Online delivery case examples:
"The main goal of SSP is to help your nervous system to ‘dare’ more and more to feel safe and activate the social engagement system, as this is what allows us to have fulfilling relationships and mobilise self-healing mechanisms across the body. This starts with learning to identify and honour the different states as parts of a whole spectrum, from dorsal (collapse) to sympathetic mobilisation (fight/flight) to ventral (safety/social engagement). Then, once you start to allow yourself to feel safe (across the whole body, not just in the head), everything changes.
In my case, I started to feel impulses that for a long time had been either repressed or strongly mediated by my inner critic: to enjoy and engage all my five senses, to express my inner states in a creative, non-verbal way (e.g. through painting), to communicate in a deeper way, and also to activate fight/flight responses in adequate ways (e.g. to set boundaries). And being a trained musician, my relationship to music is also being transformed as a result!
In summary, this has been a fascinating and transformative journey, and I feel very grateful to Dr Liz Charles (and also to Dr Porges) for having made that possible!
In my case, I started to feel impulses that for a long time had been either repressed or strongly mediated by my inner critic: to enjoy and engage all my five senses, to express my inner states in a creative, non-verbal way (e.g. through painting), to communicate in a deeper way, and also to activate fight/flight responses in adequate ways (e.g. to set boundaries). And being a trained musician, my relationship to music is also being transformed as a result!
In summary, this has been a fascinating and transformative journey, and I feel very grateful to Dr Liz Charles (and also to Dr Porges) for having made that possible!
"I would definitely recommend remote delivery as you gain all the benefits of SSP without having to leave your own home!
I set up my screen so that Liz was able to see and monitor me but I didn’t feel conspicuous. She explained how SSP worked, how the first few sessions would be delivered and the options we had going forward depending on how I responded to the therapy. I had a quiet private room to sit in and I could relax and colour and fully focus on the SSP and nothing else. The technology is easy to use (I’m no techno buff!).
As part of the therapy Liz taught me the ‘Fab 4’. She was able to show me the techniques over video call, we did them together and I felt we were both fully engaged in these techniques even though we weren’t in the room together. Liz could monitor how I was doing and gave me tips on how to improve as we went along. I was also able to do these during the day which complimented our sessions. I still do them when I need to check myself and re balance."
I set up my screen so that Liz was able to see and monitor me but I didn’t feel conspicuous. She explained how SSP worked, how the first few sessions would be delivered and the options we had going forward depending on how I responded to the therapy. I had a quiet private room to sit in and I could relax and colour and fully focus on the SSP and nothing else. The technology is easy to use (I’m no techno buff!).
As part of the therapy Liz taught me the ‘Fab 4’. She was able to show me the techniques over video call, we did them together and I felt we were both fully engaged in these techniques even though we weren’t in the room together. Liz could monitor how I was doing and gave me tips on how to improve as we went along. I was also able to do these during the day which complimented our sessions. I still do them when I need to check myself and re balance."
"My personal experience of SSP was gentle but with a significant shift. After my first session I slept without interruption for 8 hours (unheard of normally). In between my sessions, Dr Liz encouraged me to become mindful of my own patterns of behaviour. This has continued to support me in making better choices to meet my own needs.
After a few sessions, the shift affected my sensory irritations, particularly sound. I noticed that noises that would normally cause me discomfort were going unnoticed.
Through all of this Dr Liz’s knowledge and enthusiasm for SSP has been invaluable. I cannot recommend her and the process enough."
After a few sessions, the shift affected my sensory irritations, particularly sound. I noticed that noises that would normally cause me discomfort were going unnoticed.
Through all of this Dr Liz’s knowledge and enthusiasm for SSP has been invaluable. I cannot recommend her and the process enough."
"SSP has been life changing for me. The protocol itself works in such a profound way however this is really only one side of the coin because then there is Liz. I am so grateful to be on this journey with Liz, you know from the beginning that you are in very knowledgeable, very experienced and most importantly the very safest pair of hands.
Remote SSP has worked well for me because the experience has been so deep on so many different levels, that being in my own space has been important both during and after the session. It offers a more efficient way of accessing the program because I haven’t needed to plan or make provisions to physically attend an appointment or drive home once finished, I can just let the experience integrate, process and take it easy, which for me has been a necessary part of the changes.
Coming prepared to the sessions is key – app downloaded, tech charged and working, over the ear headphones, sensory activities – smells/textures/things to do, a cushion, some water, a blanket. Setting time aside that feels private and free from interruptions. However, of course with all things it is a learning process and tech will always misbehave, I might forget water, I may inadvertently try to creep in an activity that Liz will question the motive – it is a pleasurable activity for me or is it a job that I am looking to complete? No matter what though, Liz will guide you with ease, flexibility and above all compassion.
Doing the work in-between sessions has felt as important as what takes place in the sessions. I strongly advise it because it will really help to both enhance and integrate even further into the fabric of your everyday life.
In all honesty, I have been blown away by the experience of completing SSP remotely with Liz and I can think of no better person to go on a ventral vagal voyage with, Liz is a truly wonderful captain."
Remote SSP has worked well for me because the experience has been so deep on so many different levels, that being in my own space has been important both during and after the session. It offers a more efficient way of accessing the program because I haven’t needed to plan or make provisions to physically attend an appointment or drive home once finished, I can just let the experience integrate, process and take it easy, which for me has been a necessary part of the changes.
Coming prepared to the sessions is key – app downloaded, tech charged and working, over the ear headphones, sensory activities – smells/textures/things to do, a cushion, some water, a blanket. Setting time aside that feels private and free from interruptions. However, of course with all things it is a learning process and tech will always misbehave, I might forget water, I may inadvertently try to creep in an activity that Liz will question the motive – it is a pleasurable activity for me or is it a job that I am looking to complete? No matter what though, Liz will guide you with ease, flexibility and above all compassion.
Doing the work in-between sessions has felt as important as what takes place in the sessions. I strongly advise it because it will really help to both enhance and integrate even further into the fabric of your everyday life.
In all honesty, I have been blown away by the experience of completing SSP remotely with Liz and I can think of no better person to go on a ventral vagal voyage with, Liz is a truly wonderful captain."
Adult face to face case examples:
"As an ex-serviceman who worked within the strict confines of military life, sometimes in extreme situations, I was totally unaware that I was carrying baggage with me many years later, and it wasn't until this was pointed out to me, that I accepted my behaviour was alienating those who I love and hold dear.
I visited Liz full of attitude and scepticism, however the one thing in my favour was to try and have as open a mind as I could possibly muster. As my sessions evolved, a trust developed between Liz and myself. She made me feel relaxed, safe and calm.
Since my sessions with Liz, I now sleep through the night, something I have not done for years. I did suffer with acid re-flux, anxiety issues, stress, restless leg syndrome and a quick temper. Today, all of these conditions are a thing of the past. From being a total cynic and being annoyed at the most stupid of things, I am now much more relaxed and have a greater tolerance to everyday situations.
My family and friends have noticed the positive changes in me and I am not just very grateful but I would also recommend Liz and SSP therapy to anyone."
I visited Liz full of attitude and scepticism, however the one thing in my favour was to try and have as open a mind as I could possibly muster. As my sessions evolved, a trust developed between Liz and myself. She made me feel relaxed, safe and calm.
Since my sessions with Liz, I now sleep through the night, something I have not done for years. I did suffer with acid re-flux, anxiety issues, stress, restless leg syndrome and a quick temper. Today, all of these conditions are a thing of the past. From being a total cynic and being annoyed at the most stupid of things, I am now much more relaxed and have a greater tolerance to everyday situations.
My family and friends have noticed the positive changes in me and I am not just very grateful but I would also recommend Liz and SSP therapy to anyone."
"I had known that I was in a state of fight flight and freeze response for a long time. For about the past 25 years. I had been trying different methods to improve my situation which sometimes gave me some relief from physical and mental symptoms. Whilst researching for more options, I came across the Polyvagal theory and Safe and Sound Protocol developed by Stephen Porges.
I contacted Liz and was met with such a kind, understanding and knowledgeable person on the other end of the phone who seemed to know exactly how I was feeling. Liz was confident that the SSP could help my situation and so I arranged to see Liz just a few weeks later.
SSP comprises of five sessions with Liz over five days. I could feel that my fight, flight and freeze responses were triggered by just the thought I was going to see her. But I needn't have worried. Liz welcomed me into her space and made me feel so comfortable.
Her knowledge and expertise put me completely at ease and over the five day period I became completely relaxed. Liz had advised me that on day three I may feel the effects of the SSP taking place. This would mean that my fight flight and freeze response would be turned off and so I may feel the effects of tiredness as a result. This was exactly what happened!
Interesting things happened over the next few days. My mind was clear. I no longer continuously needed food to control the physical symptoms of being in fight or flight.
It's been four weeks since I saw Liz and still now I feel very different. SSP is a stepping stone up to using other modalities. I feel now that I was ‘reset’ and can now use other techniques to continue the good work of maintaining the effect of SSP.
I would thoroughly recommend Liz as a professional, sensitive and encouraging lady who very much cares about the people she works with and wants the very best for them."
I contacted Liz and was met with such a kind, understanding and knowledgeable person on the other end of the phone who seemed to know exactly how I was feeling. Liz was confident that the SSP could help my situation and so I arranged to see Liz just a few weeks later.
SSP comprises of five sessions with Liz over five days. I could feel that my fight, flight and freeze responses were triggered by just the thought I was going to see her. But I needn't have worried. Liz welcomed me into her space and made me feel so comfortable.
Her knowledge and expertise put me completely at ease and over the five day period I became completely relaxed. Liz had advised me that on day three I may feel the effects of the SSP taking place. This would mean that my fight flight and freeze response would be turned off and so I may feel the effects of tiredness as a result. This was exactly what happened!
Interesting things happened over the next few days. My mind was clear. I no longer continuously needed food to control the physical symptoms of being in fight or flight.
It's been four weeks since I saw Liz and still now I feel very different. SSP is a stepping stone up to using other modalities. I feel now that I was ‘reset’ and can now use other techniques to continue the good work of maintaining the effect of SSP.
I would thoroughly recommend Liz as a professional, sensitive and encouraging lady who very much cares about the people she works with and wants the very best for them."
"Due to my ongoing struggles with anxiety I decided to try SSP. I’d heard lots about it and really wanted to reap some of the benefits that others have experienced.
Liz has created a really lovely space for SSP. I first noticed how cosy the space was; with candles, warmth and blankets, she has created a space of safety, calm and containment. I was quite nervous before starting my first session, but I was quickly reassured by the safe space Liz has made, I knew I could relax and let my defences down – an aspect that is key to making the most of SSP.
Before starting, Liz made it clear that I was safe alongside her and that she was to act as a companion along my SSP journey. She made me feel safe and made me feel in control of the situation. If I wanted to stop, move around, have a drink or anything during the hour of listening, I was very welcome to. This was my experience and I could tailor it to suit how I responded to it.
I had a really positive experience. Even during my first session, I felt entirely relaxed and able to listen to the filtered sound without having to stop or express discomfort. During each hour of listening, Liz encouraged me to pick an activity to do alongside the experience. She has plenty of options, from sensory toys to art activities. I chose to colour.
As I spent time colouring, I could feel myself entering an almost hyper-relaxed state. My breathing was soft and steady; my body was entirely relaxed; I felt extremely calm. One of the main things I have taken away from my 5 days of SSP is that it is possible for my brain and body to shift into this extremely calm state. I find it difficult to relax and not tie myself in anxious knots normally: SSP completely allowed me to do so. When I was listening, I wasn’t thinking about anything, when I noticed thoughts crop up I found it really easy to let go.
Upon taking the headphones off each time, it was like waking up. It took me a few moments to be able to properly engage in conversation, even though I had been awake and colouring during the whole hour. I found this really enjoyable and I looked forward to this feeling each time.
On an auditory level, I also felt popping in my ears after a couple of the sessions – this felt like proof that the filtered sound was altering how I was listening, and I noticed a difference in how I heard sound afterwards. Particularly after sessions 3 and 4 I noticed that when I listened to my favourite music it sounded so soft and fluid. In fact, everything I heard, from people talking, to music, to the sound of my tread on the ground, sounded and felt so soft – like satin. It is a really difficult experience to articulate but after those sessions, sound began to have really fluid and soft feeling to it, evoking images of melted chocolate or the feeling of silk against the skin."
Liz has created a really lovely space for SSP. I first noticed how cosy the space was; with candles, warmth and blankets, she has created a space of safety, calm and containment. I was quite nervous before starting my first session, but I was quickly reassured by the safe space Liz has made, I knew I could relax and let my defences down – an aspect that is key to making the most of SSP.
Before starting, Liz made it clear that I was safe alongside her and that she was to act as a companion along my SSP journey. She made me feel safe and made me feel in control of the situation. If I wanted to stop, move around, have a drink or anything during the hour of listening, I was very welcome to. This was my experience and I could tailor it to suit how I responded to it.
I had a really positive experience. Even during my first session, I felt entirely relaxed and able to listen to the filtered sound without having to stop or express discomfort. During each hour of listening, Liz encouraged me to pick an activity to do alongside the experience. She has plenty of options, from sensory toys to art activities. I chose to colour.
As I spent time colouring, I could feel myself entering an almost hyper-relaxed state. My breathing was soft and steady; my body was entirely relaxed; I felt extremely calm. One of the main things I have taken away from my 5 days of SSP is that it is possible for my brain and body to shift into this extremely calm state. I find it difficult to relax and not tie myself in anxious knots normally: SSP completely allowed me to do so. When I was listening, I wasn’t thinking about anything, when I noticed thoughts crop up I found it really easy to let go.
Upon taking the headphones off each time, it was like waking up. It took me a few moments to be able to properly engage in conversation, even though I had been awake and colouring during the whole hour. I found this really enjoyable and I looked forward to this feeling each time.
On an auditory level, I also felt popping in my ears after a couple of the sessions – this felt like proof that the filtered sound was altering how I was listening, and I noticed a difference in how I heard sound afterwards. Particularly after sessions 3 and 4 I noticed that when I listened to my favourite music it sounded so soft and fluid. In fact, everything I heard, from people talking, to music, to the sound of my tread on the ground, sounded and felt so soft – like satin. It is a really difficult experience to articulate but after those sessions, sound began to have really fluid and soft feeling to it, evoking images of melted chocolate or the feeling of silk against the skin."
"I had been struggling with anxiety for several months before starting SSP. I had acute physical symptoms - my stomach felt knotted making me nauseous and I was very sensitive to background noise. My anxiety was making everyday life increasingly difficult.
Liz really put me at ease at my first SSP session, clearly explaining the process. I felt safe knowing that she has a medical background and that she was monitoring me throughout the session. I needed to have a couple of breaks the first time when the music felt overwhelming. She reassured me that this was OK. I needed less breaks during the second session. After the third session I felt much calmer and was able to go out for lunch with my husband and to the supermarket. I had been avoiding activities such as these as I found noise unsettling. I even started listening to the car radio again, which at my most anxious felt too overwhelming.
SSP has definitely helped me to feel calmer and has lessened my physical symptoms. It’s great that such a simple non-invasive treatment can have such positive and lasting results."
Liz really put me at ease at my first SSP session, clearly explaining the process. I felt safe knowing that she has a medical background and that she was monitoring me throughout the session. I needed to have a couple of breaks the first time when the music felt overwhelming. She reassured me that this was OK. I needed less breaks during the second session. After the third session I felt much calmer and was able to go out for lunch with my husband and to the supermarket. I had been avoiding activities such as these as I found noise unsettling. I even started listening to the car radio again, which at my most anxious felt too overwhelming.
SSP has definitely helped me to feel calmer and has lessened my physical symptoms. It’s great that such a simple non-invasive treatment can have such positive and lasting results."
"I had 5 days of SSP sessions with Dr Liz, who is clearly passionate about her SSP work. I found her passion very helpful; it was obvious that the science behind the treatment was sound; this put me in a positive place even before I had experienced any SSP. I am not sure why or how and perhaps this doesn’t matter. What I know for sure is that my body felt different. I felt more in control of my body and heard comments that I looked happier and more accessible. In the sessions, Liz’s presence made me feel really comfortable.
It was during my 5 sessions of SSP that I definitely began to pick up different sounds and voices in my right and left ears, yet the sounds complimented each other; I was finally truly listening to music and appreciating it.
In the next 4 to 5 weeks that followed my SSP sessions, I became more aware to sounds and voices around me. I even began to hear myself in a different way. In all this time, my work was very stressful and I felt sucked in by the stress. However, after SSP sessions, I felt calmer and more in touch with myself. I recognised safety in myself and this helped me to shut out a lot of the stress. I felt a lot happier and I know for sure my family have noticed the change over time, thanks to hearing and listening better and feeling safe. I also noticed that I engaged better with my mindfulness exercises and have been able to be in the present moment more and more. I couldn’t recommend SSP and Dr Liz enough."
It was during my 5 sessions of SSP that I definitely began to pick up different sounds and voices in my right and left ears, yet the sounds complimented each other; I was finally truly listening to music and appreciating it.
In the next 4 to 5 weeks that followed my SSP sessions, I became more aware to sounds and voices around me. I even began to hear myself in a different way. In all this time, my work was very stressful and I felt sucked in by the stress. However, after SSP sessions, I felt calmer and more in touch with myself. I recognised safety in myself and this helped me to shut out a lot of the stress. I felt a lot happier and I know for sure my family have noticed the change over time, thanks to hearing and listening better and feeling safe. I also noticed that I engaged better with my mindfulness exercises and have been able to be in the present moment more and more. I couldn’t recommend SSP and Dr Liz enough."
