Webinars
Polyvagal Theory: Nervous System Regulation and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
In partnership with Unyte
Recorded on December 11, 2024
How can clinicians support nervous system regulation with this emerging program?
We’ve seen increasing interest from Alma members in clinical techniques for nervous system regulation.
One emerging application is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP). Designed by Polyvagal Theory creator Dr. Stephen Porges, the SSP is an evidence-based listening therapy that uses specially filtered music to stimulate the Vagus Nerve and train the auditory system to better process cues of safety. The SSP has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma and psychosocial challenges by helping individuals achieve a state of safety and calm.
In this virtual event, Rebecca Knowles, OTD, OTR/L, RYT, and Director of Research, Education & Quality at Unyte, spoke with Liz Marshall, LCSW, LICSW, and Jillian Hosey, MSW, RSW, LICSW for an overview of this relatively new, evidence-based approach.
During the conversation, they covered:
- The basics of polyvagal theory and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
- Mental and physical treatment goals with SSP
- How clinicians are using SSP to improve client outcomes
Watch the recording
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Meet our experts
Rebecca Knowles
OTD, OTR/L, RYT
Rebecca is an occupational therapist and yoga instructor specializing in sensory processing and mental health. She is a clinical leader with diverse experience across the lifespan and continuum of care, including work in hospitals, schools, and community settings.
Rebecca serves as Unyte’s Director of Research, Education, and Quality. Her role is to lead the clinical aspects of the organization, translating science into practice and supporting the evolution of Unyte programs.
Liz Marshall
LCSW, LICSW
Liz is a therapist, consultant, and educator who specializes in treating complex trauma and dissociative disorders. Her initial trauma training was in EMDR, and she’s since developed an integrative approach that weaves in techniques from internal family systems (IFS) and polyvagal theory, including the SSP.
Liz currently serves as a faculty member at Zero Disturbance, a training guide through the Syzygy Institute. She also previously facilitated Trauma Clinical Interest Group case discussions at Alma.
Jillian Hosey
MSW, RSW, LICSW
Jill is a registered social worker and psychotherapist in private practice, providing trauma therapy to people of all ages and integrating a variety of trauma, attachment and dissociation focused theories and modalities.
Jill is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and EMDR Trainer with the AGATE Institute, and part of the faculty at the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociations (ISSTD). Jill also sits on the Clinical Advisory Board at Unyte.