What do we offer?

The Safe and Sound Protocol [sound-based] to improve anxiety, auditory sensitivities, communication, and social engagement

The iom2 Heart Rate Variability [biofeedback using sensor] to improve anxiety, improve regulation, using biofeedback

The Focus System [sound-based] to improve neural integration – movement, balance [vestibular input] as a foundation for more complex processes

Each approach has a training module in order to be able to implement it in your practice. They can be used individually or combined together to provide assistance in achieving therapeutic outcomes

What is the Polyvagal Theory? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3108032/

What is heart rate variability? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5900369/

What is the bottom-up approach of the Focus System? Please see the Dr Minson video LINK

A-Explaining SSP Process

B-Explain Focus Process

C-Focus v SSP

SSP process

Enrol in the SSP course, then add a profile on the Talent platform then courses will be manually added to your profile. VIDEO explanation.

Once you complete the Foundational course you are then eligible to start an SSP subscription and then enrol clients immediately. You then can go on to complete the Remote Facilitation Certification course [optional]

Focus process

Enrol in the Focus course

Then you will complete course pre-requisites, view recordings, and complete quiz, following this you will participate in an implementation conference with Joanne

Comparing the Focus and SSP

They are both auditory interventions. The SSP is of shorter duration [“Core” programming] and does not involve movement or vestibular stimulation. The SSP is designed to improve social engagement so that other interventions may follow such as CBT, counselling or the Focus System amongst many other approaches.

 The Safe and Sound Protocol is based upon the Polyvagal Theory developed by Dr S Porges. The Focus System was developed by Dr Minson based upon the work of Dr Tomatis.

The SSP is made of 3 different 5-hour music programs Connect [unfiltered], Core [filtered] and Balance [mildly filtered]. The music has adult and child variations including: pop, soft rock and country, movie music [Disney] and motown. Music is played via standard ear-covering headphones. The music is specifically filtered to the mid-range with emphasis on voice.

The Focus System includes a number of programs varying from 10 to 60 hours total. They are broken up into sessions of 30 or 60 minutes. The music is Classical with traditional Gregorian chant music. The program includes Bone Conduction as well as Air Conduction so requires unique headphones to play the music. The music is filtered to decrease specific frequency ranges.

SSP

The Safe and Sound Protocol Training course includes 2 online on-demand courses – the Foundational SSP course and Remote Facilitation Certification

The training is divided into 4 core modules:

  • Learn: understand the science behind SSP
  • Facilitate: understand SSP Core facilitation and impact across different populations
  • Supplement: understand how and when to use the SSP Pathways
  • Integrate: understand how to integrate SSP into your practice

Training modules each have a breadth of support resources and tools including:

  • Videos from Dr. Porges, Deb Dana, and many other clinicians working with diverse populations
  • Strategies for integrating the SSP with other therapeutic modalities
  • A map of the physiological and behavioral effects of the SSP
  • Suggestions for alternate SSP facilitation approaches
  • Case studies, quizzes, FAQs
  • SSP delivery manuals

The Remote Facilitation Certification course consists of four (4) modules.  The first two, delivered by Deb Dana, the third webinar, delivered by Liz Charles and the fourth webinar, is delivered by Tracy Stackhouse.

Delivery of Training: The training is online and on demand.  Each webinar is roughly one hour and includes a 30-minute recorded Q&A session.

The requirements are:

  1. Complete the updated SSP Training (released 1/1/20)
  2. Follow the Remote SSP Delivery Guidelines (released March 27 2020)
  3. Use the Digital Delivery of the SSP
  4. Complete the four webinars:
    Anchoring In Ventral Vagal: Understanding Your Own Nervous System by Deb Dana, LCSW
    Autonomic Mapping: Supporting Clients’ Understanding With Awareness And Co-regulation by Deb Dana, LCSW
    Remote SSP Facilitation: A Polyvagal Informed Approach to Working with Adolescents and Adults by Liz Charles, MD
    Integration of SSP within Pediatric Intervention: Supporting Adaptive Outcomes for Children and Families by Tracy Stackhouse, MA, OTR/L

Key Concepts of the Remote SSP Facilitation Certificate

Creating a safe environment: Facilitation of the SSP is a two-way, co-regulatory experience. For the SSP to stimulate and exercise the neural circuits that promote spontaneous social communication and improved self-regulation, the nervous system needs to have as many cues of safety as possible. The client must feel safely held in a co-regulating connection with the therapist and trust the therapist to maintain that safety so they don’t move into hyperarousal/mobilization or immobilization/shutdown. The therapist’s role is to support this state through their own autonomic regulation, guidance, and titration of the pace of the listening.

The SSP is available for a monthly subscription/rental following training starting at $170 per month – please email for details. The SSP is not available for purchase.

Focus System

The Total Focus System is a multi-sensory modality utilizing filtered classical music delivered via both air and bone conduction and integrated with exercise and activities. The Focus system includes a range of different programs such as; Sensory & Motor, Concentration and Attention, Reading and Auditory processing, Calming and Optimal Performance. These programs are broken up into daily one hour programs. The Focus system can be utilized with a diverse age range and clinical population. The main premise is a “bottom-up” approach to neural integration. The Focus System includes the integration kit including a Balance board, hanging ball, rubber ball and bean bags to be used in the integration exercises. I have included a short video by Dr Minson where he speaks about bottom-up integration – Dr Minson- Bottom-up video.

The Focus System Training Course prepares professionals [Course Prerequisite: Clinical/Educational Degree] with theoretical and hands-on training in iLs methodology and equipment in order to be able to successfully administer the Focus System. Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the relevance of the three frequency zones and how those frequencies impact our body and learning
  • Demonstrate an understanding of iLs music selections, processing and treatment
  • Explain how sound, movement and visual tracking are combined as one program and how to implement programs with clients
  • Understanding the key elements that inform iLs methodology
  • Integrate iLs into a clinical practice or school setting, including home use

The course focuses on integrating iLs with your goals and practice (clinical or educational), as well as customizing the iLs Focus System for unique client needs. The course consists of pre-course video and quiz followed by a 4 hour recorded presentation followed by a 1-hour follow-up Zoom meeting with Joanne McIntyre to resolve any questions and to plan clinical implementation of the Focus System in your practice setting. 

The Total Focus System is a multi-sensory modality utilizing filtered classical music delivered via both air and bone conduction and integrated with exercise and activities. The Focus system includes a range of different programs such as; Sensory & Motor, Concentration and Attention, Reading and Auditory processing, Calming and Optimal Performance. These programs are broken up into daily one-hour programs. The Focus system can be utilized with a diverse age range and clinical population. The main premise is a “bottom-up” approach to neural integration. The Focus System includes the integration kit including a Balance board, hanging ball, rubber ball and bean bags to be used in the integration exercises. I have included a short video by Dr Minson where he speaks about bottom-up integration – Dr Minson- Bottom-up video.

You can click on the links to the SSP training [$350]  https://store.integratedlistening.com.au/safe-and-sound-protocol-training-1.html

and the Focus Training $330  https://store.integratedlistening.com.au/distance-focus-practitioner-training-course-2021.html for more information and to register.

iom2

The iom2 uses heart rate variability [HRV] biofeedback. HRV is an indirect measure of vagal tone or stress in the nervous system. A clip-on sensor is worn usually on the ear lobe attached to the iom2 device. The device is connected via Bluetooth or USB connection to a phone, computer or other device. Heart rate variability can be viewed directly on a line graph. In combination with a breath prompt a “resonance score” is measured. This is used as a baseline for the Journeys programming. Visual cues are used on the device which change based upon the resonance score baseline that is set. For example, if a low resonance score is measured such as 30% this would establish a baseline for the Journeys program. As HRV improves the resonance score can be set at a higher value so that the threshold for the biofeedback can be made harder. This allows individualisation of the biofeedback- both harder and easier depending on the current presentation of the client. So if your client had regression you can lower the threshold or if they are continually improving you can lift the resonance threshold.

iom2 process

Enrol in the iom2/introduction to HRV course and purchase the iom2. The course is not required to purchase but is recommended for those with limited exposure to HRV biofeedback. The iom2 includes Journeys programming with visual biofeedback and guided meditation.