A music-based therapy that calms the nervous system.
SSP is a non-invasive, research-backed listening intervention that reduces stress, eases auditory sensitivity, and supports social engagement — for both children and adults.
A gentle exercise for your nervous system
The Safe and Sound Protocol is a non-invasive and pleasant music intervention that reduces stress, lessens auditory sensitivity, and facilitates social engagement and resilience. Similar to exercise at the gym, SSP gently stimulates the neural pathways related to sociability and connectivity — working at a neural level to tone the nervous system and promote calm.
Built on decades of polyvagal research
Based on years of research by Dr. Stephen Porges and his Polyvagal Theory, SSP is a five-hour therapeutic listening intervention designed to support emotional regulation and neuroception — your sense of safety — while decreasing auditory sensitivity.
The music is specially processed to stimulate the vagus nerve, which is responsible for calming the nervous system. This allows for enhanced social engagement and resilience by "stretching the nervous system, not stressing the nervous system" — creating new, positive connections in the brain.
Helpful for a wide range of experiences
Dr. Porges first used SSP with children with autism, with remarkable results. Since then, it's helped individuals navigating:
- Auditory sensitivity
- Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD)
- Anxiety disorders
- ADHD / ADD
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Relationship difficulties
- Social anxiety
- Separation anxiety
- Anger
- Reading comprehension issues
- Sleep problems
SSP continues to be especially helpful for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Five hours, on a schedule that fits you
SSP is intended as an additional form of therapy — a complement to the therapy you're already engaged in, not a replacement for it.
Consecutive Days
One-hour listening sessions, once a day, for 5 days in a row.
Consecutive Days
Thirty-minute listening sessions, once a day, for 10 days in a row.
Ask yourself a few questions
Tried mindfulness but can't switch your brain off?
SSP can help quiet your mind and train your brain to focus, without the frustration.
Tired but can't sleep a full night?
If you're tossing and turning and waking up exhausted, there's hope for a calmer nervous system.
Called defensive or short-fused, but craving connection?
If relief never seems to last and guilt or shame keeps returning, SSP works at the root, not just the symptom.
Want to feel calmer and more resilient?
If day-to-day overwhelm has you worn out, SSP can help you move toward a sense of serenity.
Overwhelmed in social situations?
If crowds make your heart race or your head spin, SSP can help you regulate those feelings.
Struggle to stay calm with background noise?
SSP can help you manage reactivity when there's a lot of stimuli around you.
Always on alert, even when you don't need to be?
SSP can help bring your nervous system back to homeostasis.
Prefer to stay away from people, even though you want connection?
You deserve to feel calm and safe connecting with others — SSP can help make that possible.
Ready to give your nervous system a break?
SSP works best alongside the therapy you're already engaged in. Reach out to learn whether it's a good fit for you or your child.