The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, founder of the Polyvagal Theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol is a non-invasive acoustic vagus nerve stimulator that helps your clients connect with themselves, others, and the world from a foundation of physiological safety.

Your client experiences the SSP playlists through over-the-ear headphones which can be delivered in-clinic or remotely.

Shift the nervous system into safety using the SSP’s algorithmically filtered music.

Administer therapy to a physiologically and psychologically available client.

The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is the only practical application of Polyvagal Theory, and is designed to improve sound sensitivities and auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through specially-filtered music.

The SSP allows for the repatterning of neural networks and improved regulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) for lasting change.

Based on hierarchical recruitment of the ANS, the SSP trains the middle ear muscles to tune-in to cues of safety signaled by the frequencies of human voice, which stimulates the social engagement system through the neural network associated with listening.

Learn more about the science behind the SSP  →

The SSP uses algorithmically filtered music focused on the frequency range of the human voice that alters the way sounds are interpreted.

This ushers the nervous system out of a defensive (fight, flight or freeze) state and into a socially engaged (ventral vagal) state.

The SSP is suitable for children and adults, and has been designed to work with a diverse variety of therapeutic approaches and modalities. Its effectiveness has been proven in a wide range of studies including clinical trials involving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, along with numerous case studies demonstrating effectiveness with emotional  regulation, trauma, anxiety and more.

Research has even begun on how the SSP can effect the impact f Long Covid. Explore SSP case studies and research or purchase now to get started.

The “safe” you provide is just as important as the “sound” in your clients’ path to positive outcomes.

The SSP is delivered through an app-based platform, available on Android and iOS, that empowers therapist, clinicians, educators and healthcare providers to easily and conveniently provide this life-changing therapy.

Delivered either in-clinic or remotely, the client experiences the SSP through over-the-ear headphones conveniently connected to the Unyte-iLs app. The clinician manages client access and monitors listening on the MyUnyte Platform.

Many clinicians have noted results after one session, and after completion of the full program (which can be titrated based on individual client need and receptivity), the ability for their clients to better regulate and connect as a result of physiologically retuning their nervous system toward safety.

Accessible
Listen to the SSP playlists anywhere, anytime on any Android or iOS device

Flexible
Deliver the SSP in clinic or remotely using your own or your client’s device

Control
Create and manage client accounts and invite clients by email

Customizable
Assign who can listen to what playlists, and for how long they have access

Attuned
View, track and accompany your clients’ listening; gain insights from their experience

Easy
Intuitive app makes it easy to start, stop and pause listening

Limitless
Create multiple client accounts to help many clients simultaneously

Over-the-Ear Headphones

Ideal for Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Over-ear headphones are recommended for the best outcomes with the Safe and Sound Protocol. Providers may also combine listening with minor movement activities.

SSP Training includes Foundational SSP Certification, which covers methodology and implementation of the SSP, and Remote SSP Certification.

Who it is for
A variety of professionals such as mental health professionals and occupational therapists can see the positive effects of the SSP in their practice.

Eligibility
Licensed clinical professional with a masters level degree or higher in your area of specialty. Prior to registration you will be asked for verification of your license/designation.

Length of training / Expected time to complete
Foundational SSP Certification (required for subscription): 3-5 hours
Remote SSP Facilitation (recommended supplemental guidance): 7-8 hours

Delivery of training

• Online. On-demand.
• Complete anytime. Anyplace. At your own pace.
• Registration gives you unlimited access to the course as well as subsequent additions.

What to expect
Upon completion of the course, you will receive a Foundational SSP Certificate and Remote SSP Certificate, and are eligible to purchase an SSP subscription so you can start using this powerful intervention tool with your clients.

• Part I: Understanding the science behind the SSP, includes instruction on Polyvagal Theory, the neural network associated with listening, the face-heart connection, research, and clinical trials.
• Part II: Delivering the SSP includes training in safety and co-regulation, listening progression, special precautions, and the SSP Pathways
• Part III: Integrating the SSP supports clinical delivery for unique disciplines and modalities and prepares providers for integration with their practice.

• Anchoring in Ventral with Deb Dana, LCSW
• Autonomic Mapping with Deb Dana, LCSW
• Remote SSP for Adults and Adolescents with Liz Charles, MD
• Remote SSP for Children and Families with Tracy Stackhouse, OTR/L

• Videos from Dr. Porges, Deb Dana, and other skilled clinicians working with diverse populations
• Strategies for integrating the SSP with other therapeutic modalities
• Case studies and quizzes
• SSP delivery manuals
  • A Polyvagal Informed Guide to Delivering SSP to Those Who Experience the Effects of Trauma
  • Delivering SSP to Children and Adolescents
  • Remote Delivery Guidelines

Please note that the SSP Training does not include a subscription for the SSP. You can learn more about subscription offerings here.