Professional Counseling with Tiffany

🎧Neuroplasticity plays a crucial role in listening therapy. This concept refers to the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. By exposing ourselves to specific sound frequencies through listening therapy, we can potentially reshape and strengthen neural pathways and enhance cognitive functions over time.

There has been a growing recognition of the powerful impact that music can have on our mental health and listening therapy has been shown to have effective applications in clinical settings. It is used as an adjunct treatment for conditions such as anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism (ASD). By strategically using music that has been filtered to highlight frequencies that send cues of safety to the nervous system, therapists can aim to regulate brainwave patterns and promote positive changes in behavior and emotional well-being.

It has become evident that music has the ability to influence our mood, emotions and mental health in profound ways.

The neuroscience of music and listening therapy has long been an intriguing field, exploring the profound impact that music can have on our minds and body. One notable application of Dr. Porges’ work is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), which aims to regulate the autonomic nervous system through filtered music. By sending cues of safety through specific frequencies that highlight the human voice, this listening therapy can help individuals better regulate their nervous system, and improve their overall well-being and ability to connect with others.

Designed to address dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, this evidence-based listening therapy offers a non-invasive approach to help clients find their unique journey towards better nervous system regulation and overall health. Clients who have experienced the SSP have reported improvements in self-regulation, attention, social engagement, and overall well-being. 🧠

🎧Certified Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) Provider 🎧

What does this mean? Well I’m certified to deliver the SSP, a non-invasive vagal nerve stimulator designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity.

Five hours of music. Long-lasting impact.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a powerful listening therapy designed to help regulate the nervous system, so you can better connect with yourself, others and the world around you.

As you listen to the music of the SSP, these highlighted frequencies send cues of safety to retune your nervous system, which can help you feel more settled, engaged and balanced.

Visit: WhatistheSSP.com to learn more

SSP is designed to be an adjunct therapy, meaning it complements other therapeutic approaches. It helps individuals feel safer and more regulated, which can make other therapies more effective.

By stimulating the vagus nerve, SSP helps to shift the nervous system from states of hyperarousal (fight-or-flight) or hypoarousal (shutdown) into a state of social engagement and calm.

While the applications of the SSP are still being explored, these are the experiences currently represented in case studies:

• ADHD | Case Studies
• Anxiety | Case Studies
• Auditory Processing | Case Studies
• Autism | Case Studies
• Co-Regulation/Connection | Case Studies
• Depression | Case Studies
• Disordered Eating | Case Studies
• Learning & Child Development | Case Studies
• Sensory Sensitivity | Case Studies
• Sleep | Case Studies
• Social Engagement | Case Studies
• Trauma & PTSD | Case Studies

There are also some applications being explored for chronic pain, illness, and injury.

Contact me directly if you’d like to discuss! #240-205-9830 🧠

❓What’s the difference between “top-down” and “bottom-up” therapy, and why does it matter? ⁉️

🧠The words “top” and “bottom” are references to particular sections of the brain and what they are responsible for.

⬇️There are therapists who follow a top-down approach, which doesn’t always achieve the desired results as well as an integrative, top-down and bottom-up therapeutic practice.

🗣️Top-down forms of psychotherapy work exactly how they sound. Top-down forms of therapy work by specifically targeting functions within the cerebral cortex. This can then change how people think, behave, and function in daily life. Common forms of top-down therapy include Brief Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These forms of therapy may be helpful for some. For others, it may not be enough.

🎧Bottom up forms of therapy target the body, then the brain stem, the limbic system, and finally the cerebral cortex. This allows for healing to take place within the body and nervous system first, which can be negatively impacted by such things as stress, chronic illness, and the many forms of trauma.

👍🏻Bottom-up forms of therapy help to re-regulate the body and nervous system first to then allow the brain to heal from the brain stem up.

😬Through these forms of therapy, you will notice how it is possible to live your life and not be in a constant state of stress, worry, or fear. 😁

😎Once this is re-established in the body and lower brain, an individual’s emotions and thoughts will begin to shift to become more adaptive and less self-critical.

🧘🏽‍♂️Therefore, bottom-up therapy works on understanding sensations, education on the nervous system, grounding, mindfulness, and body awareness.

👌🏻The top-down methods alone might not be enough if not taking into consideration the automatic nature of the nervous system of the individual, or in other words, a body that is hardwired to perceive danger where there is none.

It’s been a fun week visiting with Amanda Bassos MS, Director of Clinical Outreach, and her team at The Nest powered by Family First. 🪺

The Nest is a specialized residential treatment for neurodivergent boys in South Florida, located in PBG.

“At The Nest, they deliver neurodiversity-affirming care. The Neurodivergent Empowerment Support and Transformational (NEST) Program offers structure and support for teen boys, including—but not limited to—those diagnosed with:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia and other learning differences
• Sensory processing issues”

I was very impressed by the beautiful campus, housing and dedicated mental health counseling team. I especially loved learning about their implementation of The Safe and Sound Protocol used within their therapeutic practice. This evidenced based protocol (SSP) is a powerful listening therapy designed to help regulate the nervous system. “Through the specially filtered music, the SSP sends cues of safety to your nervous system, building the foundation for awareness, embodiment and resilience”. I’m planning to also complete my training with Unyte & will combine the music of the SSP with my CBT, DBT, Art Therapy and EMDR techniques used at Therapy at Tiffany’s. Families returning from summer vacation should inquire more about this fascinating method to promote nervous system regulation.

At Family First Adolescent Services, they celebrate neurodiversity, much like I do at Therapy at Tiffany’s. The Nest, a specialized residential treatment program for neurodivergent boys ages 12-18 and they provide a safe, supportive, and developmentally attuned environment for neurodivergent adolescents. “They empower teens to embrace their unique strengths, develop essential life skills, and build meaningful connections through evidence-based treatment, experiential learning, and family involvement”.

Neurodivergent Umbrella: Visuals - as promised -from Video #2 🧠💪🏽🫶🏽