The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

There are times when we stop, we sit still. We listen and breezes from a whole other world begin to whisper. —James Carroll.

Based on research by Dr. Steven Porges on the Polyvagal theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol is a listening program developed to enhance nervous system regulation. Helpful for both children and adults, this program is designed to “stretch the nervous system” and not overly stress it.

While originally developed for children with auditory processing difficulties, the SSP has shown promising results in adults as well. The protocol involves listening to specially filtered music that is designed to stimulate the neural pathways related to social engagement and emotional regulation. By engaging the vagus nerve and the body's physiological response systems, the SSP aims to improve self-soothing abilities, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of safety and well-being. For children, listening sessions occur in tandem with a caregiver in order to facilitate co-regulation, which is foundational to building self-regulation. Through its application in adults, the SSP offers potential benefits for enhancing emotional resilience, reducing stress levels, and improving overall emotional and physiological regulation.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) offers specific advantages for adults as well as children. One of the key benefits is its potential to address trauma-related symptoms and promote trauma healing. In conjunction with other therapies, the SSP can help to process and integrate past traumatic experiences, reduce anxiety symptoms, improve emotional resilience, and increase overall well-being. Adults who have struggled with chronic stress or have a history of anxiety disorders may find the SSP particularly beneficial in developing effective coping strategies and improving their ability to manage stressors.

The SSP utilizes filtered music and auditory stimulation to target the body's physiological response to stress and trauma. By engaging the vagus nerve, SSP helps to regulate the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, promoting a state of calm and safety. This intervention shows promising results in improving emotional and behavioral regulation, auditory processing, social engagement, and overall well-being. By stimulating the neural pathways related to social interaction, the protocol can improve the ability to read social cues, understand nonverbal communication, and establish meaningful connections with others.

The SSP is a 5-hour auditory program, typically implemented in 30-minute listening sessions, over the course of 10-12 days. SSP can be delivered remotely (via Telehealth) or in-person. Reach out at any time for more information!