Episode 30- SSP for Kids- Pediatric Experts discuss the SSP

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Podcast- A Polyvagal Theory Informed Therapy

Welcome everyone to episode 30.
Today's conversation is focused on the SSP for Kids. In my work supporting families with children who are experiencing challenges, whether that be neurodevelopmental or mental health-related; I have observed significant improvements following the SSP. I am also privileged to receive a lot of feedback from pediatric-focused therapists on the improvements they observe because of the SSP. So I wanted to help build awareness both for practitioners working with children or for any families listening who are experiencing challenges. As you will hear the SSP offers hope and evidence-based improvements across psychosocial-biophysiological systems.

Today I am speaking with two senior-level clinicians, each with over 30 years of experience in pediatric therapy. I am honored to know them both as colleagues and good friends. Doreen Hunt, Occupational Therapist is the co-owner of Children’s Therapy of Woodinville, Seattle USA. Irena Woodward, Occupational Therapist, is the owner of Family Connections in Sydney Australia. Both have extensive training beyond the Safe and Sound protocol and I will include their contact details at the end of the podcast.

Some of the Key Points:

• Doreen discusses the case of an adolescent female who had significant mental health challenges- hospitalized for self-harm and had begun auditory hallucinations- after the first 30 min of SSP, her hallucinations stopped.- Listen in for more to this story.
• Irena discusses a young female with Functional Neurological Disorder and eating disorder- initially on nasogastric tube feedings- over SSP repeats was able to eat regular foods.
• SSP impacting the integrated social engagement system to see improved intake for feeding difficulties
• SSP for infants - micro premi or failure to thrive
• SSP and vagus stimulation and resulting bowl and bladder awareness in a young child
• SSP to improve facial expressivity- connection to attachment
• More harmonious family life after SSP
• SSP and improved emotional intelligence
• SSP and increased feelings of happiness in kids
• SSP and improved vocal quality and inflection
• SSP with improvements in gross and fine motor skills
• We discuss the neurobiology of Safety
• SSP with resulting improvements in family dynamics
• Improvements in global development
• Importance for the family to nourish a sense of safety

I hope you enjoyed this episode and found the information helpful. It would be a great honor if you could share this episode with a colleague, friend, or family member. Knowledge is power and sharing this episode may help someone who is struggling.

A big thank you to those who sent in questions. My apologies if I did not get to yours. We do plan to record a follow-up session in early 2024 targeted to specific questions around SSP implementation so if you have any questions or suggestions please email me [e-mail] or message me via the Safe and Sound Protocol Podcast FB group.

Doreen, Irena, and I, support clients globally. I will list contact details in the show notes and our SSP FB page.
But to contact Irena- contact [e-mail]
Doreen at- [e-mail]
Myself- [e-mail]

My next guest is the esteemed Dr Sue Carter, founder of Oxytoxin, the Social bonding hormone and wife to Dr Stephen Porges. I look forward to sharing that with you. Sending you kindness and self-compassion until next time. Take care, Joanne.

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