Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)
About the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music. As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to re-tune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience. The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider, in-person or remotely. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.
Highlights of the SSP:
A five-hour auditory intervention developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of the Polyvagal Theory.
Designed to reduce sound sensitivity, and improve auditory processing and behavioral state regulation.
Activates the client’s social engagement system, helping to accelerate and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Supports physiological state regulation, allowing for greater resilience.
Polyvagal Theory: the Science of Feeling Safe
Developed by world-renowned researcher and Unyte’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system, and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life-threat can impact our behavior.
Understanding Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework that can be applied through physiological, or “bottom-up” therapies, to help change and improve how we feel, think and connect with others.
Here are some of the benefits associated with the Safe and Sound Protocol:
Improved Regulation: The SSP aims to enhance the individual's ability to self-regulate by targeting the autonomic nervous system. By engaging with specific auditory stimuli, it helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a state of calmness and relaxation.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Many individuals experience a reduction in anxiety and stress levels after completing the SSP. By promoting a sense of safety and relaxation, the protocol can help individuals better cope with stressful situations and regulate their emotional responses.
Enhanced Social Engagement: For individuals with social communication difficulties or those on the autism spectrum, the SSP may improve social engagement and communication skills. By regulating the nervous system, it can make social interactions less overwhelming and facilitate better connection with others.
Improved Sensory Processing: Sensory processing issues are common in conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory processing disorder (SPD). The SSP can help individuals better process and integrate sensory information, leading to improvements in attention, focus, and overall sensory experiences.
Support for Trauma Recovery: Trauma can have a profound impact on the nervous system, leading to chronic dysregulation and symptoms such as hypervigilance, flashbacks, and emotional reactivity. The SSP may help individuals recover from trauma by promoting a sense of safety and helping to regulate the nervous system's response to stressors.
Better Sleep: Many individuals report improvements in sleep quality after undergoing the SSP. By promoting relaxation and reducing hyperarousal, the protocol can help individuals achieve deeper, more restful sleep.
Increased Resilience: By improving nervous system regulation and coping mechanisms, the SSP can enhance overall resilience to stress and adversity. Individuals may find it easier to bounce back from challenges and maintain a sense of emotional balance.
Complementary Treatment: The SSP can be used alongside other therapeutic interventions or educational programs to enhance their effectiveness. It can complement approaches such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or behavioral interventions, providing a holistic approach to addressing individual needs.
If you think you may benefit from sound therapy reach out and inquire today. The program can be completed in as little at 10 days with a dedication of 30 minutes per day. Sessions are typically done independently, with the first two sessions either via telehealth or in the office.