Safe and Sound Protocol

The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidenced-based therapeutic tool designed to reset the nervous system and return it to a sense of safety. Designed to work with other
therapeutic approaches and modalities, the SSP features specially filtered music that stimulates the vagus nerve.

What is it? 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 the listener connect with themselves, others, and the world from a foundation of physiological safety. The patient
wears over-the-ear headphones which can be delivered with a therapist in-clinic or remotely at home. Through listening to specially filtered music the program helps reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors.

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. Based on hierarchical recruitment of the
ANS, 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.
Who would benefit from SSP? Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has proven beneficial
for individuals with a variety of challenges including; trauma, PTSD, anxiety, autism spectrum
disorders, auditory sensitivities, sensory processing disorders, speech & language delay, sleep
disturbances, social/emotional disturbances and more.