The Safe and Sound Protocol
5 hours of music. A more regulated nervous system.
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 retune 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.
SSP Key Points:
A 5-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.
The SSP supports many conditions and symptoms.
The SSP may be helpful in reducing symptoms and supporting overall health and resiliency for people seeking support for:
Depression and anxiety
Neurodevelopmental differences, such as autism, hyperactivity and attention
Learning difficulties
Sensory processing differences
Trauma history
And more
More Details
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The length of time it takes to get through the SSP is based on a number of factors, including how the client responds to the protocol.
We have to move at the pace of your individual nervous system.
While it is possible that you could get through the protocol in more or less time, I estimate that most people will need 6-8 weeks.
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I charge by the hour for delivery of the SSP + a one-time charge for access to the program.
Your exact cost will be based on the level of support you need and how long it takes you to get through the program. Some clients also choose to do somatic work with me, which is an additional fee.
While your costs may be higher or lower, I estimate $1200-$1500 for the average client, which can be payed in monthly installments.
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We will have several things to do to get started as part of your intake process including some assessments and making sure you have the technical things needed for listening.
After the intake process, we will begin the protocol which will involve several short sessions each week where you will be working through the listening with me present to provide support.
Listening can be done in-person from my home office in Salem, Oregon or can be done remotely.*
*Note that not all clients and situations are a good fit for remote listening and we will work together to determine the best option for your situation.
In some situations, clients may also engage in small amounts of independent listening outside of our meeting times.
We will collaborate and adapt as needed throughout the process to create an experience that works for you.
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During the listening, you have a couple of options. You can simply listen in stillness, though I find that isn’t ideal for many people.
The other option is to do a relaxing activity. This includes things like coloring, drawing, doing a puzzle, etc.
You want it to be something that only requires gentle focus and not full concentration as you need to be able to notice autonomic shifts.
It is not recommended to be multi-tasking, talking, or watching videos.
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During a typical session, we will begin by checking in to see how your nervous system is doing. We may do a regulating activity together.
Then, you will get settled and begin listening.
We will pause as needed to track and regulate through state changes.
Sessions will typically be schedule for 30 minutes and clients will get through 10-20 minutes of listening per session.
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Not everyone is a good fit for the SSP. For example, if you have severe tinnitus, the SSP is not recommended.
While the SSP can benefit a wide range of individuals, I am not the ideal fit for every client. If your conditions are complex or outside of my scope of practice I will get you in touch with a different SSP provider who may be a better fit.