The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
Developed from years of research by Dr. Stephen Porges and his Polyvagal Theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol or SSP, is a listening sound therapy designed to reduce hearing sensitivity and help regulate the nervous system. It consists of a five-hour therapeutic listening intervention that is non-invasive and evidence-based. The SSP is an excellent tool to help children prepare for participating in other therapeutic interventions. It is intended to complement the work a child is already doing in therapy and is not a replacement for therapeutic intervention.
While SSP is beneficial for both children and adults, we will concentrate specifically on on its advantages for children. The SSP has demonstrated benefits for children who struggle with sensory processing, and/or developmental challenges, exhibit hyperactivity, or deal with social communication challenges, among other things.
While children listen to the filtered music through headphones—either with a provider in-person or online—they are accompanied by an adult, such as parents, caregivers, or therapists, to create warm, responsive interactions. This setup provides an excellent opportunity for co-regulation support, which helps the child learn to self-regulate their emotions.
The SSP music is designed to stimulate the Vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in calming the nervous system. It uses different frequencies and volume levels to train the brain and ear to focus on mid-range frequency sounds, like the human voice, and filter out higher and lower frequency background sounds.
The goal of SSP is to create new, positive connections in the brain to calm the autonomic nervous system so that the child feel more comfortable with others, engage in social interactions, build relational trust, navigate major transitions—such as starting school or going on vacation, handle situations that challenge their emotional regulation (like fireworks or a busy school cafeteria), and become more aware of their own emotional needs. Additional benefits may include improved digestion, better sleep, and enhanced vocal tone.
Polyvagal Theory
The Science of Feeling Safe
Developed by world-renowned researcher, Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory, focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system, and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life-threat can impact our behavior.
Understanding Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework that can be applied through physiological, or “bottom-up” therapies, to help change and improve how we feel, think and connect with others.