The Safe and Sound Protocol

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) developed by Stephen Porges PhD is an incredible music-based intervention to improve self-regulation.

It is clinically proven and backed by decades of research.

A Vagus Nerve Exercise

The vagus nerve is primarily responsible for the rest and digest function of the nervous system, as opposed to fight or flight.

Poor vagal tone generally results in:

  • Persistent anxiety
  • Mood difficulties
  • Problems in interpersonal relationships due to dysregulation
  • Sleep issues
  • Poor digestion and gut issues
  • Auditory hypersensitivity
  • Chronic pain
  • Increased vulnerability to illness and disease.

With improved vagal tone, your nervous system is more resilient, resulting in relief from the issues listed above.

SSP stimulates the vagus nerve and increases vagal tone using specially filtered music.

You have probably experienced a calming effect from certain kinds of music. But with SSP Core, this calming effect doesn’t stop when the listening ends.

The music is actually a neural exercise (brain re-training) that gently challenges your brain and nervous system, which will then continue adapting to these changes for hours, days and weeks afterward.

Generally, the results can last for years after completion of the Core program. Some clients choose to repeat the protocol after a 3 to 6 month break, to further improve their results.

Clinical Evidence

Multiple clinical studies have found that completing SSP Core resulted in lasting improvements in vagal tone. Clinical research is ongoing. Generally, clients experience:

  • Better digestion
  • Improved sleep
  • Greater capacity to relate to others
  • Reductions in chronic pain
  • Reduced auditory sensitivity
  • Reduced overall reactivity

Less is More

With SSP, less is more – we want to stretch the system, not stress the system!

Some clients need to go through the music at a very slow pace, sometimes a minute (or less) per day. After listening, a person may feel tired, and this is generally a good sign: it means the neural exercise is working!

SSP can cause more disregulation if we listen too much. Therefore, close monitoring by a practitioner is required to ensure the best results.

Results are often noticed immediately, though it may take a few sessions to start to see the effects.

SSP is not a quick fix or a standalone therapy, but when well-supported, clients can see profound benefits.

Check out my testimonials page to read about previous clients’ experiences with the SSP.

Delivery: Regular Sessions Required

Regular (minimum monthly, but preferably weekly or bi-weekly) sessions are required while you complete the program, so that I can track your progress and fully support you on your journey.

The regular session requirement is protective; it ensures that your disregulation will not worsen as a result of going through the music too quickly.

Clients who go through the program without this regular support generally have worse results than clients who have the support. This is why I no longer offer the fully at-home listening option.

SSP Core is available for both in-person and remote clients.

There is a one-time fee for initial setup. This is just to cover my costs as an SSP practitioner, since I pay yearly for access to the music.

Listen in Session or At Home

We’ll complete at least your first 2 listening sessions together, so that we can both observe how your system responds to the music and adjust accordingly.

Some clients prefer to complete more of the protocol together, up to the first 2 or 3 full tracks, before switching to home listening.

Other clients prefer doing the entire program together in sessions, which can be most supportive!

Home listening is an option only if you are very comfortable tracking how your body is responding to the music and making your own adjustments.

Weekly check-ins with me via text or email between sessions are required for home listening. I’m also available for troubleshooting if needed. These check-ins are covered by the one-time fee.

Clients have 1 year of access to the music after their first listening session. After 1 year, another one-time fee will be charged for continued access.

Context Matters

It’s best to begin the SSP only when your life is already relatively supportive and stable (i.e., no current or expected major transitions or stressors within 6 months).

This gives your brain and body the necessary time and appropriate context to re-pattern the nervous system, and ensures the positive changes will last much longer.

Maximum benefit is seen 3-6 months after completion of the protocol.

SSP is not suited for clients in the following situations:

  • Currently experiencing uncontrolled seizures
  • Currently taking antipsychotic drugs
  • Diagnosed with severe Bipolar disorder
  • Currently demonstrating self harm behaviors
  • At current risk of suicide

In rare cases, clients with tinnitis may see their tinnitus increase as a result of the SSP Core. If this is a concern, you may “try before you buy” to ensure this intervention is for you.

SSP Balance Subscription

The Safe and Sound Balance program is much less intense than the core program. It is the same playlist as the Core, but with less filtering. It is calming, without the full vagal re-set effect.

The Balance Music can be used on your own, whereas the Core Program must be completed with the support of a practitioner.

Balance can be played ambient on speakers or from your smartphone, no headphones required.

Try SSP Balance – $75 for one year of access.

Simply reach out using the button below to set up your subscription.

You do not have to be a current client to use SSP Balance.