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About the Provider
Name: Sabrina Thakur
Disciplines/credentials: LMFT, RPT-S, certified EMDR therapist
Modalities: EMDR, play therapy, neurofeedback, neurosequential model of therapeutics, Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
Client Background
Name: Jenny (pseudonym)
Gender and Age: Girl, 7 years old
Program Delivered: Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
- SSP Core: Hours 1-5
- SSP Balance: Hours 1-5
For the first two years of her life, Jenny experienced severe neglect and abuse from her biological mother. After being removed from this dangerous environment, Jenny moved between multiple foster homes from the ages 2-4.
Jenny’s developmental trauma presented as severe episodes of dysregulation, which included crying, screaming, hitting, throwing items and breaking toys. She struggled with following instructions by adults, such as her primary caregivers and teachers. At school, Jenny would refuse to complete assignments or comply with instructions. This had led to issues as early as preschool, where her foster parents were asked to pull her from the class due to aggression and elopement. Socially, she had difficulty interacting with peers and often engaged in arguments.
Jenny currently lives with her adoptive parents, biological and adoptive siblings. Her parents reached out to provider Sabrina Thakur not just to help Jenny increase her capacity for emotional regulation, but to also improve their own relationship with her through better co-regulation strategies.
Implementation of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
Sabrina decided that the most effective implementation of the SSP for Jenny would be a hybrid approach. Once a day, Jenny engaged in 30-minute listening sessions, participating in co-regulating art activities while the music played. Since Jenny’s adoptive parents wanted to be involved, each parent was coached to co-listen and engage in art on alternating days. Jenny was encouraged to go at her own pace, taking breaks as needed.
Play therapy was provided before, during, and after use of SSP to further provide coregulation. Theraplay activities were utilized to further the attachment relationship between client and caregiver.
Response
Jenny’s family noted a decrease in dysregulation after the first week of SSP delivery. By working concurrently with Jenny to develop regulation skills, her parents felt a heightened sense of empathy for Jenny and her emotions. They focused more on spending active time together, and enjoyed being present with her. Jenny began to play with her siblings without engaging in arguments and fights. At school, Jenny began to play sports with her peers, showing an increased capacity for collaboration and communication. Her teachers reported zero major behavior incidents, a major improvement from prior years.
For Jenny, the listening treatment helped her reach a state of internal calm that she was unable to attain beforehand. She finally felt safe enough to process feelings instead of entering fight or flight mode when presented with intense emotions. Jenny became better at expressing her feelings and articulating her needs with others. Her frustration tolerance increased alongside the decrease of dysregulated outbursts. Instead of constant hypervigilance, Jenny felt present, safe and expressed a strong desire to connect with others.
Discussion
Jenny’s experience demonstrates the importance of emotional regulation and the capacity for the SSP to support its development. In Jenny’s early formative years, she was deprived of quality co-regulation and bonding from her primary caregiver. Listening therapies and support from her adoptive parents allowed Jenny to form these pathways despite the challenges she experienced, which helped Jenny thrive and feel safe for the first time. For other clients struggling with trauma and hypervigilance, SSP can offer relief and emotional processing.
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