism, ADHD and social communication problems. It works for many symptoms and complaints because it directly targets the autonomic nervous system. A typical SSP session lasts about 20 minutes. No clinical research has yet been done on the relationship between ADHD and the Safe and Sound Protocol, but there have been some large number of case studies showing a positive picture.

The SSP is a great addition as a preparation or complement to treatment for ADHD, such as behavioral therapy or the Focus system.

Curious? Then read more about the Safe and Sound Protocol and ADHD here.

The Safe and Sound Protocol lasts a total of five hours. It is best to begin listening to the Core version slowly. As a standard program, we recommend starting with 1 minute a day, and slowly building up to a maximum of 20 minutes a day. Some people don't get further than five minutes a day, which is also completely fine. You will receive a listening program and detailed listening instructions from us after your order so you can go through it correctly. If it turns out that starting with 1 minute is too fast for you, we will make a slower program for you.

You can always consult with us to see what is best for you. Even if you are taking the SSP somewhere else. Want more information about ordering the SSP?

There is a special music list for children with children's songs. However, some children enjoy listening to the classical version more. As a parent, you can guide it well with the listening instructions you receive from us. It is important that your child is quiet while listening. And not sitting on a screen. Suitable activities include; magic sand, drawing, puzzles and reading a book.

Should you notice any peculiarities while listening, we are here to help and advise you. You can also count on our guidance for other questions.

We also always encourage parents to go through the protocol themselves. This helps to better connect with your child. And it also helps you to better deal with all the challenges life throws your way. As a parent you can follow the Safe and Sound Protocol for free. Even then we are happy to guide you, for anything you might run into while listening.

The SSP consists of listening to specially coded music with over the ear headphones. This music through your vagal nerve brings your body back into a state of safety. Because your body feels safe again. Can yourself also relax again and you are ready to live again. The SSP protocol consists of a minimum of five hours of listening. You will receive a listening program and listening instructions so you know exactly what to do. With us, you go through the program more slowly. This reduces the chance of side effects and works better. Because of our extensive experience with offering the SSP in our practice and online, you always get the best help and advice.

In certain cases, especially with very mild problems, treatment with the Safe and Sound Protocol may be sufficient to make all symptoms disappear. We find in our practice that it sometimes works even better than another form of therapy. However, this is always in combination with an already ongoing treatment. We always advise against interrupting an existing treatment because you want to start with the Safe and Sound Protocol. On the contrary, it is better and more efficient to combine them. This is because the Safe and Sound Protocol helps to bring your body and mind into a state of safety. If you need help acutely, always contact your doctor.

Are you already in therapy somewhere? If so, always consult with your therapist before ordering the SSP.

It has been in research for decades and is endorsed by many other scientists. Learn more at our research page and on the site of Unyte itself.

The Polyvagal Theory has now been around for more than 30 years and the Safe and Sound Protocol for 10 years. It is well researched and evidence based. Listening too much at once can lead to overstimulation and a temporary increase in symptoms. For this reason, we always give you an appropriate listening plan, and guide you during your listening period. So that you can always come to us if you experience any degree of tension or over-stimulation or anything like that. As a psychology practice we possess a lot of expertise so you can count on excellent guidance.

The Safe and Sound Protocol is a great addition to a current treatment because it helps to bring the body and mind back to a state of safety. You can always discuss it with your practitioner. Also, they can always contact us should there be any questions or uncertainties.

We also offer it ourselves as part of regular treatment through our psychology practice BrainArts.

The Safe and Sound Protocol is only available through Unyte's app. This has the advantage that you can also listen to it right from this app. In addition, you can count on written guidance and you will also receive our course based on the Polyvagal theory.

It is possible to use the Safe and Sound Protocol in our practice under the guidance of a certified Polyvagal therapist and thus opt for personalized treatment.

Normally we offer complete treatments within our practice BrainArts. This requires a referral from the general practitioner. The SSP is another free part of this treatment. Besides a regular treatment you will also receive Polyvagal advice. The number of sessions depends on your needs.

Should you only want the SSP under supervision, this can be done in a minimum of 5 sessions.

In doing so, it is easiest that you listen for the first 15 minutes total at home. We recommend starting with 1 minute of listening for the first day. And build that up slowly. After that, we recommend a maximum of 20 minutes of listening per day.

It is widely done to do 5 1-hour sessions under the guidance of a therapist. This is also possible to do for you. But that is something we do not fully support. The SSP is then listened to too fast for most people. Which causes side effects and a lesser effect.

We have extensive experience with the SSP protocol both remotely and in our practice. You can therefore be sure that you will be helped in the way that gives you the best results.

Would you like to listen to the SSP under the guidance of a therapist? Then contact us, then we can discuss your situation to give you sound advice and discuss your options.

Because you listen to it through an app, all you need is an Apple or Android smartphone. You can therefore listen to it in any place that is comfortable for you. It is especially important that it is a place that is safe and where you will not be disturbed. You will receive from us all the instructions you need to listen to it yourself. And we offer written support for all your questions.

You can, we also offer it as an addition to treatment within basic mental health care through our psychology practice BrainArts. For example, in cases of trauma, we combine this with EMDR. This has the advantage that it supports and strengthens the regular treatment. You can also take it with us in combination with treatment elsewhere, or if you are on the waiting list.

This specially developed course by us helps to integrate it better into your daily life and is a great addition. The course is completely non-binding, but we do recommend it because it will benefit you even more. So you can also just follow the Protocol and experience all its benefits.

SSP Connect is for introductory purposes to get an idea about what the music entails and which variant is most enjoyable for you. There are variants with pop songs, classical music, ambient and one with songs chosen for children.

SSP Core is the real protocol that goes through, this consists of 5 hours of filtered and processed music. This is listened to through a customized listening program that matches your personal situation.

SSP Balance is a state shifter. It can be listened to after going through the normal Safe and Sound Protocol. Balance helps to return from a state of tension or stress (sympathetic or dorsal) back to your state of relaxation and safety (ventral).

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) focuses on generating and creating a physical state that fosters feelings of positivity, promotes healthy interpersonal relationships and facilitates progress in learning and therapeutic interventions.

The Balance version (SSP) is a separate program which helps you get back into your state of rest and safety after listening to the Core version. If desired, we can turn that on for you after listening to Core for the first time. Because the program contains lighter filtering than Core, you can listen to it as much as you like. It is not meant to be listened to while going through Core. That's why we don't turn it on by default in your app.

The Safe and Sound Model is a five-day music therapy program developed by Dr. Stephen Porges to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity. The intervention focuses on promoting social engagement and resilience in participants.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a five-hour therapeutic listening intervention that focuses on emotion regulation and neuroperception. It is designed based on Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory. The main goal is to reduce auditory sensitivity and increase the client's sense of safety.

What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a therapeutic listening intervention that uses filtered music to help people who have experienced trauma or chronic stress feel safer and secure in their bodies. The protocol is based on years of research by Dr. Stephen Porges and his Polyvagal Theory.

The SSP includes:

- Listening to specially treated music under the guidance of a trained therapist

- Breathing exercises*

- Movement exercises *

- Polyvagal exercises *

- 20-40 short sessions according to a personalized listening plan

* You will get these as part of our course, they are not required or necessary. But they do help you get the best possible result.

The SSP is designed to:

- Reduce noise sensitivities

- Improve auditory processing

- Improve behavioral regulation

- Become more socially competent

- Be able to relax better

- Managing emotions and behaviors better

- Better connect with yourself and other people

- Support your emotional regulation

- Support your neuroception (your sense of security)

Side effects:

Some participants experienced mild side effects, such as headaches, insomnia and fatigue, but these side effects were all temporary.

We always choose a listening plan with as gentle a structure as possible. This ensures that you suffer as few side effects as possible. If they do occur, we will immediately make a new listening plan for you. One that is even better suited to your needs and experiences.

The Safe and Sound Protocol is a program what is designed to help people feel permanently calmer and safer. It uses specially edited music to regulate your nervous system, calming and reducing stress. It can be especially helpful for people who have experienced a lot of stress or unpleasant experiences. The goal is to help you relax and feel better in your daily life. It was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, creator of the Polyvagal theory, and it has already helped many people feel better and experience more peace. You can follow the program at home through Unyte's app. Want to know more about the Safe and Sound Protocol?

The SSP is designed to help people who have experienced trauma or chronic stress activate the dorsal vagal complex and get out of the fight-or-flight response. The protocol has three main components: listening to music, practicing diaphragmatic breathing and doing gentle movements.

SSP Freely is the latest music variant and available in both Connect, Balance and Core.

Freely is best described as Ambient/ House music. It is the second instrumental of the protocol.

What kinds of music are there?

• Original, the first version of the SSP. This playlist contains Pop songs from the 70s and 80s.
• Wonder, a playlist that includes Disney songs.
• Classical, a playlist with you guessed it classical music.
• Freely, a playlist of Ambient/ House music

Because of these variants, there is always a variant that really suits you. Many people enjoy listening to the SSP and immediately experience safety and relaxation while listening.

The Safe and Sound Protocol costs $250 for 12 months of access for both Connect, Core and Balance.

This gives you plenty of time to go through the program and its various versions several times.

This includes our course based on Polyvagal theory and our remote guidance.

The Safe and Sound protocol continues to work for up to six weeks after your last listening session. Some of our clients report major changes, for example in trauma. Others report more subtle differences. You may also notice little during the listening session itself, but even in that case the program works. You will notice in the following months that certain situations are easier for you and that it is easier to come back to yourself.

At our page research you can read more and also at the page what is it SSP

There are several variants, all of which are specially edited and filtered so that they act appropriately on the body and nervous system. There is a classical variant, a variant with children's songs and a variant with pop songs from the 80s and an ambient variant.

Many clients report less anxiety and less stress. It also helps with better sleep through and insomnia. Among other things, it also makes it easier to stay with yourself in challenging circumstances. And less easily overstimulated. We also offer it in combination with EMDR in our practice. This combination also gives great results. You can read more about the experiences of others with the Safe and Sound Protocol. on this page.

Most people experience a sense of calm and relaxation while listening. Some even fall asleep while listening as a result. What we hear back a lot is that clients are less likely to be stressed. Experiencing more pleasure. Sleep better. Have more peace in their heads. Connect more easily with others. Being less shy. Being less anxious. And feel better overall.

You can read more experiences here at our research page, there are also a number of case studies. Due to privacy concerns of our clients, these are mostly anonymized. There are also a number of reviews on our website, and on Google and Trustpilot.

Several dogs have also been successfully helped with the Safe and Sound Protocol. For more information, see the story of our own dog Neo, you can read that story here.

A number of people (about 5% of our clients) react strongly to listening to the filtered music of the SSP. Therefore, we always choose a gentle build-up schedule. So that your body and mind have all the time they need to adapt to the changes. In this way we also keep side effects to a minimum. As soon as they do occur, we immediately adjust the listening schedule so that you can continue listening without side effects.

Side effects are a result of listening to the SSP too quickly and often consist of headaches, poor sleep and feeling overstimulated. These are always temporary and disappear with a slower build-up. Our advice is always to stick to the suggested listening schedule. And to contact us immediately in case of side effects. Do you have any questions about this in advance? Please contact us.

We have now successfully treated several dogs with the SSP. It is striking that the fear remains present. Which is often logical. But the dogs can now come out of it themselves and no longer get stuck in their fear. There are also sometimes physical differences, such as an iris that becomes visible again. Where before the eye was completely black.

We even tested it first out of desperation with Neo our shepherd dog. Last New Year's Eve she did not dare to go outside because of the fireworks. This was over after a week and everything seemed normal again. Early this summer very heavy fireworks were set off when she was walking outside. Immediately after that she was afraid to go outside around the same time. Later that spread throughout the day. At one point she didn't dare to go outside at all and also froze all the time.

Zylkene and Ashwaghanda helped only briefly and was no longer effective after a few days.

We then turned on SSP Core for her by playing it on top of her bench through two boxes. After only the third hour of SSP Core, our children also noticed that she was less afraid. After the fifth hour, this was completely obvious because she went outside normally again and also no longer froze. On vacation in France, we had the misfortune to experience the national holiday with lots of fireworks. Then she was very scared again. The day after, however, she immediately dared to go outside again. Occasionally she is still very scared on very busy stretches but she does not freeze anymore.

Update December 8, 2023, even during this fireworks period, her fear is still there. But it is manageable for her. She no longer wants to flee immediately inside out of fear when there is a loud bang outside. Furthermore, in recent weeks she has had less trouble with crowded environments and sometimes even seeks them out.

We offer it for animals as a no cure no pay variant for now, until we know for sure what it does in other animals. And also in which animals it does not work. If you have or know an animal that is very scared, please contact us to discuss it further.

Read more about the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) in dogs here.

We are a part of BrainArts a psychology practice in Utrecht. We also offer the Safe and Sound Protocol online so that more people can access it. You can count on professional support through this combination. This will in most cases be in writing.

For an additional charge, we can also provide support during your listening sessions by video calling or by meeting in our practice.

Side effects of the SSP

There are several side effects that are sporadically reported from clients listening to the SSP. These often occur when listening too much or too fast. And disappear when the listening is adjusted accordingly. We have a lot of experience with this and it has never been a problem.

The side effects mainly consist of feeling restless, headaches, worse sleep and sometimes dizziness or nausea. In our experience, as well as Unyte's, these are always temporary.

Tinnitus and the SSP

Tinnitus (tinnitus) deserves a little more attention, the SSP can both reduce it and make it temporarily worse. Unyte has researched this extensively and found that the number of reports of this are lower than you would normally expect, if you look at the number of clients listening to the SSP in a given period of time.

Worldwide, Tinnitus is estimated to occur in one in 10 people.

We always ask out if people suffer from Tinnitus or other ear related problems beforehand so we can adjust the method of listening accordingly.

What is the best thing to do to avoid side effects?

It is best not to rush into completing the Safe and Sound Protocol. The advice from us and from Unyte is: Less is More. It is better to take it easy on listening and not go too fast.

You will receive a comprehensive listening plan and all instructions after your order so that you can successfully complete the SSP. Because we are very careful with this and start with one minute a day, our clients almost never experience any side effects. If there are, we help you find a better way to listen. So that you can continue listening without side effects.

The Safe and Sound Protocol lasts a total of five hours. It is best to begin listening to the Core version slowly. As a standard program, we recommend starting with 1 minute a day, and slowly building up to a maximum of 20 minutes a day. Some people don't get further than five minutes a day, which is also completely fine. You will receive a listening program and detailed listening instructions from us after your order so you can go through it correctly. If it turns out that starting with 1 minute is too fast for you, we will make a slower program for you.

You can always consult with us to see what is best for you. Even if you are taking the SSP somewhere else. Want more information about ordering the SSP?

Access is 12 months, this allows you to go through the Safe and Sound Protocol/ SSP several times and try all versions. 12 months guarantees maximum therapeutic results.

We will give you 12 months of access to Unyte's app. This is enough to go through it several times. We are happy to help you after the first time listening with a new appropriate listening schedule. So that you get maximum results from the SSP.

There is a special music list for children with children's songs. However, some children enjoy listening to the classical version more. As a parent, you can guide it well with the listening instructions you receive from us. It is important that your child is quiet while listening. And not sitting on a screen. Suitable activities include; magic sand, drawing, puzzles and reading a book.

Should you notice any peculiarities while listening, we are here to help and advise you. You can also count on our guidance for other questions.

We also always encourage parents to go through the protocol themselves. This helps to better connect with your child. And it also helps you to better deal with all the challenges life throws your way. As a parent you can follow the Safe and Sound Protocol for free. Even then we are happy to guide you, for anything you might run into while listening.

We recommend listening to the Safe and Sound Protocol daily, according to the listening schedule you have received or will receive from us after your order. However, this is not always feasible because sometimes life has other plans for a while. For example, because you are sick or on vacation. Is there more than a week in between? Then just finish the protocol, wait 4 weeks and then start again with listening to the Protocol. If you have any questions about this, please contact us.

We like to give you a listening schedule when to repeat it. We also sometimes choose to repeat certain hours before continuing to listen to the SSP for maximum effect.

It is possible to use the Safe and Sound Protocol in our practice under the guidance of a certified Polyvagal therapist and thus opt for personalized treatment.

Normally we offer complete treatments within our practice BrainArts. This requires a referral from the general practitioner. The SSP is another free part of this treatment. Besides a regular treatment you will also receive Polyvagal advice. The number of sessions depends on your needs.

Should you only want the SSP under supervision, this can be done in a minimum of 5 sessions.

In doing so, it is easiest that you listen for the first 15 minutes total at home. We recommend starting with 1 minute of listening for the first day. And build that up slowly. After that, we recommend a maximum of 20 minutes of listening per day.

It is widely done to do 5 1-hour sessions under the guidance of a therapist. This is also possible to do for you. But that is something we do not fully support. The SSP is then listened to too fast for most people. Which causes side effects and a lesser effect.

We have extensive experience with the SSP protocol both remotely and in our practice. You can therefore be sure that you will be helped in the way that gives you the best results.

Would you like to listen to the SSP under the guidance of a therapist? Then contact us, then we can discuss your situation to give you sound advice and discuss your options.

Because you listen to it through an app, all you need is an Apple or Android smartphone. You can therefore listen to it in any place that is comfortable for you. It is especially important that it is a place that is safe and where you will not be disturbed. You will receive from us all the instructions you need to listen to it yourself. And we offer written support for all your questions.

If you want to change versions, for example from Pop (original) to Classical, do so after you have completed the hour you are listening to. For example, if you have listened to hour 1 of Pop, you can continue with hour 2 of Classical and finish up to hour 5.

You are not supposed to switch between Balance and Core the first time you listen, which is why Balance is initially off. If you want access to this later, please send us a message.

The idea is to the Safe and Sound Protocol plays in the sequence:

• Hour 1
• Hour 2
• Hour 3
• Hour 4
• Hour 5

Do you want to change music, say from pop to classical? Then finish the hour first and then start the other music on the subsequent hour. For example, you stop after hour 3 with the pop variant, then start the fourth hour of the classical variant.

We always recommend following the mailed build-up schedule. Didn't get the email? Then please contact us.

You can make it Safe and Sound Protocol listening both at home and outside. However, it is very important that it is a safe place where you can completely relax. You can download the Safe and Sound Protocol in advance so you don't need an internet connection all the time during the listening itself.

This is actually a personal choice where what feels right for you is most important. Try to pick a time when you are not too busy and feel calm. Some people also become calm from listening themselves and tend to fall asleep. Do you fall asleep? Then just listen to the session and repeat it. You can also listen to it shortly before you go to bed, but this can also cause your body to keep you awake because it has been stimulated by the music.

We get a lot of different feedback from our clients who have been listening and listening in this area. So please feel free to check out what suits you. And as always, if you have a question feel free to ask.

We recommend a maximum of 20 minutes of listening per day. However, some people don't make it. That, too, is totally fine in that case. It will take you a little longer, but it is just as effective. We are happy to advise you on your personal experience and guide you with listening.

You always get an appropriate listening schedule from us. And we adjust that for you when it's better.

SSP Connect is for introductory purposes to get an idea about what the music entails and which variant is most enjoyable for you. There are variants with pop songs, classical music, ambient and one with songs chosen for children.

SSP Core is the real protocol that goes through, this consists of 5 hours of filtered and processed music. This is listened to through a customized listening program that matches your personal situation.

SSP Balance is a state shifter. It can be listened to after going through the normal Safe and Sound Protocol. Balance helps to return from a state of tension or stress (sympathetic or dorsal) back to your state of relaxation and safety (ventral).

It may sound strange that something like processed music can be too intense for your body and mind. However, it is a very strong tool. Which is too strong even in some cases for our standard advice to start with 1 minute.

First, we advise you to contact us right away. Or with your own provider, if you don't have your own provider or if you can't find it there. Then contact us as well, we will give you free advice so that you can move forward again.

Your body may initially be able to handle less than a minute and even then intervals and possibly other interventions may be needed. We will always give you customized advice where needed. Because we are a psychology practice, we can give you excellent help and possibly also recommend additional treatment or provide it to you ourselves.

What if it is not suitable?

It can sometimes feel like too much, or different than you expect. Or maybe even unpleasant. This is then a sign that although it is working, the dosage is wrong. Or that it is being listened to in the wrong way. We will help you get back on track, so always contact us.

At a well-regulated nervous system and a body and mind that are in balance it works more subtly. You will then only notice in the weeks following completion what it does for you. You will then notice this especially in situations that were previously exciting and challenging.

In addition to accessing Unyte's app, you need a convenient and secure place to the Safe and Sound Protocol to listen to. You can play the app via an android or ios smartphone. Make sure that any form of sound manipulation is disabled in your phone's software. You can think of an equalizer that is on or some form of noise cancelling. In addition to your phone, you also need over-the-ear headphones. Bluetooth or wired doesn't matter. The sound quality should be (reasonably) good and the noise canceling should be off and off while listening.

Finally, you need an appropriate listening plan and further listening instructions, we are happy to provide these to you and you can find our standard instructions also on our website.

The Balance version (SSP) is a separate program which helps you get back into your state of rest and safety after listening to the Core version. If desired, we can turn that on for you after listening to Core for the first time. Because the program contains lighter filtering than Core, you can listen to it as much as you like. It is not meant to be listened to while going through Core. That's why we don't turn it on by default in your app.

You start with the first minute of hour one, and then continue listening to hour one according to the listening plan you received from us. After the first hour, you continue with the second hour, then the third hour, then the fourth hour, then the fifth hour. First-time listening to Core does not involve repeating minutes or hours.

Our standard advice is start with 1 minute a day, don't notice any signs of overstimulation, headaches or other issues. Then you can go to 2 minutes the day after. As long as it feels good then you can keep building it up until you're at 20 minutes a day. That is the maximum we recommend so your body and mind have all the time they need to process and adjust.

While building up, feel overstimulated, sleep poorly or experience any other discomfort. Then take a break for a day and start again the next day with the old listening time that felt good. You can then continue to build up slowly, adding one or two minutes a day, for example.

We are always here to advise you on your listening plan and discuss anything you experience. We can also go over your situation before you start and recommend a listening plan tailored to your situation. After your order, you will always receive a comprehensive listening plan and all instructions so that you can successfully complete the SSP.

For example, a modified listening plan might be to start with 30 seconds or a minute a day. This depends on what your nervous system can handle. We adjust your listening plan as needed so that it is always optimally tailored to your progress.

Want more information about ordering the SSP?

It is especially important here that they are activities that make sure you don't overexert yourself. And where you can concentrate yourself well on the music and hear little background noise.

Some examples of some appropriate activities:

Walking in the park at a quiet time and place, playing with magic sand, painting, drawing, watching a nature movie on television. And relaxing sitting in bed or chair.

What activities are not appropriate:

Work, phone or tablet use, cycling, driving a car, vacuuming and other cleaning activities that are intense or make a lot of noise. Also, try to avoid activities that make noise so you can concentrate on the music.

The above examples are limited, want to know more or consult an activity? If so, feel free to ask.

There are several variants, all of which are specially edited and filtered so that they act appropriately on the body and nervous system. There is a classical variant, a variant with children's songs and a variant with pop songs from the 80s and an ambient variant.

Polyvagal Theory offers a unique scientific viewpoint that takes into account evolutionary changes in the nervous system of vertebrates. This viewpoint identifies specific neural pathways that interfere with the brain's ability to regulate responses to perceived threats and subsequently deactivate defense mechanisms.

Polyvagal theory is not perfect from a scientific perspective. But it is a very good explanatory model for understanding why we feel stressed, anxious or depressed.

Read on here if you want to learn more about the Polyvagal theory.

Certainly, some new things have been discovered about our bodies and brains since it was conceived. As a result, the Polyvagal theory has actually become more of a framework. An explanatory model for how our nervous system works and how the rest of our body and mind responds to it.

We also use it often in our Psychologist practice BrainArts to help people better understand why they react to certain things, what they feel and what they can do about it. It also offers a very nice explanatory model in that regard.

The Polyvaal theory is used by many researchers and scientists used. And it also spearheaded the development of the Safe and Sound Protocol.

The Safe and Sound Protocol was devised based on the Polyvagal theory. Learn more about the Polyvagal theory, read on this page.

We also help dogs with the Safe and Sound Protocol, there we also see the effect of the Polyvagal theory and the Safe and Sound Protocol.

Should you want to have a conversation with us because you have a critical view on Polyvagal theory or the Safe and Sound Protocol? If so, please feel free to contact us. Then perhaps we can learn something from each other.

It is possible to use the Safe and Sound Protocol in our practice under the guidance of a certified Polyvagal therapist and thus opt for personalized treatment.

Normally we offer complete treatments within our practice BrainArts. This requires a referral from the general practitioner. The SSP is another free part of this treatment. Besides a regular treatment you will also receive Polyvagal advice. The number of sessions depends on your needs.

Should you only want the SSP under supervision, this can be done in a minimum of 5 sessions.

In doing so, it is easiest that you listen for the first 15 minutes total at home. We recommend starting with 1 minute of listening for the first day. And build that up slowly. After that, we recommend a maximum of 20 minutes of listening per day.

It is widely done to do 5 1-hour sessions under the guidance of a therapist. This is also possible to do for you. But that is something we do not fully support. The SSP is then listened to too fast for most people. Which causes side effects and a lesser effect.

We have extensive experience with the SSP protocol both remotely and in our practice. You can therefore be sure that you will be helped in the way that gives you the best results.

Would you like to listen to the SSP under the guidance of a therapist? Then contact us, then we can discuss your situation to give you sound advice and discuss your options.

Polyvagal Theory is about how our bodies and emotions are connected. This theory is very helpful in supporting people who are neurodiverse or have a different way of thinking and learning. It helps us understand what they need and how we can best support them.

Dorsal is a state characterized by feelings of: loneliness, emptiness, heaviness, helplessness, feelings of giving up and withdrawal.

Sympathetic is a state characterized by feelings of: chaos, fear or anger, wanting to protect yourself, distancing yourself from others, feeling disconnected.

Ventral is a state characterized by feelings of: connectedness, unconcern, cheerfulness, unity and the feeling of whether you can handle all the world and are ready to live and enjoy.

Want to know more about these states, Then read on about the Polyvagal theory.

The polyvagal theory explains how our brains can perceive danger around us. Dr. Porges explains that our brain circuits do this through a process called neuroception. This means that our brains and senses automatically check whether situations or people are safe or dangerous. This happens without us thinking about it, and this causes us to perceive the world as safe or unsafe.

Read on here if you want to learn more about the process of Neuroception.

Polyvagal theory is a theory by which scientists describe our body's nervous system. The nervous system plays an important role in how we feel and react to different situations.

According to this theory, we actually have three parts in our nervous system. The first part is the "fight-or-flight" system, which is activated when we feel threatened. It helps us react quickly to dangerous situations.

The second part is the "freeze" system, which is activated when we feel powerless or don't know what to do. This helps us to paralyze and thus become less conspicuous for danger.

The third part is the "social connection" system, which helps us feel safe and connected to others. This part is activated when we feel loved, supported and safe.

Polyvagal theory was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges based on decades of research.

Read more about the Polyvagal theory here.

The polyvagal trauma theory is a theory that focuses on the importance of social connections in protecting mental health. It explains that the parasympathetic nervous system and vagal circuits are crucial in how the body responds to traumatic experiences. Put more simply, this means that having strong social relationships can help us cope better with difficult situations, while a lack of social support can make it harder to cope.

Polyvagal theory is a way of understanding how our bodies and minds work together. It says that the way our nervous system has evolved helps us make good choices and behave in ways that make sense to our bodies. It also says that the way we feel physically can affect the way we think and act. So if we feel a certain way, that can place limitations on the things we can do or how we feel emotionally.

The Polyvagal Theory delves into the intricate connections between our nervous system, emotions and behavior to help develop more successful treatments for mental illness. By gaining knowledge about how these systems interact, we can help people live more satisfied and healthy lives.

Polyvagal Theory and EMDR are two major models that have important implications for therapeutic practice. Polyvagal-Informed EMDR is a comprehensive approach that combines the two models to enhance the healing process. Each model is powerful on its own, but integrated they offer even more effective pathways to healing. This approach can be very helpful for people struggling with emotional and mental health issues.

To further enhance this combination, before the EMDR sessions begin, you can use the SSP run through.

Polyvagal-focused therapy teaches people how to become aware of and control their own thoughts and feelings. This can make a big difference in how people feel and react to different situations.

In Polyvagal Theory (PVT), there are three main principles that help us understand how our bodies and brains work together. These principles are called Hierarchy, Neuroperception and Co-Regulation.

Polyvagal exercises are techniques that help our bodies feel safe and calm by using social interactions. By doing these exercises, we can learn how to better manage our bodily reactions and become more resilient. It's like teaching our bodies to feel safe and calm, even in stressful situations.

Dr. Stephen Porges is an American scientist and psychiatrist born Dec. 26, 1945. He is known as a renowned expert in the field of neurophysiology and has done much research on the human nervous system and how it responds to stress and danger.

One of his most notable contributions to science is the development of the polyvagal theory. This theory has had a profound impact on our understanding of how the autonomic nervous system works and how it affects our behavior and emotions.

Dr. Stephen Porges has also developed the Safe and Sound Protocol. This is an intervention program based on polyvagal theory that focuses on regulating the nervous system to reduce stress reactions and promote emotional well-being.

His work and contributions to science have had a positive impact on many people dealing with stress, anxiety and trauma. Dr. Stephen Porges is recognized worldwide as a leading scientist in the field of neurophysiology, and his research has important applications in psychology and medicine.

Read more about the Safe and Sound Protocol here

The Safe and Sound Protocol supports other therapies so that they work better. This is because the Safe and Sound Protocol helps bring the body and mind into a state of safety. In this state, we are able to learn and transform.

In that case, you will receive our course and written guidance in English. Do you not speak English or not enough? Then contact us so we can offer it in your own language.

We have a lot of experience with both variants and therefore we know that it is just as effective and safe remotely as in our practice. Provided it is properly supervised, of course.

If you have any questions or uncertainties you can always contact us. Also in case of any discomfort during or after listening. Counseling is usually by email, but we can also call or video call if needed or desired.

In addition to the SSP, you also get our course based on Polygagal theory, which also helps to better understand the physical piece. It also includes exercises to support the workings of the Safe and Sound Protocol.

Some people enjoy listening to the entire protocol with a therapist. The only disadvantage of this is that the rapid build-up is not suitable for everyone. We now know of quite a few cases where one minute of listening is already (too) much to begin with.

Often a therapist will quickly schedule an hour, with an immediate hour of listening.

Should you do choose a therapist, keep this in mind. And ask to start slowly with no more than a minute the first time. And then slowly build it up. If you have any questions about this, feel free to ask. Even if you plan to go through the SSP somewhere else.

You can also take the SSP through our practice BrainArts, it is then part of a program within the basic mental healthcare. There is a waiting period for this and you need a referral from your GP.

Want more information about ordering the SSP?

The Safe and Sound Protocol is a great addition to a current treatment because it helps to bring the body and mind back to a state of safety. You can always discuss it with your practitioner. Also, they can always contact us should there be any questions or uncertainties.

We also offer it ourselves as part of regular treatment through our psychology practice BrainArts.

The Safe and Sound Protocol is only available through Unyte's app. This has the advantage that you can also listen to it right from this app. In addition, you can count on written guidance and you will also receive our course based on the Polyvagal theory.

It is possible to use the Safe and Sound Protocol in our practice under the guidance of a certified Polyvagal therapist and thus opt for personalized treatment.

Normally we offer complete treatments within our practice BrainArts. This requires a referral from the general practitioner. The SSP is another free part of this treatment. Besides a regular treatment you will also receive Polyvagal advice. The number of sessions depends on your needs.

Should you only want the SSP under supervision, this can be done in a minimum of 5 sessions.

In doing so, it is easiest that you listen for the first 15 minutes total at home. We recommend starting with 1 minute of listening for the first day. And build that up slowly. After that, we recommend a maximum of 20 minutes of listening per day.

It is widely done to do 5 1-hour sessions under the guidance of a therapist. This is also possible to do for you. But that is something we do not fully support. The SSP is then listened to too fast for most people. Which causes side effects and a lesser effect.

We have extensive experience with the SSP protocol both remotely and in our practice. You can therefore be sure that you will be helped in the way that gives you the best results.

Would you like to listen to the SSP under the guidance of a therapist? Then contact us, then we can discuss your situation to give you sound advice and discuss your options.

We always enjoy having a brief contact, either in writing or by phone. We can then think along with your listening plan and look at your current situation. For example, if there is an acute care need, we will immediately refer you to your primary care physician. We are also cautious about offering the Safe and Sound Protocol in cases of severe trauma or other intense care needs. In these cases, we would like to briefly discuss your situation so that we can give you sound advice. We will then adjust your listening plan or discuss additional options so you can go through it in the best way possible.

During the period you take the Safe and Sound Protocol, we are always available to you and you can ask anything and consult with us.

Because you listen to it through an app, all you need is an Apple or Android smartphone. You can therefore listen to it in any place that is comfortable for you. It is especially important that it is a place that is safe and where you will not be disturbed. You will receive from us all the instructions you need to listen to it yourself. And we offer written support for all your questions.

You can, we also offer it as an addition to treatment within basic mental health care through our psychology practice BrainArts. For example, in cases of trauma, we combine this with EMDR. This has the advantage that it supports and strengthens the regular treatment. You can also take it with us in combination with treatment elsewhere, or if you are on the waiting list.

It doesn't matter for listening to the Safe and Sound Protocol whether you live in Utrecht, Maastricht, Amsterdam or anywhere else in the Netherlands. Or anywhere outside the Netherlands. The entire program has been tailored by us to offer it online. So that you can follow it easily and safely in your own home or any other suitable environment.

This specially developed course by us helps to integrate it better into your daily life and is a great addition. The course is completely non-binding, but we do recommend it because it will benefit you even more. So you can also just follow the Protocol and experience all its benefits.

The Safe and Sound Protocol costs $250 for 12 months of access for both Connect, Core and Balance.

This gives you plenty of time to go through the program and its various versions several times.

This includes our course based on Polyvagal theory and our remote guidance.

We are a part of BrainArts a psychology practice in Utrecht. We also offer the Safe and Sound Protocol online so that more people can access it. You can count on professional support through this combination. This will in most cases be in writing.

For an additional charge, we can also provide support during your listening sessions by video calling or by meeting in our practice.

Drinking water can affect the vagus nerve, according to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine. This study found that drinking water after resistance exercise can promote the reactivation of the cardiac vagus nerve, which is important for heart health. So it is important to stay well hydrated to keep the vagus nerve working properly.

Read on here if you are interested in a treatment that acts directly on the vagus nerve.

Humming may be able to stimulate the vagus nerve, which is responsible for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This is because the nerve runs through the larynx and larynx into your throat, and the vibrations caused by humming may be able to increase vagal tone or health. This is not a proven method, but it helps you calm down anyway because it slows down your breathing.

An ancient method used for this purpose is the Ohm mantra.

Read on here if you are interested in a treatment that acts directly on the vagus nerve.

To activate the vagus nerve, you can place an ice pack on your neck or chest. Although research on this method is limited, showed a small 2018 study That applying something cold to the outside of the neck can slow the heart rate and increase vagus nerve activation.

Read on here if you are interested in a treatment that acts directly on the vagus nerve.

As the longest cranial nerve in your body, the vagus nerve plays an important role in your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming your body. Activating the vagus nerve by exposing it to cold temperatures can activate it, sending a signal to your body to calm down and relax.

If you often suffer from anxiety then the SSP a good tool to help you get rid of this. In some cases, then, you need a psychologist to give you additional support. You can always contact us for tailored advice.

The polyvagal trauma theory is a theory that focuses on the importance of social connections in protecting mental health. It explains that the parasympathetic nervous system and vagal circuits are crucial in how the body responds to traumatic experiences. Put more simply, this means that having strong social relationships can help us cope better with difficult situations, while a lack of social support can make it harder to cope.

If you are feeling stressed and anxious, there is a simple way to calm down quickly. All you have to do is breathe deeply and slowly. Studies have shown that this technique can activate the parasympathetic system and stimulate the vagus nerve, which can help reduce anxiety. Most people breathe about 10 to 14 times per minute, but if you slow it down to 6 breaths per minute, you will feel much more relaxed.

The easiest way is to breathe in quickly through your nose and then breathe out again as slowly as possible through your mouth. It's a quick and easy way to feel better!

Want to know more about a treatment that directly affects your vagus nerve, then read more about the action of the SSP on our autonomic nervous system here.

When you experience a dorsal vagal shutdown (freezing), some of the typical symptoms may include feelings of numbness or dissociation. Or a feeling of being disconnected from others or reality. You may experience fatigue or low energy levels, slow breathing or heart rate. You may also experience digestive problems and nausea.

Dorsal vagal shutdown is a term from Polyvagal theory, you can read more about it here.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is important for the proper functioning of the vagus nerve, a crucial nerve in our body. This nerve plays a key role in regulating our autonomic nervous system, which controls our "fight-or-flight" and "rest-and-recovery" responses. The SSP helps restore balanced functioning of the vagus nerve. This leads to a reduction in stress, improved social interactions and a greater sense of calm. Using targeted and filtered sound therapies, the SSP trains the brain to better respond to human speech and safe sounds, which is essential for emotional and social health. Want to know more, then read more about the action of the SSP on our autonomic nervous system here.