What is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)?

Developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, the SSP is a 5-hour auditory intervention based on his Polyvagal Theory. The SSP is designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. It presents music that has been acoustically modified based on a specific algorithm that triggers physiological states of safety and trust. Calming the physiological state helps to promote social engagement and self-regulation and further therapy is enhanced or even accelerated. 

Included in the program are two playlists, one geared toward adolescents and adults that contains a range of diverse popular and folk songs and one that is geared toward children, that contains a selection of Disney and other childhood favorites songs. 

Common applications for SSP include: 

• trauma and anxiety
• auditory hypersensitivity
• inattention
• behavioral dysregulation
• difficulty with social communication
• preparation for therapy

For Providers: What Your Client May Experience

SSP Training resources with quick links found in your MyUnyte dashboard are always a good review, specifically you may want to refer to:

• administering the SSP
• talking to parents about SSP

See more clinical resources 

Clients Share Their Stories: 

A Frightened Adult Feels Calmer and Gains Courage

Young Client Recently Diagnosed with Autism

Child with Autism and Reduced Auditory Hypersensitivity and Increased Social Engagement

What is Polyvagal Theory?

• Deb Dana describes Polyvagal Theory
• 6 Short Video Summaries: Dr. Stephen Porges Explains Polyvagal Theory and Applications

Relevant Blogs:

SSP Research

Better Access to Executive and Cognitive Functions with the SSP

Neurobites: How to Answer “How Are You?”

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP): Clinical Information and Resources

Neurobites: Detection of Threat and Safety

Face-to-Face Interactions and the Social Engagement System

Spring Break: What Happens In Vagus Doesn’t Stay In Vagus

Neurobites: Heart Rate Variability

Podcast Library: 

https://integratedlistening.com/ils-podcast-series-library/

The Safe & Sound Protocol Podcast – Dr. Stephen Porges

The Safe & Sound Protocol Podcast–Interview with Kim Barthel