FAQ

Recommended: Over- the-ear headphones that are not noise canceling headphones are recommended for SSP.

Not recommended: earbuds, noise-canceling headphones, bass-boosting headphones.

The Unyte-iLs app makes the SSP program easily accessible because it can be downloaded on any smartphone or tablet and used with over-the-ear headphones. This enables the user to access the SSP intervention in their own home with remote support. We customize the protocol for each individual’s needs, offering a more gradual introduction to the program and extended services when needed.

It is advised that you listen to the SSP in a quiet environment with minimal distractions or outside noises. However, you can do a soothing activity such as coloring, knitting, or gentle stretching movements.

The SSP Core program is a total of 5-hrs of listening. During our initial consultation and coaching call, I will recommend a pace that works for your unique nervous system. However, going slow and attuning to your nervous systems needs is best practice.

The music we listen to during the SSP intervention is modified to remove low frequencies and keep high frequencies (you will tend to hear only female voices or high male voices). It also goes very quiet at times to exercise the ear muscles further.

When the tympanic membrane (eardrum) in our middle ear is taut, it is more attuned to pick up higher, happier frequencies. When we are in threatening situations the nervous system sends messages to the ear to slacken the tympanic membrane so it is more attuned to picking up lower threatening frequencies to prepare us for danger. The Vagus nerve then sends those negative frequencies back to the gut and reinforces the negative cycle.

When the membrane is slack we are more ready for danger and less likely to engage social mode. The purpose of SSP is to make the membrane taut, so more attuned to picking up happier frequencies, passing positive messages to the gut via the Vagus nerve (and back), reinforcing the positive cycle which has a compound effect over time.

The music is electronically modified to highlight parts of the sound spectrum that send messages of safety to the gut and back via the Vagus nerve. This feeling of safety and well-being stays with us for the five day duration of the therapy, by which time with the positive reinforcements the tympanic membrane gets tauter and picks up and sends more positive aural signals to the gut. The gut then sends messages to the brain (and back to the ear via the Vagus) to relax and engage, keeping the tympanic membrane firm and reinforcing the positive results. This continues over the next 5-6 weeks and we see some of the best results from SSP at this time.

When we are in Social Engagement Mode we feel safe and are able to engage positively with the world and other complementary therapies.

The effectiveness of the therapy peaks around weeks 5 and 6 and sometimes peters off in two to six months. In this case we advise repeating the therapy, generally advised in three month intervals. Occasionally in cases of serious trauma we advise redoing the program after six weeks. Many of our clients have an SSP intervention three or four times altogether for long-lasting effects.