SSP for Parkinson's
Find out more about “The Impact is Safe & Sound Protocol on Parkinson’s Disease” from 2025’s PVI International Gathering Scientific Poster Presentation
Thank you for joining me!
Get in touch to discuss the poster, insights or anything that has sparked interest by emailing me at info@sensitiveapproach.co.uk.
I am excited to present “The Impact of Safe and Sound Protocol on Parkinson’s Disease: Offering Hope & Connection” Scientific Poster at 2025’s PVI International Gathering.
Here’s what you can find on this page:
How Can SSP Help Clients with Parkinson’s disease?
When carefully delivered using Sensitive Approach: Client at the Core, SSP can improve the quality of life for PD clients and their loved ones, offering connection, hope, and enhanced emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Find out more about client journeys and stories below.
Find out about Jerry's Journey with SSP
Jerry lives in the US and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2020. Jerry and his wife Judy share their experience and story with SSP.
2021 2022 2025
Are you interested in Dr Liz’s work and would like to chat? Please reach out to discuss anything that has interested you. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn for the latest updates!
Read Client Feedback in More Detail
Clients share the difference SSP has made to their mobility and movement, facial expression, speech and communication, emotional well-being, quality of life, and connection with others.
Client 1 Feedback
Key takeaways:
- “Everyday tasks like writing, yard work, and stairs feel manageable again”
- “I smile with my whole face now—my expressions and emotions feel like me again.”
- “My voice became stronger and clearer, and I feel more confident in conversations.”
- “SSP flipped a switch—my confidence, motivation, and joy in life came back”
- “I’ve regained my independence, overcome anxiety, and surprise my doctors with steady progress.”
- “I now have a social life again, I’ve regained my humor, and appreciate my family’s support.”
Gait and balance: I still “shuffle” a bit at times, but no where near what it was. Stairs are no longer a problem- I sometimes even run up them when I’m in a hurry. I no longer freeze in doorways. Although I have never fallen, I feel even more confident now.
I can now carry heavy loads up and down the garage steps for packing and unpacking the car. I’m once again able to work in the yard, weeding and picking blueberries, which was awkward and seemingly insurmountable before.
I do things more smoothly. I can pour and take liquid medicine from a spoon without spilling. I can shave, trim my beard, and take unassisted showers.
My writing has improved. I used to practice dozens of signatures before “taking a chance” on official documents – I now sign things without practicing and feel amazed that it looks like my old signature. I can handwrite notes, including keeping up with writing the minutes of a board meeting in progress, and can once again write myself reminders and to-do lists.
I don’t believe I got to the point where I slurred my speech, but I had been talking quieter and people constantly asked me to repeat myself, which I didn’t detect I needed to do. My softer voice was also higher pitched and gravelly, as if I had constant phlegm that needed to be coughed out but couldn’t be.
My speaking voice improved initially with LSVT treatment (vocal exercises) taught to us by a speech therapist and facilitated at home by my wife, but I became able to manage it myself after SSP.
I still sometimes revert to quieter and more monotone speaking, but I’m now more likely to notice other people’s reactions and remember to adjust. I believe SSP enhances my confidence, clarity of thinking, and recall of complex knowledge bases to engage in meaningful conversations.
I feel that my mood, sense of well-being, and motivation have improved immensely since starting SSP listening. I went through a “free-fall” stage around the time of my diagnosis (unexpected weight loss, inability to perform many daily functions, and negative emotions that were new to me—pessimism, paranoia about money, upkeep of house and yard, longevity of major appliances, etc.) I lacked desire and motivation to do any activities, and nothing seemed “fun.”
I had lost all self-confidence in doing things for myself and others. Many abilities returned during the course of SSP as my brain and body began to recover. At some point after completing or nearing completion of the five hours of listening, I felt that a switch was flipped, and I quickly regained my optimism, sense of humor, and my confidence in myself and my life.
I began anticipating upcoming events with family and friends, and once again found joy in activities, like reading, plays, movies, and especially my love of the great outdoors, particularly walking and hiking. It seemed to happen so quickly and thoroughly that I absolutely cannot explain all the negative emotions of my previous state.
Overall, I can say that I’ve regained my joy in life, in spite of the major political stresses and dangers in the world around me.
I’ve regained a great deal of my independence relative to self-care such as unassisted showering, shaving, beard trimming, packing for trips. I can take and document a long list of medications and supplements, walk to the store and shop. I can stay home alone for short times when my wife has appointments, and even stayed home alone overnight one time with my son on call as backup, which I now believe I’m ready to try for more than one night.
I have overcome my fear and anxiety over “transitions,” both day-to-day and over time. Again, I can’t even explain how that fear and anxiety consumed me. I now make arrangements for taking a Senior Center bus to activities and thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie with my driver and the other passengers.
I take pride in every improvement and regained ability. I delight in the opportunity to surprise medical practitioners (my neurologists, PD naturopath, OT’s and PT’s) who express amazement at my progress, when at least two of them had diagnosed me with Lewy Body Dementia four years ago.
I’ve added PD activities (Ping Pong for Parkinson’s, Rock Steady Boxing, and PD and SSP support groups) and I fully enjoy them. I have begun practicing driving with my son as my “driving instructor” after my OT rated me as qualified to try driving again.
Social engagement has returned to its place high on my list of priorities. My children used to be embarrassed by my tendency to initiate conversations with total strangers, and being prone to telling a convoluted story when someone asked a simple question. They said they missed that when I was no longer myself during the free-fall. Now, once again, humor plays a major role in my interactions with others, and my kids use my name as a verb to describe this behavior when they observe it in themselves.
I’ve been carefully re-engaging with different groups I was part of in the past, trying to avoid taking on too much too fast so that I don’t become overwhelmed again. I try to express my appreciation to my children and spouse for all that they do and have done to help me through my physical and mental challenges. I believe my “self-talk” has become mostly positive again.
I do worry about my wife having to take on all the duties of maintaining our household and being there for our children in the future, while I add yet another burden. She still has the ultimate responsibility for keeping us afloat. However, with SSP, I feel I will be able to participate meaningfully for a long time to come.
- “SSP listening was powerful, made even more effective by Dr. Liz’s patient and compassionate Sensitive Approach.
I do believe that the SSP listening by itself would not have been so successful without the patience and compassion of Dr. Liz using her Sensitive Approach.
Client 2 Feedback
Key takeaways:
- “SSP quickly eased my rigidity and pain, and over time helped reduce tremors and improve movement—it’s been a steady, lasting shift.”
- “I had lost some movement in my tongue but that is better now. I can almost smile symmetrically now. There is more intensity of emotions.”
- “Speech is still hard—saliva and slurring make it difficult, especially when I’m trying to express strong emotions.”
- “SSP and my work with Liz has given me back hope—both in my body’s response and in understanding how I got here.”
- “I have a better outlook on my life.”
- “I feel more empathy and forgiveness.”
I had cogwheel rigidity in my left arm when I first started with SSP and it disappeared really quickly (never come back). I also had a stiff left shoulder which almost immediately improved to normal after a few SSP sessions. This has been maintained for the past 12 months or more.
The tremor in my left-hand almost completely went away after about 8 months and has not returned to the way it was. The dexterity of my left hand has slowed diminished, but it seems to be plateauing (not getting worse).
My overall agility is not great. I find it hard to react to changes in my path or to put my leg out to keep myself from falling.
I had very sore left foot which was a problem (ball of my foot) and that suddenly went away without any other treatment.
I used to have problems rolling in bed and getting out. There was a time when I had difficulty getting out of the car. These are both still slow but have improved.
Initially I scuffed my left foot when I walked but I don’t do that anymore. I’m still working on taking a proper length step but this is much better. I still don’t swing my left arm normally, but it is softer and not rigid like it was.
I had lost some movement in my tongue (moving it left to right) but that has gone away. I can almost smile symmetrically now (was losing it on my left side) – this depends on how anxious I am feeling at the time.
The main thing I noticed is how much I cry now when I feel some emotions. Anything evocative on TV, talking to our son…. I burst into tears and sob which is something I never used to do.
It is much harder to talk now; I get mouthfuls of saliva which make it hard to talk some of the time. My speech can be slurred, particularly when I am trying to express myself more intensely.
The neurologist who diagnosed me gave me no hope or a plan. This left me feeling despair and a lack of hope in my life. The SSP and my relationship with Liz gives me hope both because of the way my body has reacted but also my mental state and understanding of how I got here.
I have a better outlook on my life. SSP has given a different way of understanding things associated with PD- I have learned how to get ahead of things. I can understand the Parkinson’s response with an understanding of stress, for example, when I have an increased tremor instead of thinking ‘I’m getting worse’, as before SSP, now the thinking is more ‘It’s something about the situation I’m in’, and not ‘the beginning of the end’.
I feel more empathy and forgiveness.
- Swallowing was becoming a scary issue, but it gradually resolved over several months
One other physical thing that changed along the way is my swallowing. It was becoming a problem and that was scary, but it has resolved over several months.
Client 3 Feedback
Key takeaways:
- “Before SSP, I felt stuck and numb. From the first session, something shifted, and I felt alive again and could move freely again.”
- “The change was huge and fast — my face moved freely, emotions came back, and others said I seemed like a different person. It felt like coming alive again.”
- “Speaking became clearer and easier, and effortless. Being understood and accepted again felt like finding the holy grail — fitting in without stress or pressure.”
- “There’s hope now — life feels easier and more normal. I forget I have PD sometimes and can focus on living in the moment. Even simple things like sleep, digestion, and social meals have improved.”
- “SSP helped me feel normal again, lifting the constant fear and judgment so I can live peacefully and be myself.”
- “PD drained my energy—but SSP helped me find calm and feel ‘normal’, part of the community and able to enjoy genuine connection again.”
Before SSP, everything felt stuck – there wasn’t much agility, physically or emotionally. With PD, it always feels like a permanent goodbye.
But in the very first session of SSP, something shifted. It awakened movement in me that had been buried for so long, I had thought it was lost forever. But suddenly, I could feel life again – I wasn’t dead inside. Just narcotised. It made me want to dance when I realized that.
Now, when I’m in a ventral state, everything changes. I can move freely, walk upright, feel normal – like I belong, like I’m part of the world again. My legs move effortlessly, without needing to think.
But when I’m not in that state, even walking becomes a battle. My legs won’t move. My feet feel glued to the ground. I can barely shift a centimetre. It’s like something inside is fighting against me – my whole system begins to shut down, and I feel powerless to stop it, even though I know exactly what’s happening.
The difference was huge – such relief and happiness. It happened quite quickly. My face didn’t feel frozen anymore – it moves easily, and I could express emotion. It was like coming alive again.
People noticed the change. I got feedback from others that really lifted me – they said I seemed like a different person. And I felt like one too. This lifted me again…
Speaking became easier – clearer, more natural. My voice was louder without needing to push. I could just talk, effortlessly. The words came out on their own, like they used to. It was such a relief to be understood, to have a normal conversation without struggling. And the feedback I got from others made it even better – people said I seemed like a different person, like myself again.
When people respond to you as if you’re “normal,” it takes away so much pressure. I don’t like to be seen or stand out, so blending in, being able to connect without stress – that made everything easier. There was no sense of threat, just a feeling of connection, of belonging. I could finally fit in again. This, all together, nearly felt like I had found the holy grail.
There’s hope now. Life feels easier – more happiness, more normality. Sometimes I even forget I have PD. I can focus on other things without constantly worrying about how I come across to others or what the future might be like. My mind feels more peaceful. I just want that sense of normality – to live in the moment and not be consumed by worry all the time.
Even the basics have improved. My sleep is better, my digestion too. I can eat proper meals again – faster, more comfortably – and join in during social meals without feeling out of place. It’s not just physical ease; it’s the emotional relief of fitting in, being part of something again. Being part of a group. Being safe. Survive. Live.
I started meeting more people – and for the first time in a long while, I felt normal. I wasn’t constantly afraid of being judged. The endless worry started to lift a bit.
Before that, it felt like I had said a permanent goodbye to life. Everything had slowed down. I felt trapped inside my own body and constantly judged for it. I got (unspoken/ subconscious) negative feedback from family, friends, and professionals which created a deep sense of hopelessness, like there was no way out. The way I was treated by the medical system, like most chronical illnesses are, was awful – they didn’t take me seriously which added so much stress, because you are left alone with the consequences of your illness on your life and the psychological impact. It felt like I was fighting everything, all the time.
With SSP, there was a shift, and I could feel normal again. I had times when I could forget my PD, even just for a little while, and feel like I was just another person. I could pretend I was normal. And honestly, I would give anything for that. Just to be invisible in the right way – to disappear into the crowd, not be seen as strange or different. To blend in. To live without spending hours frozen in survival mode.
Social engagement has returned to its place high on my list of priorities. My children used to be embarrassed by my tendency to initiate conversations with total strangers, and being prone to telling a convoluted story when someone asked a simple question. They said they missed that when I was no longer myself during the free-fall. Now, once again, humor plays a major role in my interactions with others, and my kids use my name as a verb to describe this behavior when they observe it in themselves.
I’ve been carefully re-engaging with different groups I was part of in the past, trying to avoid taking on too much too fast so that I don’t become overwhelmed again. I try to express my appreciation to my children and spouse for all that they do and have done to help me through my physical and mental challenges. I believe my “self-talk” has become mostly positive again.
I do worry about my wife having to take on all the duties of maintaining our household and being there for our children in the future, while I add yet another burden. She still has the ultimate responsibility for keeping us afloat. However, with SSP, I feel I will be able to participate meaningfully for a long time to come.
- “SSP listening was powerful, made even more effective by Dr. Liz’s patient and compassionate Sensitive Approach.
Client 4 Feedback
Key takeaways:
- “My body says thank you’ from first call My mobility has improved with a more flexible, smoother gait and better balance.”
- “I don’t usually notice my own expressions, but Dr. Liz noticed my face became more expressive during our first session, and I believe that improvement has continued.”
- “My voice became louder after starting SSP, but I often spoke quietly and swallowed words and being heard had been a challenge even before Parkinson’s.”
- “SSP helped me understand what it feels like to be truly “safe.” Now, I also use other activities to strengthen that sense of well-being alongside SSP.”
- “I am more able to be present. Listening to SSP has enabled my mind to open to my body and I am more internally integrated. “
- “Before SSP, I focused on tasks over people. Now, I actively seek connection and create family get-togethers instead of waiting for others. I’m also much more aware of my feelings.”
I believe I noticed some improvement after the first listening session, but I can’t measure the extent of improvement. The situation is complicated because I no longer have a lumbar curve in my spine; it was eliminated by compression fractures due to osteoporosis. My thoracic curve pitches my torso forward so I can no longer stand or walk upright.
Dr. Liz noticed that my face had become much more expressive during our first listening session which I think has continued, though I don’t generally observe my facial expressions. I don’t recall having difficulty expressing emotions.
My voice became louder after I started SSP listening. However, being heard was a problem that preceded the onset of Parkinson’s disease – I tended to speak quietly and often “swallowed” my words. Speech therapy is helping and is now focused on my prior issues with my speech rather than the specific Parkinson’s ones.
My sense of emotional well-being has improved. I now experience what it feels like to feel “safe”. This has enabled me to identify activities that produced similar feelings, like Jin Shin Jyutsu. Performing these activities reinforces the feelings of well-being I experience from listening to SSP.
I believe I am more able to be present. From the time I was growing up until I listened to SSP, I had lived in my head. Somehow, listening to SSP enabled my mind to open to my body and I became more internally integrated. Where before I led with my head, now I’m all in.
I now seek connection with loved ones more than before. I am now proactive and instrumental and creating more family opportunities to meet and get together rather than waiting for someone else to do it.
Before listening to SSP I prioritized getting things on my mental list done over meeting with others. Now I will meet with others if I believe I will thereafter have time to accomplish what I need to get done.
I am now more constantly aware of my feelings than I have been before.
- My body now works with my head, and is one organism working to solve a problem.
My body is now working with my head. Before listening to SSP, my head would not have been able to trust my body to do what needs to be done. Now, even if I have a new injury causing pain and fatigue, it is one organism working to solve the problem.
Find out about Roy's Journey with SSP
Are you interested in Dr Liz’s work and would like to chat? Please reach out to discuss anything that has interested you. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn for the latest updates!
The Impact of Parkinson’s on Families and Caregivers
- Loss of communication: Verbal and nonverbal changes may create distance, misunderstandings, and feelings of sadness or loneliness for everyone involved.
- Shifting family roles: When loved ones take on caregiving responsibilities, it can bring physical and emotional strain, as well as financial pressures.
- Ongoing communication barriers: Difficulty expressing or interpreting needs and feelings may lead to frustration, isolation, or a sense of helplessness.
- Mental health pressures: Caregivers often juggle stress while trying to maintain their own well-being, relationships, and daily responsibilities.
- Emotional distress: Feelings of guilt, grief, or loss may emerge as families adjust to the changing dynamics of the disease and learn to navigate a new “normal.”
Sensitive Approach: Compassionate Wrap-Around Support
We are developing Sensitive Approach wrap-around care to provide compassionate support for families and caregivers. The goal is to create a space of understanding, connection, and hope – ensuring that no one feels alone while navigating the journey of Parkinson’s.
Insights of Caregivers & Partners
Client 1 Partner or Caregiver Feedback
Key takeaways:
- “He has no more freezing or hesitation, and I no longer worry about him tripping or falling.”
- “SSP brought back his smile, his spark, and his wonderful sense of humor—it felt like getting him back.”
- “SSP restored his zest for life—he’s back to his joyful, caring self.”
- “His quality of life has greatly improved—he’s enjoying family and social activities again.”
- “He socialises with family, friends, and new people, and confidently manages his appointments and activities.”
One of the first things we noticed was how well he navigated a winding trail with a section of tangled tree roots during a hike at the beach. He stopped freezing at doorways and regained the ability to move more naturally and fluidly. Although he had never fallen prior to SSP, he had gotten more halting and cautious, and I found myself hovering in certain circumstances “just in case.” I no longer feel the need to do that and worry much less about him tripping or falling.
After his diagnosis, his symptoms progressed atypically fast. Over the course of 10 weeks, he was nearly at the level they told us to expect after 10 years. He could not attend appointments or talk to doctors on his own. I had to “translate” and fill in the gaps for him with communication, especially with doctors and helping professionals, but even with family and friends.
His voice became quiet, and his words came out slow, so that when he wanted to say something, I often had to help him be heard and understood. With SSP, he regained his fluidity of speech and gradually returned to his lively, conversational self.
He was fearful in social situations, often worrying about details (such as managing food on his plate) to the extent that he couldn’t participate normally in conversation. One of his early SSP victories was being able to talk with a merchant and complete a simple purchase again. He can now talk with his doctors and attend appointments and lab tests on his own when necessary. He has resumed a leadership role on one of the boards he previously had to resign from. He can make phone calls to doctors and insurance providers, work on taxes, and even negotiate with the cable company.
He is back to his gregarious self again, seeking out and enjoying social situations. Strangers meeting him for the first time are unlikely to suspect that anything is wrong.
His mood, confidence, and emotional resilience are 180 degrees opposite from before we started SSP. He went from sullen, depressed, frightened and panicky about every little thing back to his normal, gregarious, even-keeled self – always ready to connect with and help others. He notices the small things, especially in nature, with delight now, the way he previously did prior to his diagnosis and free-fall. His sense of humor has returned, along with his zest for living.
His quality of life (as well as my own) has improved immeasurably. He can initiate and handle most activities of daily living on his own now (showering, dressing, bathing, shaving, medications, exercise, etc.). He has taken a more active role in helping to manage the affairs of the household. He helps with and thoroughly enjoys grandparenting. He has a strong social network and is always up for a local outing or get-together with family and friends.
Regaining his social life has been the biggest and most rewarding change made possible by SSP. He has renewed contact with his extended family, old friends and former coworkers, and made many new acquaintances and friends at his PD activities and support groups.
He now reaches out and engages with others, equally comfortable chatting with strangers as with neighbors and long-time friends. He now takes the Senior Bus to some of his activities and has expressed confidence that he is ready to try the city bus alone. He once again tracks when he needs special appointments (such as haircuts and footcare) and can arrange for them himself by phone, text, or email as appropriate.
- SSP with Dr. Liz gave me back my husband and hope—her care and support helped us face life’s challenges together
SSP with Dr. Liz gave me back my husband and my life. I still shoulder a great deal more physical and psychological responsibility than in the past, but we are once again able to approach life as a team. Not only has my husband regained the ability, desire, and confidence to live his life again, but knowing I have a true ally in Dr. Liz has meant the world to me. Her superb knowledge, skills, empathy, intuition, and deeply holistic understanding of people under stress has kept me motivated and sane during this incredibly stressful period of time. Throughout our entire experience, she has cared for me alongside my husband in ways that I deeply needed but couldn’t ask for, giving me both the tools and the inspiration to keep going. Thank you, Liz! ❤️
Client 2 Partner or Caregiver Feedback
Key takeaways:
- “His movement is gradually improving, and he’s gaining confidence again and less fearful of falling.”
- “I really notice that he connects with me, face to face in a way he didn’t use to He’s less argumentative and more emotionally aware.”
- “His voice is softer and harder to hear now, especially with background noise.”
- “He’s more conciliatory and less reactive now—more aware of my needs.”
- “His quality of life isn’t what it once was—but I truly believe it would be far worse without SSP.”
Definitely was slow in his movement for about 6 months but this is now gradually improving. Became quite fearful of falling, which really detracted from his day-to-day life.
At times I really notice that he connects with me, face to face in a way he didn’t use to. He is nowhere near interested in arguing like he used to be. Much more sensitive to emotions around him- this can be disconcerting and a real change.
He has a softer voice which can be hard to hear if there is background noise or we are not near each other. He never raises his voice now to call me. Sometimes his voice sounds sloppy or flabby, which he hates.
This has really varied through the program. He is in general more conciliatory and conflict avoidant (that is a real change). He is much more diffident to my needs or wants. His confidence is low. He is generally more resilient and less reactive to others.
This is hard to answer as his quality of life took a real hit when he was diagnosed with cancer before the PD started. That ruined about 2 years of our lives. His quality of life is poor compared to the good old days, but I suspect it would be a lot worse if he hadn’t done SSP!
- “SSP gave him hope and a unique connection with Liz, helping him make sense of his whole life, not just PD, and regain a sense of control.”
Doing SSP has given Bill hope and a connection with Liz that is unlike anything else he has experienced. It has helped him make sense of his whole life, not just the PD part of it. We don’t feel like we have lost control and no longer feel like it is just going to deteriorate to the point of loss.
Training for SSP Providers
The Sensitive Approach to Parkinson’s Disease: Client at the Core
Looking to Enhance Your SSP Practice? Boost Your Confidence? Improve Client Outcomes?
This new Sensitive Approach Training and Mentoring Program focuses on supporting clients with Parkinson’s disease, closely guided by Dr. Liz. Designed to equip SSP providers with the tools and confidence to deliver effective SSP to clients with PD. The techniques learned in this program can also be applied to other chronic illnesses and complex trauma, expanding your therapeutic toolkit.
Through hybrid training and personalised mentoring from Dr Liz, you’ll gain practical strategies to carefully titrate SSP and support clients to improve their outcomes. Liz’s approach emphasises trust, connection, and regulation, making it adaptable across diverse client populations and settings.
This training offers:
Enhanced Tools & Techniques
Deepen your understanding of SSP’s impact on Parkinson’s and apply new strategies across all areas of your practice.
Versatility Across Conditions
While designed with Parkinson’s in mind, these insights can be applied to a wide range of chronic illnesses and client needs.
Increased Confidence
Gain a clearer framework for working with complex cases, helping you navigate sessions with greater ease and effectiveness.
Stronger Client Relationships
Build safety and trust, creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel secure, understood, and supported.
A Supportive Community
Join Dr. Liz a network of like-minded SSP providers who are passionate about making a difference, sharing insights, and growing together.