How our Safe and Sound Protocol Program Coordinator Found her Home Here at Rooted Compassion Counseling: Her Passion for Helping Others Plus a Bit of Serendipity
Do you remember the Geico commercial where the gecko explains how he came up with the “whole 15-minute thing” then calls it serendipity?
Watching this commercial is the first time I felt I could relate to a lizard. Serendipity is when we make desirable discoveries by accident. I feel this describes my journey from learning about the Polyvagal Theory and the Safe and Sound Protocol to now moving into my current position.
I was looking for a part-time job in the field of mental health. While scrolling on Indeed I stopped to read a listing for a Project Coordinator that stated, “Busy therapy private practice looking for a coordinator of the Safe and Sound Protocol… The ideal candidate has a great interest in the mental and emotional well-being of others”. As a therapist this was right up my alley. But what is the Safe and Sound Protocol? I immediately went to Google and found a lot of information about Safe and Sound Protocol and the Polyvagal Theory.
I read articles and watched videos by Steven Porges and the Polyvagal Theory and was intrigued by this bottom-up approach that was much different than the CBT model I often use with clients. I was eventually hired as the Safe and Sound Protocol Project Coordinator and that’s when the fun began.
I participated in hours of training about the Polyvagal Theory. The research on the Polyvagal Theory discusses its benefits for people who have experienced trauma. I decided to put my training into practice with a couple of my therapy clients. The response was the same from each client. They felt like they better understood the “why” behind their behavior and looked forward to continuing using this model. I have also spoken with the therapists here at Rooted Compassion who integrate both Polyvagal Theory and Safe and Sound Protocol into their work with clients. They report their clients have a better response to therapeutic interventions. According to our partners at Unyte-iLs:
Providers report the SSP ‘opens up’ their clients and relaxes their defenses improving accessibility. As a result, clients often experience quicker progress, becoming more engaged and devoted in therapy. Ultimately, the SSP helps to accelerate results and improve therapeutic outcomes. Once integrated, the SSP often becomes an essential piece of a clinical approach (Unyte).
As a part of my Safe and Sound Protocol training, I participated in all 5 hours of the Safe and Sound Protocol Core listening program.
To be transparent, before Safe and Sound Protocol Core, I was in a place of feeling a bit overwhelmed, but I only saw my participation as a way to help understand my clients. A friend sent a meme she said reminded her of me.
I realized that I needed to take better care of myself which will allow me to be a better helper.
Just as the flight attendant instructs, “put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.” This mind shift helped me to participate in the listening from a place of wanting to be a better me. After listening I was noticeably less anxious and felt more balanced. I was an instant advocate for the benefits of Safe and Sound Protocol and look forward to helping increase participation in diverse populations.
I am currently working in my new role as Director of the Safe and Sound Protocol.
I am always in a place of learning and I’m excited to meet other people that are in the Safe and Sound Protocol community. My first facilitator meeting included clinicians from Canada and Ireland which showed that Safe and Sound Protocol has worldwide effectiveness.
Who knew that my job search five months ago would lead me to such a wonderful opportunity? Serendipity.
References:
Unyte Integrated Listening. (2022, February 1). UNYTE ILS: Non-invasive therapeutic programs, safe and sound protocol. Unyte Integrated Listening. Retrieved February 16, 2022, from https://integratedlistening.com/
Therapist Photo: Instagram Account - BigTherapyEnergy
Nakia Smith, MA, LPC is our Program Coordinator of the Safe and Sound Protocol. Nakia was drawn to the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) after reading about the benefits for people who have experienced trauma. She likes to take a holistic approach to therapy to help her clients heal their mind, body and spirit. We are thrilled to have her as an essential part of our team.
The Rooted Compassion team is made up of a group of counselors who have a variety of specialties in order to best serve our clients. We recognize that every person has his/her own personal and unique life experiences and that one modality will not work for every client. Listed below is a summary of our counselors’ specialties at Rooted Compassion:
Emotional Freedom Techniques
Grief Counseling
Somatic Focused Counseling
EMDR
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Practices
Trauma Responsive Care Techniques
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Gottman Couples Counseling
If you are interested in learning more about what Rooted Compassion is all about, please contact us today, look through our website, or find us on Instagram and Facebook.
Rooted Compassion Counseling is Ohio’s leading practice for trauma therapy through the lens of the nervous system. Our focus is to walk alongside clients as they heal from depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and/or loss. If you or someone you know are seeking to explore and build an inner sense of calm and safety, please contact us today. We would love to help you to find a counselor and counseling techniques that will guide you on your mental health journey to healing.
