Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) – A Music-Based Listening Therapy

What is the SSP?

SSP is an evidence-based listening therapy based on the Polyvagal Theory (Porges, 2018). SSP is a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator. SSP's filtered music is designed to increase signals of safety in the nervous system (brain and body) and decrease default threat reactions over time.

Overtime, SSP can shift the nervous system out of a chronic state of defense (fight/flight/freeze) and into a state of calmness, connection, and social engagement.

SSP is designed to promote resilience and flexibility within the nervous system and may help improve:

  • Social Engagement (language, communication, self awareness, increased engagement in social relationships, sense of agency, and feeling more ease about participation in other therapies such as occupational therapy, medical procedures, play therapy).
  • Sensory Processing (hearing and other sensitivities, increased awareness of body language and internal cues).
  • Autonomic Regulation (HRV, emotional regulation, reducing irritability and mood swings, recovering from upsets sooner, eating, digestion, and sleep).
  • Mental Health (decrease in anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms).

The SSP effects vary and changes may be mild over time, or dramatic. Specific improvements cannot be guaranteed as every nervous system responds differently. However, experience shows that listeners consistently find SSP to be supportive and worthwhile.

The SSP is not a stand-alone therapy- it works best in tandem with, or in preparation for other therapies (e.g. play therapy, occupational therapy).

How Long Will It Take to Complete SSP and What Will it Feel Like?

  • SSP consists of 5 hours of listening. The 5 hours will be spread out over a period that is comfortable for you and your specific nervous system and may take anywhere from 2 to 12 months to complete.
  • The length of each listening session varies according to your needs and your nervous system. You will be guided by your SSP Provider. Listening times may range from 1-20 minutes at a time, with a maximum of 30 minutes per day.
  • Sometimes clients choose to listen to multiple rounds of SSP to bolster the gains made. This can be discussed with your SSP Provider.
  • When you first start listening, you might feel ‘weird’ or ‘off’ during or after listening. This is very normal, especially at the beginning of the protocol. At first you might experience:
    • Increased auditory or other sensory sensitivities
    • Ear discomfort, pressure or “ringing" in the ears
    • Emotional dysregulation (changes in arousal)
    • Gastrointestinal discomfort
    • Fatigue
    • Headache

Where Will I Listen?

  • SSP sessions will either be introduced in-person or virtually.
  • In addition to listening during therapy sessions, when appropriate, you will be encouraged to listen at home in the presence of a safe or comfortable person or animal.
  • The frequency and duration of home listening will be directed by your SSP Provider, ensuring it meets your individual needs.
  • If home listening/remote listening is implemented, regular check-ins with your SSP Provider will be required to monitor progress.

What Materials are Required for SSP?

  1. Over the ear headphones. Do not use earbuds, noise cancelling headphones, or bass-boosting headphones (you can use noise-cancelling headphones if you are able to turn off the noise-cancelling function). If you cannot tolerate wearing headphones, you can listen over a speaker under the guidance of your SSP Provider.
  2. A supportive and safe person, or animal, during or after listening to the music.
  3. A calm and quiet environment while listening to the music.
  4. Regulating activities while listening to the music.
  5. Unyte-iLs app downloaded on your phone or tablet.

Am I Eligible for SSP?

SSP can support people across the lifespan (i.e. all ages).

SSP is available for existing clients, new clients, and clients who are referred by other therapists to Noelle Bowles and Jodi Phipps. Noelle and Jodi are happy to collaborate with other therapists. Parameters can easily be arranged to ensure clients continue to receive all of their mental health support from their primary therapist while they also complete SSP, guided by their SSP Provider.

SSP is often not recommended if you experience the following:

  • Active psychosis
  • Active or uncontrolled seizures
  • Active tinnitus

Consultation with your doctor or mental health clinician will be required prior to beginning SSP if you experience any of the following:

  • Conditions related to structure of the ear (perforated or ruptured ear drum, tubes in the ears)
  • Complex medical conditions (autoimmune, neurological or chronic conditions)
  • History of seizures that are controlled
  • Mild presentation or history of tinnitus
  • Severe mental health challenges (in these cases SSP should be provided or monitored by a mental health clinician)

For More Information About the Safe and Sound Protocol and the Polyvagal Theory, Go Here

Ready to Get Started?

Please reach out to either Noelle Bowles or Jodi Phipps to determine whether SSP is appropriate for you or your child.

Noelle Bowles
Jodi Phipps
Scroll to Top