“These experiences inspired me to create a musical pathway that supports listeners through their own sacred healing processes.”
— Jim Donovan, M.Ed.
Unyte Health is thrilled to launch another all-new Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) playlist: SSP Groove.
Delivering an eclectic mix of relaxing instrumentals, pop-rock songs and percussive beats, SSP Groove takes the listener on a rhythmic journey to regulation. This unique playlist begins calmly, gradually introducing complex instrumentation and diverse uptempo arrangements to create a “sonic journey.”
The music of SSP Groove was composed by Jim Donovan, M.Ed., director of the Music and Wellness Program at Saint Francis University, and a multi-platinum artist of the bands Sun King Warriors and Rusted Root.
“To ease listeners into the more complex pieces, I strategically place music aimed at relaxation and regulation, particularly at the start and end of each playlist,” Jim says, explaining the level of intentionality behind SSP Groove.
“The playlists increase in sonic complexity with songs that vary in lyrical presence. Following the most complex tracks, I include simpler rhythmic pieces aimed at refocusing, allowing listeners a chance to reset if needed. Each playlist begins and concludes with calming instrumental music for regulation, wrapping up the experience soothingly.”
Increasing Accessibility with Instrumental Tracks
An instrumental version of the full playlist is also available to accommodate listeners who prefer non-vocal music. This option removes barriers that may be preventing your clients from listening to vocal music, while retaining the essential elements and original algorithms that make the SSP a truly unique listening therapy.
This dual offering empowers providers to reach, access and engage:
- Clients with situational trauma, who may respond more favorably to instrumental content
- Clients who are non-English speaking
- Clients repeating the SSP, promoting interest through variety
Growing SSP Playlist Options
Unyte aims to continue adding even more SSP playlists, giving clients more choice in how they want to experience the SSP.
SSP Providers now have access to six SSP playlists spanning multiple genres, including ambient fusion, classical instrumental and popular music. Each playlist can be delivered through three levels of filtration, allowing for careful titration of the SSP. This variety aims to support client engagement and participation in the listening process while allowing for customizable delivery for each client.
Listen to a preview of each SSP playlist →
On-Demand Webinar: Using Music for Healing
Unyte Health welcomed Jim Donovan, multi-platinum musician and director of the Music and Wellness Program at Saint Francis University to this webinar, alongside Rebecca Knowles, OTD, OTR/L, RYT, and Derek Mihalicz, head of Unyte Health’s customer experience and operations.
This session brought together three unique perspectives in the world of music-based interventions. You can expect to learn about:
- The latest advancements and applications in music-based interventions like the SSP.
- How music can be a tool for accessing the nervous system.
- What “regulating frequencies” mean and look like.
Please fill out the form below to access the webinar.
About Jim Donovan
Jim Donovan is a multi-platinum musician, director of the Music and Wellness Program at Saint Francis University, and TEDx speaker. He leads the band Sun King Warriors, whose music plays a prominent role in this new Unyte playlist. Jim offers meaningful team building and wellness programs to organizations who value authentic connection. His viral talk, “How to Trick Your Brain Into Falling Asleep,” has been viewed nearly 7 million times. Jim was a founding member of the 90s band Rusted Root, where he co-wrote the song “Send Me On My Way,” featured in movies including “Ice Age” and “Matilda,” and was also the first song on Mars where it “woke up” NASA’s Mars Rover.
“Having close family members with OCD, I’ve seen firsthand how incremental exposure to triggers over the years can significantly reclaim their lives,” Jim shares of what motivated him to create this playlist. “Similarly, my personal experiences with near-death and septic shock have deeply informed my understanding of a sensitive, recovering nervous system. These experiences inspired me to create a musical pathway that supports listeners through their own sacred healing processes.”
Unyte is enthusiastic about the potential benefits SSP Groove will offer your clients. SSP Providers can start delivering SSP Groove today! All new playlists and enhancements are automatically incorporated into your annual subscription without any added cost.
Start your journey with Polyvagal Theory and create lasting change with your clients.
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, is a practical application of his Polyvagal Theory. An auditory intervention provided in the context of a therapeutic process, the SSP retunes the nervous system and is designed to reduce distress and auditory sensitivity, restore function, and enhancing social engagement, while promoting resilience at any age.
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