Polyvagal Theory has emerged as crucial for grasping the neurophysiological underpinnings of psychology and behaviour. Its core concepts of Neuroception; Neurobiology of Safety; Autonomic Nervous System Hierarchy, and Social Engagement have been embraced by leading thinkers in the mental health and trauma fields, such as Peter Levine, Pat Ogden, Bessel Van Der Kolk, and Richard Schwartz.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) acoustic vagal nerve stimulation therapy, developed by Dr Porges is an extension of his work formulating the Polyvagal Theory. Vagal nerve stimulation is increasingly shown to improve neural regulation across diverse mental health diagnoses.

The Safe and Sound Protocol is a practical application of Polyvagal Theory and is evidence-based to improve resilience, decrease auditory sensitivity and improve social engagement. The SSP is being implemented across mental health, neurodevelopmental, neurological, and mental or physical trauma.

This SSP Certification Training will provide the foundations for clinical implementation of the SSP for both children and adults.

Key Learning Objectives:

Understand Clinical Application of Polyvagal Theory.

Understand the science and research for the Safe and Sound Protocol.

Understand the neurobiology of “Safety.”

Understand the “Safe before the Sound.”

Understand the integrated Social Engagement system and the vagus nerve.

Understand the autonomic nervous system and the Defence Cascade (fight, flight and freeze)

Understand SSP Guiding Principles

Understand assessment for SSP implementation and measuring outcomes

Understand SSP Pathways and clinical reasoning for implementation

Understand clinical reasoning for SSP implementation for children to adults and program modifications based on diagnosis.