THE SAFE & SOUND PROTOCOL

 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, executive functioning challenges, sensory processing differences, sleep challenges, emotional/behavioral regulation challenges, and more.   

When listening while feeling safe and supported, SSP trains the middle ear to focus on cues of safety and stimulates the social engagement system. By stimulating the neural networks associated with SSP listening, the nervous system can shift out of a chronic defensive state (fight, flight, freeze) and into a socially engaged state.
 

• A five-hour auditory intervention developed  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

Higher-order brain functions, like attention, communication, problem-solving, and learning are dependent on how well we're able to process incoming information at the sensory and motor levels. 

Our physical and neurological growth happens gradually, with higherbrain skills developing after a solid sensory and motor foundation is set. Yet sometimes the foundation isn’t fully developed, and our higher level processing and emotional regulation gets shaken by life’s challenges. Sensory processing differences, neurodevelopmental or other mental health conditions can also impact the ability of individuals to connect with themselves and others.  

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) therapeutic intervention is designed to reset the nervous system and return it to safety. The SSP is designed to work with other therapeutic approaches and modalities, with demonstrated benefits for individuals with adverse experiences & trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences, ADHD, ASD, sleep disruptions, emotional and behavioral regulation, and more.   

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.

Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCRmkGSdN_0 

The SSP protocol includes the facilitation of SSP intervention, consultation, and therapeutic support.  To deliver the protocol, the practitioner supports the client’s nervous systems and determines the safest pacing, timing, frequency, and speed of the intervention which totals 5 hours.  Typically, the SSP can be delivered in 30-minute increments, however, the specific listening time appropriate for an individual will vary greatly, and it may be necessary to slow down the intervention. 

While using the SSP, a client may notice some positive or adverse responses  as the specifically filtered music exercises the neural pathways associated with the autonomic nervous system (ANS) through the auditory portal (middle ear).  The practitioner supports you throughout the intervention and within the process listening while feeling safe and supported, the nervous system can shift out of a chronic defensive state (fight, flight, freeze) and into a socially engaged state. 

The SSP can be delivered in person, remotely, or a combination/hybrid. Not all clients are suitable for remote delivery as some individuals will need a skilled practitioner’s presence, direction, and guidance for safety and best results.  Safety is the foundation of the successful delivery of the SSP.  The practitioner’s considerations include an individual's clinical features, circumstances, and tolerances to help the client (and family) plan for most appropriate delivery option. 

Prior to delivery, all practical aspects of implementing the SSP will be discussed. This will include the schedule, preparing the enviornment/space, activities to do during SSP, who will be participating for co-regulation, headphone tolerance, what to avoid, and precautions, individual needs, troubleshooting, etc.  If remote delivery, a discussion regarding important considerations and elements needed for a successful SSP experience is required - this will include logistics of delivery, communication, and preparing the home enviornment to create the most appropriate setting. 

The SSP is not designed as a stand-alone program. It is critical the client is support during and following the SSP as the nervous system adapts and settles from the changes.  After completing the SSP,  benefits gained during SSP may fade without continued follow up, support, and input. Most gains are seen 2-6 weeks after delivery of the intervention as the changes you see can potentiate neuroplasticity and functional difference from subsequent therapy modalities.   SSP can continue to generate benefits after the auditory intervention has been complete and clients typically see benefits 6-8 weeks after the completion of the program. 

For most clients, the SSP can be embedded into psychotherapy sessions - intervention, monitoring, and support ensure a safe & effective delivery.  

FEE: Standard in-person/telehealth session fee. 

Accesses the SSP Pathways for the duration of the intervention which allows for fluctuations in client's needs.  Fee is currently not billable to insurance, but it may be billed to a Health Care spending account.   

FEE: $100 monthly.  

For remote SSP delivery, monitoring and support is needed to ensure safe and effective delivery.

Additional monitoring & support is dependent on program delivery and individual needs.  Fee may or may not be billable to insurance. 

FEE:  Standard session fee. 

Over-the-ear headphones are required. You may use your own headphones, ear buds and noise canceling headphones are not recommended.