Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)
An acoustic journey to regulation & trauma resolution
One healing journey.
Two paths.
Which is right for you?
About the Safe & Sound Protocol
The Safe and Sound Protocol is an evidence-based therapeutic tool designed to reset the nervous system and return it to safety.
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, founder of the Polyvagal Theory, the SSP is a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator using filtered music delivered through over-the-ear headphones to help us connect with ourselves, others, and the world from a foundation of physiological safety.
About Polyvagal Theory and nervous system regulation
Developed by world-renowned researcher and Unyte’s Chief Scientific Advisor, 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.
Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework that supports the integration of physiological (“bottom-up”) therapies with cognitive (“top-down”) approaches to help change and improve how we feel, think and connect with others.
Trauma and the importance of regulation
Traumatic events alter the nervous system’s ability to regulate itself. For some, the system gets stuck in the “on” position, and the person is overstimulated and unable to calm. Anxiety, anger, restlessness, panic, and hyperactivity can all result when you stay in this ready-to-react mode. This physical state of hyperarousal is stressful for every system in the body. In other people, the nervous system is stuck in the “off” position, resulting in depression, disconnection, fatigue, and lethargy. People can alternate between these highs and lows.
The SSP music helps to shift the nervous system into a more resilient state by influencing the vagus nerve, which connects the mind and body. The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the autonomic nervous system, stretching from the brainstem to the colon. It is our internal control center, allowing the brain to monitor and receive information about many of our bodily functions.
The vagus nerve helps to regulate critical aspects of human physiology, including the heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, digestion, and even speaking. As the body takes in information automatically through neuroception, the vagus nerve communicates this information to the brain, which processes the signals and cues from the world around us and in turn determines how we react.
Improving vagal tone helps us to feel more secure and regulated, which allows for more ease with social engagement, flexible thinking, and trying new things, instead of having an automatic defensive or fearful response. When our nervous system is regulated, it’s easier to sleep, eat, digest, concentrate, communicate, and participate in meaningful relationships with others. We can better respond to difficult situations and move past them instead of reacting and getting “stuck” in them. We are able to move into closer connection with ourselves and move beyond our traumatic experiences.
Benefits of nervous system regulation
Improved response to stress
When our nervous system is regulated, it’s easier to sleep, eat, digest, concentrate, communicate, and participate in meaningful relationships with others. We can better respond to difficult situations and move past them instead of reacting and getting “stuck” in them.
Better emotional regulation & resilience
Become attuned to and more in control of emotions, so you can move through temporary setbacks with more flexibility and ease.
More social connection & deeper relationships
By activating the part of your brain that allows us to be more social, affectionate and connected, the SSP can help shift you into a state where you are more comfortable and at ease engaging with others, leading to deeper and more meaningful relationships.
Who might benefit from the SSP?
The SSP has been helpful to clients experiencing:
- ADHD
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Attachment issues
- Auditory sensitivities
- Behavioral regulation & resilience
- Chronic illness, pain
- Coordination & balance
- Depression
- Developmental trauma (C-PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Inattention and focus
- Long COVID
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Relationship difficulties
- Learning difficulties
- Sleep problems
- Self medicating (overeating, shopping, gambling)
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Social interactions
- Trauma
Sensory Mosaic of Healing®: A Portal Into Transformation
“It feels alive!”
Client artwork created during Sensory Mosaic of Healing®. Shared with permission.
The Sensory Mosaic of Healing® enhances the effects of the SSP by connecting the body, mind, and Soul. SSP listening sessions are supported by intention setting, movement, art, sensory integration, personal narrative, co-regulation, and the exploration of “Who am I” as we emerge from our trauma into our full selves and nervous system regulation. Utilizing the SSP with trauma informed co-regulation and support, many clients experience a powerful and often spiritual entry point for deeper therapeutic work. This process creates higher resilience to stress and a greater connection to Self. Clients increase their awareness and understanding of life patterns and come to a deeper understanding of the conscious mind. This process creates the opportunity for subtle shifts in arousal and invites imagination, inspiration, and intuition.
The Sensory Mosaic of Healing® was created by Ana do Valle, OTR, SEP, Anthroposophical Counselor.
Everything
I
See and hold
Everything
With my moonstone eyes–
Sun, fire,
Tree, rain–
Hope
Client artwork and poem, shared with permission.
Client painting and mandala created with beeswax, shared with permission.
Traditional SSP Delivery
In the Traditional SSP format, clients listen to the 5 hours of filtered music either with me in person or online over Zoom.
In general, adults experience the SSP in weekly, hour-long sessions, with approximately 5 sessions scheduled over a 5 week period. Some clients require additional sessions. Your life experiences and/or sensitivities and whether you have experienced trauma will determine the amount of listening you are able to tolerate: from a few minutes at a time to up to 30 minutes.
As a trauma specialist, I deliver the SSP in a titrated and safe way, so as not to overwhelm the nervous system. Depending on the client’s needs, I integrate Somatic Experiencing, movement, and other modalities to facilitate co-regulation.
Both SSP delivery methods are offered online or in nature.
