Clinical Auditory Therapy Protocols
I am a facilitator of auditory interventions for reducing stress and balancing the nervous system. Specifically, I use the evidenced-based Safe and Sound Protocols and the Rest and Restore Protocol, acoustic vagal nerve stimulators developed by Unyte and Stephen Porges and based on his polyvagal research.
Safe and Sound Protocol- The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the autonomic nervous system and is our control center. It is taking cues from our environment and regulating our physiology. These physiological states include: Parasympathetic / Ventral Vagal state- our centered “true self” state, where all social interaction, connection and cognition occurs. Sympathetic state- feeling of threat, and feeling the need to either “fight” or “flee” to find safety in our environment or within ourselves. Dorsal Vagal state- our “freeze” state, when we feel threatened and become immobilized. The Safe and Sound Protocol is a brief and effective treatment for engaging the vagus nerve. This protocol will help to bring you back into connection with yourself, with the social engagement system (sensory, motor, and various areas of body) and safety within yourself.
Those with any of the following concerns may see benefit from this protocol:
Stressors that impact social engagement
Anxiety and trauma-related challenges
Difficulties in regulating physiological and emotional state
Chronic pain and fatigue
Depression
Difficulty sleeping
Gut issues
Low resilience
Social and emotional difficulties
Auditory and other sensory sensitivities
Auditory processing difficulties
Inattention
Reactivity
Rest and Restore Protocol- This protocol uses the newest technology and is informed by decades of research studying physiological rhythms in the body, including heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and in the gut, alongside knowledge of advanced sound technology. This scientifically engineered acoustic signal and music support deep relaxation and optimal recovery. Research and initial studies indicated that this protocol improves challenges related to :
Anxiety
Gastrointestinal and gut function issues
Trauma symptoms
Autonomic nervous system deregulation
Insomnia
Low mood and depression
Inability to feel at ease, calm, and relaxed
Lack of access to feelings and feeling frozen or shutdown
In the pilot study of RRP 93% of participants experienced a significant decrease in clinical symptoms of anxiety, 88% experienced decrease in trauma symptoms (with 72% moving from a clinical level to a non-clinical level), 82% percent experienced decrease in mood and depression related symptoms, and 76% experienced improvement in insomnia symptoms. The majority of clients reported improvement in all areas of measure.
It is important to commit to the full length of these treatments. Some individuals choose to continue to work together as they continue with a maintenance or repeat protocol. Participants must commit to communicating with therapist throughout the duration of the protocol. Everybody’s needs will be different and the length of time it takes to complete the protocol will be unique to each individual. Your home practice will consist of listening to a specific set of songs for an agreed upon amount of time. Length and frequency of sessions and the protocol can also be modified upon assessment, as needed. This protocol will be used in conjunction with somatic therapy practices. The protocol is not a stand-alone treatment and a plan for ongoing regulation will need to be put in place. We will work on this plan together, as needed.
Additionally, you will need to have your own pair of headphones that cover your ears (as opposed to ear buds). They must not be noise cancelling headphones. You will be downloading the protocol onto your mobile device and will listen to the music from there.
Groups
Nervous System Regulation Auditory Protocol Group
Are you looking for maximum impact on your nervous system with just minutes of time investment each week from the comfort of your own home? This is the program for you.
In this online skill building support group we will access clinical grade auditory/listening therapy protocols developed by Stephen Porges- the founder of Polyvagal theory. These protocols use frequency and vibration to engage a system of muscles and nerves that support social engagement and nervous system regulation, stimulating the vagus nerve. These protocols can only be provided and led by a licensed clinical health professional. As a group we will access the below protocols.
Safe and Sound Protocols - Those with any of the following concerns may see benefit from these protocols:
Stressors that impact social engagement
Anxiety and trauma-related challenges
Difficulties in regulating physiological and emotional state
Chronic pain and fatigue
Depression and low mood
Difficulty sleeping
Gastrointestinal and gut function issues
Low resilience
Social and emotional difficulties
Auditory and other sensory sensitivities
Auditory and cognitive processing difficulties
Inattention
Reactivity
We will also have access to the brand new Rest and Restore Protocol- this protocol uses the newest technology and is informed by decades of research studying physiological rhythms in the body, including heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and in the gut, alongside knowledge of advanced sound technology. This scientifically engineered acoustic signal and music support deep relaxation and optimal recovery. Research and initial studies indicated that this protocol improves challenges related to:
Anxiety
Gastrointestinal and gut function issues
Trauma symptoms
Autonomic nervous system deregulation
Insomnia
Low mood and depression
Inability to feel at ease, calm, and relaxed
Lack of access to feelings and feeling frozen or shutdown
In the pilot study of RRP 93% of participants experienced a significant decrease in clinical symptoms of anxiety, 88% experienced decrease in trauma symptoms (with 72% moving from a clinical level to a non-clinical level), 82% percent experienced decrease in mood and depression related symptoms, and 76% experienced improvement in insomnia symptoms. The majority of clients reported improvement in all areas of measure.
Our group will include:
Initial group live zoom vide0 orientation
Initial individual assessment and personalized protocol plan development after orientation
Monitoring of changes in individual symptoms and progress with recommendations and protocol changes, via messaging
Twice monthly group video session for 3 months (occurring on Sat. mornings)
Your access to the protocols from your mobile device
Fee= $830 - Fee covers the cost of access to both protocols and all group and individual support over the 3 month period.
(You may also need to purchase headphones, if you don’t already have them)
You can register for the orientation at the link below. Feel free to email with any additional questions.