Can listening to music help calm your nervous system?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
A non-invasive listening therapy to begin a unique journey to better nervous system regulation. The Safe and Sound Protocol is an evidence-based therapeutic tool designed to reset the nervous system and return it to safety. Designed to work with other therapeutic approaches and modalities, the SSP features specially filtered music that stimulates the vagus nerve.
Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences, and much more.
What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?
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Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, founder of the Polyvagal Theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol is a non-invasive acoustic vagus nerve stimulator that helps you connect with yourself, others, and the world from a foundation of physiological safety.
One experiences the SSP playlists through over-the-ear headphones which can be delivered in the therapy office or remotely.
How Does It Work?
The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is the only practical application of Polyvagal Theory, and is designed to improve sound sensitivities and auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through specially-filtered music. The SSP allows for the repatterning of neural networks and improved regulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) for lasting change.
The SSP trains the middle ear muscles to tune-in to cues of safety signaled by the frequencies of human voice, which stimulates the social engagement system through the neural network associated with listening.
This leads to the promotion of a more clam and socially engaged nervous system.
Who Is It For?
The SSP is suitable for children and adults, and has been designed to work with a diverse variety of therapeutic approaches and modalities. Its effectiveness has been proven in a wide range of studies including clinical trials involving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, along with numerous case studies demonstrating effectiveness with emotional regulation, trauma, anxiety and more.
The SSP interrupts chronic states of nervous system defense by stimulating the neural networks associated with listening.
The SSP uses algorithmically filtered music focused on the frequency range of the human voice that alters the way sounds are interpreted.
This ushers the nervous system out of a defensive (fight, flight or freeze) state and into a socially engaged (ventral vagal) state. The experience can promote greater relational resilience by decreasing defensiveness and withdrawal.
For more information about the Safe and Sound Protocol for individuals and couples, please indicate in the form below.