Safe & Sound Protocol
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, is a therapeutic intervention designed to promote safety and social engagement through auditory stimulation. It utilizes specially filtered music to activate the vagus nerve, helping individuals regulate their nervous system responses. The protocol aims to decrease stress and anxiety while enhancing emotional resilience and social connection. Research indicates that the SSP may be beneficial for individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, and other common symptoms related to dysregulation. Studies suggest that participants experience reduced stress levels, improved mood, and enhanced social interactions after completing the protocol. This innovative approach aims to create a sense of safety fostering a foundation for healing and connection.
Common Positive Responses from Clients Using SSP include:
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Easier and more spontaneous social connection
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Better emotional control
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Improvements in auditory and other sensory sensitivies
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Improved access to executive functions and higher cognitive abilities
After trying SSP, you may see:
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Greater focus and attention
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Enhanced expressive and receptive language skills
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Lower anxiety
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Better physiological state regulation
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Improved learning
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Enhanced sleep
Reduction in pain levels -
Increased effectiveness of other modalities
Want more info on the benefits?
Head to the Safe & Sound Protocol Resources page:
https://integratedlistening.com/products/ssp-safe-sound-protocol/clinical-resources/
How does it work?
The Safe & Sound Protocol is a non-invasive acoustic intervention designed to retune your nervous system for better regulation and resilience. You’ll begin with the Connect phase, where you’ll sample different musical genres to find the one that feels most soothing to your system. Once you’ve chosen your favorite, you’ll move into the Core Protocol, the primary 5-hour therapeutic program. The music in this phase is specially filtered to train the middle ear muscles and stimulate the vagus nerve, helping your body shift out of defensive "fight or flight" states and into a state of social engagement and safety.
The process is designed to be gentle and fits easily into your daily routine. You’ll typically listen for just 5 to 10 minutes a day on your own time using over-the-ear headphones and the Unyte Health app on your phone. While listening, you’ll engage in a calming, low-stress activity like coloring, knitting, petting an animal, or light stretching. The key is to stay present in a quiet environment. After completing the Core program, you’ll transition to the Balance phase, which helps integrate and solidify your results over the following months. Most clients choose to return to the Core Protocol after 8-12 weeks of listening to the Balance protocol to increase and solidify its benefits.
Contraindications
The SSP is generally not recommended for individuals currently experiencing acute psychosis, uncontrolled seizures, severe, persistent, and overwhelming tinnitus, or individuals currently experiencing intentional self-harm or suicidal ideations. If you are a person who has experienced severe trauma and your nervous system is highly dysregulated, it’s best not to begin the protocol alone. I am happy to meet with you to begin that accompanying work. You can book an IFS session on this website. Alternatively, you may still subscribe to the SSP if you have the presence of a supportive person in your life or a mental health professional who can listen with you. If you have an unstable heart condition, severe neurological injuries, or a history of ear-related conditions or surgeries, please be cleared by a medical professional before trying the SSP.
If you have severe hyperacusis (sound sensitivity), please reach out to me before beginning the SSP so that I can modify the protocol to match your needs. It is best to wait a few months after invasive dental procedures like root canals or implants before beginning.
It is best to start the SSP while you are in a stable environment, not during a season of significant change, like a move, job loss, divorce, etc.
Ready to try SSP?
You'll need a pair of over-the-ear headphones that can plug into your smart phone. Purchase a subscription below and Katie will reach out to you regarding how to set up your program!
Best Value
Safe & Sound Protocol
60
Every month
Valid until canceled
