Neurobiology of Safety

Event Description:

This is a practical one-day training providing participants with a deeper understanding of how the autonomic nervous system is pivotal in our ability to develop emotional regulation and behaviour modulation. Participants will learn about the Polyvagal Theory, existing evidence; implementation, and support strategies for the Safe and Sound Protocol in trauma-informed practice.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based intervention that emerged from Porges groundbreaking Polyvagal Theory. The SSP diverges from traditional therapeutic approaches by targeting underlying systems and structures that support nervous system integration. The protocol is non-invasive, simply administered, and involves listening to specifically filtered music over 5 hours to stimulate the auditory system and improve middle ear function. Through stimulating the auditory portal, increased attunement to frequencies of the human voice is enabled and dampening of lower frequency background noise (perceived as threat) occurs. State regulation and pro-social behaviours emerge due to the neural circuitry of the social engagement system being employed.

This is a practical one-day training providing participants with a deeper understanding of how the autonomic nervous system is pivotal in our ability to develop emotional regulation and behaviour modulation. Participants will learn about the Polyvagal Theory, existing evidence; implementation, and support strategies for the Safe and Sound Protocol in trauma-informed practice. At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to order the SSP acoustic technology to implement in their setting. Certification as an SSP practitioner includes submission of a case study demonstrating application and clinical reasoning.