At Campbell Recovery Services, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a balanced and resilient emotional state. One of the tools we utilize to enhance our therapeutic process is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP). This innovative approach is designed to improve self-regulation, reduce stress, and foster a sense of safety in the mind and body.

The Safe and Sound Protocol is an evidence-based listening intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, rooted in his groundbreaking Polyvagal Theory. It uses specially calibrated music to stimulate the nervous system, creating opportunities for emotional healing and a greater capacity for connection with others.

Through the SSP, clients often experience:

• Reduced symptoms of anxiety and stress.
• Improved focus and attention.
• Enhanced emotional resilience.
• Better sleep and reduced reactivity to environmental triggers.

At the heart of the Safe and Sound Protocol lies Polyvagal Theory, a model developed by Dr. Porges to explain how our nervous system influences our emotions, behaviors, and relationships.

Polyvagal Theory identifies three primary states of the autonomic nervous system:

1. Social Engagement State (Ventral Vagal Pathway):
   • This state is associated with feelings of safety, calmness, and connection.
   • When the ventral vagal system is activated, we are able to engage with others, communicate effectively, and build relationships.
2. Fight-or-Flight State (Sympathetic Nervous System):
   • When faced with danger or stress, the body shifts into a survival mode, triggering anxiety, hypervigilance, or aggression.
3. Shutdown State (Dorsal Vagal Pathway):
   • In extreme cases of threat, the nervous system may cause a shutdown response, leading to withdrawal, disconnection, or feelings of hopelessness.

By integrating SSP with these therapies, we create a comprehensive and synergistic approach to healing trauma. The SSP lays the groundwork for deeper therapeutic work, allowing clients to access, process, and resolve trauma more effectively.

At Campbell Recovery Services, we offer the Safe and Sound Protocol as part of our holistic approach to therapy. Before beginning SSP, our therapists assess your current emotional state, therapeutic goals, and readiness for the protocol. This ensures that the experience is tailored to your needs and integrated effectively with ongoing therapy. Our trained professionals guide you through the process, which involves listening to specifically designed music for 5–10 days, either in-office or in the comfort of your home.

We utilize the three distinct pathways of SSP—Connect, Core, and Balance—to tailor the experience to your unique needs and readiness for healing. The Connect pathway serves as a preparatory phase. It helps clients become familiar with the SSP process, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable before moving into deeper work. The Core pathway is the heart of the Safe and Sound Protocol. It is designed to directly stimulate the vagus nerve, supporting profound shifts in emotional regulation and resilience. The Balance pathway is designed for ongoing support and integration after completing the Core phase. It reinforces the gains made and promotes long-term stability.

The SSP sessions are carefully integrated as part of your broader treatment plan, ensuring that it works seamlessly with ongoing therapy, such as EMDR, Brainspotting, or IFS. Whether you’re dealing with addiction, anxiety, trauma, or difficulties in relationships, the SSP can complement your journey toward recovery and resilience.