Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)

A Path to Nervous System Regulation

An evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and promote emotional regulation using the power of sound.

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About Safe & Sound Protocol

Unlocking Nervous System Healing

The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is an innovative, evidence-based listening therapy that helps regulate the nervous system, improve emotional resilience, and strengthen social engagement.

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, SSP is rooted in Polyvagal Theory, which explores how our autonomic nervous system affects our ability to feel safe, connect with others, and manage stress effectively.

SSP uses specially filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve, helping shift the nervous system from a state of defensiveness (fight, flight, or freeze) to a state of calm, connection, and engagement. By gently training the auditory system to process sound frequencies associated with safety, SSP can support reducing anxiety, improving emotional regulation, enhancing focus, and fostering greater social interaction.
This therapeutic approach is widely used for individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, sensory processing challenges, ADHD, PTSD, and emotional dysregulation. Whether for children, teens, or adults, SSP provides a gentle, non-invasive way to retrain the nervous system and promote lasting change.

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Benefits of SSP

✔ Calms the nervous system by shifting out of fight, flight, or freeze mode
✔ Enhances emotional regulation and reduces stress
✔ Improves focus and attention, supporting ADHD and sensory processing
✔ Fosters social connection, helping individuals engage with the world more confidently

Who can benefit from SSP?

SSP is widely used for individuals experiencing:

Anxiety & Trauma Recovery
PTSD & Emotional Dysregulation
ADHD & Focus Challenges
Sensory Processing Difficulties
Social Anxiety & Connection Struggles

A gentle, non-invasive therapy designed to support lasting change.

How Does SSP Work?

Step 1: Listening to Specially Filtered Music

SSP involves listening to carefully designed music tracks that have been acoustically modified to emphasize frequencies associated with safety and connection. This process helps retrain the auditory system, improving the brain’s ability to filter out irrelevant background noise and focus on meaningful social cues.
🔹 What this does:
✅ Enhances the nervous system’s ability to recognize safety signals
✅ Supports individuals with sensory sensitivities, ADHD, or trauma histories
✅ Helps reduce hypervigilance and fight-or-flight responses
Step 2: Engaging the Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve is a key regulator of our nervous system, influencing heart rate, digestion, and emotional regulation. SSP activates the ventral vagus branch, which helps shift the body from a state of stress (fight, flight, or freeze) to a state of relaxation, connection, and social engagement.
🔹 Why this matters:
✅ Supports trauma healing and emotional resilience
✅ Reduces symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and nervous system dysregulation
✅ Promotes better emotional control, mood stability, and self-awareness
Step 3: Gradual Nervous System Regulation

Through repeated listening, SSP gently guides the nervous system toward balance, making it easier for individuals to self-regulate emotions, manage stress, and engage socially. This gradual process allows for lasting changes in how the body and mind respond to daily challenges.
🔹 What to expect:
✅ Increased emotional resilience and stress tolerance
✅ Improved social engagement and connection with others
✅ Enhanced focus, attention, and overall well-being
Step 4: Integration into Daily Life

After completing SSP, the nervous system continues to adapt and strengthen, allowing individuals to sustain the benefits over time. Many report experiencing deeper emotional awareness, improved sleep, and a sense of calm in their daily interactions.
🔹 How to support long-term benefits:
✅ Engage in mindfulness, movement, and grounding practices
✅ Work with an SSP-trained professional for personalized support
✅ Continue integrating social engagement and self-care strategies

Is it Right For Everyone?

While the Safe & Sound Protocol is a powerful tool for nervous system regulation, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals may be at higher risk for adverse responses, and additional precautions should be taken.

SSP may not be recommended for individuals who are:

Experiencing uncontrolled seizures
Currently taking antipsychotic medications
Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder or have a family history of the condition
Engaging in self-harm behaviors or considered at risk for suicidal thoughts.

If you or a loved one fall into one of these categories, please consult with a trained professional before beginning SSP. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.

Have Questions? Contact us to discuss whether SSP is the right fit for you!

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Cost & Service Options

We offer flexible pricing and service options to ensure that the Safe & Sound Protocol is accessible and tailored to your needs.

Pricing Structure

Intake Assessment: $200
Access Fee: $200
Connect & Core Listening: $100 per week (minimum 4 weeks)
Balance Maintenance Plan: $50 per month

📌 Current or future clients may use therapy sessions for co-listening and check-ins.
📌 Remote clients will have a 15-minute check-in to ensure continued progress.

For individuals with extensive trauma, heightened sensitivities, or additional support needs, completing some or all of the protocol in the presence of a therapist can enhance the sense of safety and effectiveness of SSP.
What’s Included:

✔ 30 minute Initial Assessment – Determines if SSP is a good fit for you or your child
✔ Access to 5 Hours of Connect Listening – Prepares for Core sessions as needed
✔ In-Person Sessions – Therapist-guided sessions to ensure a calm, safe space
✔ Remote Completion Option – Finish the program via telehealth, Zoom, or text check-ins
✔ Follow-Up Sessions:
- 30-minute progress evaluation after completing listening sessions
- 30-minute follow-up session 6 weeks after completion
📌 Core Listening Sessions are divided into 10 sessions, lasting 30 to 60 minutes each.
For those preferring a fully remote option, this package provides structured guidance and support throughout the program.
What’s Included:

✔ 30 minute Initial Assessment – Ensures you or your child are a good candidate
✔ Software Set-Up Assistance – Helps you get started with SSP
✔ Access to 5 Hours of SSP Core Listening – Specially filtered music tailored for nervous system regulation
✔ Ongoing Support – Phone or text check-ins to monitor progress and provide guidance
✔ Follow-Up Sessions:
- 30-minute progress evaluation after completing listening sessions
- 30-minute follow-up session 6 weeks after completion
SSP Balance is a gentle, ongoing extension of the Safe & Sound Protocol designed to stabilize and integrate the gains made through SSP Core. This less intensive neural workout allows you to continue experiencing the benefits of SSP at your own pace, with a focus on grounding and relaxation.
How It Works:

✔ Flexible Listening – No required order; listen to the same or different segments as needed
✔ Choice of Listening Method – Use headphones, speakers, or ambient listening
✔ Continued Support – A pathway for long-term regulation and nervous system balance
📌 If you wish to extend the Balance portion for an additional 30 days, the cost is $50.00.