A regulated nervous system is central to our physical and psychological health and wellbeing.
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to help regulate the nervous system, to help people better connect with themselves, others and the world around them. It helps to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioural state regulation, and social engagement behaviours through filtered music.
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and rooted in his Polyvagal Theory, the SSP involves listening to specially-filtered music through headphones alongside a provider, in-person or remotely. A practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as an acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to shift the nervous system out of a chronic state of defense and into a state of social engagement. By experiencing movement through physiological states, the autonomic nervous system may be re-tuned to be more connected, resilient, and better able to respond to life’s challenges.
Who is the Safe and Sound Protocol For?
SSP is beneficial for individuals of all ages who may be experiencing:
Depression, anxiety or other trauma related concerns
Neurodevelopmental differences, such as autism, hyperactivity and attention
Learning difficulties
Auditory and other sensory processing differences
Post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD)
Sleep disorders
Social and emotional difficulties
Neurological changes
Other challenges related to autonomic dysfunction, such as eating difficulties, gut health, and more
How Does the Safe and Sound Protocol Work?
Listening Therapy:
SSP involves listening to music that has been specially filtered to retune the nervous system. This music targets specific frequencies that are associated with human voice and social communication, promoting a sense of safety and enhancing the ability to engage socially. The process helps clients better interpret speech and understand the emotional nuances of language.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation:
By activating the vagus nerve, SSP helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, promoting a calm and balanced state. This regulation can improve social behaviour, reduce anxiety, and enhance learning and self-regulation.
Therapeutic Integration:
SSP is designed to complement other therapeutic interventions. It prepares the nervous system for more effective engagement in therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, occupational therapy, and more.
What to Expect
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Initial Consultation
Understanding how the Safe and Sound Protocol works and ensuring you have the necessary equipment
Discussing the autonomic nervous system and state changes together so you are aware of subtle shifts to look out for as you progress
Learning self-regulation and co-regulation techniques
Choosing what works for you: Genres include popular, classical instrumental, and ambient music, offering both vocal and non-vocal trauma-sensitive options suitable for all ages
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First Listen Session
Conducted either face-to-face or online
Listen to the first section of SSP music under the supervision of your therapist
Listening schedule will depend on a variety of factors such as your history, sensitivity, emotional reactivity and how well you tolerate the listening sessions. In some cases, it is beneficial to slow down the intervention to shorter sessions of only a couple of minutes over a longer duration.
Our motto as practitioners is always ‘safe before sound!’
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Ongoing Support
Regular contact with your therapist to monitor progress, manage reactions, and make adjustments to the protocol as needed. This ensures that each experience is tailored to your specific needs and that you receive the maximum benefit from the program.
To help maintain the positive changes and further support nervous system regulation, you will have the option to continue with ongoing support. This includes a monthly membership that offers access to SSP Balance, a follow-up program designed to help sustain and deepen the benefits achieved during the initial SSP sessions. Balance includes specially selected music that can be used as a regular practice to help maintain a calm and regulated state.
Check out the video below for a fantastic explanation of how the Safe and Sound Protocol works
Backed by Decades of Research
The SSP’s effectiveness has been proven in a wide range of clinical studies, including clinical trials involving children and adults with autism. (to learn more, see here and here)
Real-world evidence collected by Unyte Health Inc. has also shown significant improvements in the following areas after the SSP:
Many clients who experience the SSP report fewer symptoms of anxiety.
61% of clients moved from clinical to non-clinical level
Many clients who experience the SSP report fewer symptoms of depression.
54% of clients moved from clinical to non-clinical level
Many clients who experience the SSP report fewer trauma-related symptoms.
63% of clients moved from clinical to non-clinical level
Caregivers of children who experience the SSP report fewer psychosocial challenges.
47% of clients moved from impaired to not-impaired level
Benefits of the Safe and Sound Protocol
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Feel Better
Reduced irritability, anxiety, and overwhelm
Increased sense of safety, calm, and resilience
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Think Better
Enhanced clarity, attention, and creativity
Improved organization and reduced distractibility
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Connect Better
More open, genuine, and meaningful social connections
Reduced defensive and oppositional behaviour
