Survey: SSP supports clients’ ability to emotionally distance from difficult situations

About the Provider

Name: Michael Krause
Discipline/Credentials: Heilpraktiker (Psychotherapy)
Modalities: Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), hypnosis, Hakomi Method

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Client Background

Name: Group Delivery
Age and Gender: Between ages 17 and 66, all genders
Program Delivered: Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) (SSP Core and Balance, Hours 1 through 5)

Clients described in this case study included both people who were single and who were in partnerships. SSP provider Michael Krause describes the clients as “overall very heterogeneous and spanning across all social classes.” Most clients in the group suffered from hyperacusis, jumpiness and other sensory sensitivities, in addition to some who suffered from anxiety disorder, trauma sequelae and panic attacks.

Michael offers the SSP primarily when a trauma background with hyperacusis is evident, or when it’s noticed that conventional talk therapy is reaching its limits or may be faltering. He adds that at the beginning of treatment, some clients specifically asked for SSP or Polyvagal-based therapy.

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Implementation of the SSP

Michael typically delivers the SSP in person at his office and, after completion, offers SSP Balance to the clients as a remote version.

“I attach great importance to psychoeducational information of my clients concerning the SSP in particular and the essential statements of the Polyvagal Theory,” he said. “In addition, general stabilization techniques, such as breathing exercises, grounding, etc., are used when necessary.”

Response and Discussion

Michael conducted a survey of his clients to summarize their experience and response to the SSP group delivery.

“The SSP seems to show a positive effect on the symptomatology of the treated clients,” he notes in the summary. “In my opinion, it is noteworthy that, according to feedback from the clients, above all, a clear increase in the ability to emotionally distance oneself in difficult situations was perceived.”