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What is the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)?

The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is a research-based mind/body therapy grounded in polyvagal theory, which focuses on the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Designed to help the nervous system relax and self-regulate, SSP is appropriate for both adults and children. It works by reducing stress and auditory sensitivity while fostering a sense of safety from within.

With the support of a therapist, clients listen to filtered music through over-ear headphones. This specialized music trains the middle ear muscles to focus on certain frequencies, using the acoustic channel as a portal to neural regulation and creating a sense of safety at the autonomic nervous system level.

 

How SSP Can Be Used:

• SSP can be used as a stand-alone therapy or as a complementary therapy alongside other approaches, such as psychotherapy.

• It is acceptable to do SSP with a therapist different from your primary psychotherapist.

 

Potential Benefits of SSP:
Many who complete SSP report a ripple effect of benefits, including:

• Enhanced social engagement

• Greater resilience

• Increased openness to therapy

• Reduced environmental overstimulation and anxiety

• Improved ability to follow instructions and process information

While SSP can initiate significant changes, it is not a quick fix. Reinforcing the progress made through SSP requires continued therapy and supportive social engagement.

 

Who May Benefit from SSP?
SSP may help individuals living with:

• Auditory sensitivity

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Relationship challenges

• Behavioural issues, anger, or learning difficulties

• Sleep problems

• Self-medicating behaviours (e.g., alcohol or drug use, gambling addiction)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or other sensitivities

 

Many who complete SSP report a ripple effect of benefits, including:

• Enhanced social engagement

• Greater resilience

• Increased openness to therapy

• Reduced environmental overstimulation and anxiety

• Improved ability to follow instructions and process information

 

While SSP can initiate significant changes, it is not a quick fix. 

Reinforcing the progress made through SSP requires a continued supportive environment.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or other sensitivities