Listening Therapy

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is not just music; it's a listening therapy designed to regulate your nervous system. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, this powerful, science-backed method uses specially filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve, promoting a state of calm and enhancing overall nervous system health. SSP is suitable for all ages and benefits those dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, insomnia, and more. The process involves a collaborative approach guided by a certified practitioner who monitors your pace and progress to align with the rhythm of your nervous system. Easy to use from home with an app on your smart phone and headphones, SSP fosters better health, connection, collaboration, and resilience, providing a supportive pathway to healing and well-being.

Benefits for Many Conditions:

SSP provides support for a variety of health conditions linked to emotional and nervous system imbalances. These include:

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

  • Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)

  • Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

  • Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)

  • Chronic stress and anxiety

  • Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Insomnia

  • Long-haul COVID

  • Neurodevelopmental differences, as well as learning and behavioral challenges

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing difficulties

  • Autism spectrum conditions

  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

SAFE & SOUND PROTOCOL SSP

A Path to Nervous System Regulation

An evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and promote emotional regulation using the power of sound.

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 and 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 and 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.

Safe and effective for all ages and families

The SSP has helped over 100,000 children, adolescents and adults in more than 70 countries worldwide. Uniquely, many families experience the SSP together and in support of one another.

Supports many symptoms and conditions

The SSP may be helpful in reducing symptoms and supporting overall health and resiliency for people seeking support for:

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Neurodevelopmental differences, such as autism, hyperactivity and attention

  • Learning difficulties Sensory processing differences Trauma history And more

Works with other therapies

It can also be combined with and is supportive of other therapies, including:

  • Occupational therapy, play therapy and sensory integration therapy

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing® (SE™), and Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy (e.g. DBT, MCBT, etc.)

Listen from almost anywhere

You can listen to the music of SSP either in person with your certified provider or remotely from the comfort of your own home, allowing for flexibility and ease. Your provider will collaborate with you on a listening plan that works for you.

Polyvagal Theory: Revolutionizing the way we view the body’s response to stress

According to Polyvagal Theory, the autonomic nervous system is the foundation of our well-being.

Through Dr. Porges' Polyvagal Theory, we now understand that the vagus nerve — an essential component of the parasympathetic nervous system — has two structural pathways with different functions. 

When we feel safe

When we feel safe, one branch of the parasympathetic nervous system supports our ability to connect socially with others, to better access our higher brain functions and to have balanced, efficient and healthy bodily systems. In what Polyvagal Theory calls the "Social Engagement State," we feel calm, connected and more resilient to life's challenges.

When we don't feel safe

When we don’t feel safe, our autonomic nervous system responds by taking action. In this state, you might notice anxiety, fast breathing, and feeling hot or quick to anger. ​ If the feeling that we are not safe does not go away, another branch of the parasympathetic nervous system will shut us down. In this state, you might notice extreme fatigue, difficulty with digestion or feelings of depression. This is our body doing its best to conserve our resources to keep us alive.​

This is where the Safe and Sound Protocol comes in.

When you listen to the SSP, the music is working to interrupt this feedback loop, redirecting it with cues of safety to help regulate your nervous system. Through nervous system regulation, you are then better equipped and more ready to respond more effectively to life's challenges, access higher learning and cognition, and build positive social relationships.

Self-Paced SSP Program

The Self-Paced SSP Program is designed for individuals who have the ability to manage their nervous system and restore balance independently. This program offers the freedom to move through SSP at your own pace while still providing essential guidance and resources.

This program is suited for you if:

  • You have experience managing your nervous system health and self-regulation.

  • You can recognize stress or imbalance and take steps to restore equilibrium.

  • You have existing therapeutic support and will continue working with your practitioner while using SSP.

Benefits of the Self-Regulated SSP Program:

  • Flexibility: Follow SSP sessions at your own pace.

  • Independence: Take charge of your healing with professional guidance as needed.

  • Empowerment: Learn self-regulation techniques for better nervous system health.

  • Cost-Effective: Receive SSP benefits with minimal coaching, making it an affordable, self-directed option.

Program Inclusions:

  • SSP App Access: Convenient access to SSP music programs via your phone and headphones.

  • 5 Hours of Connect Music: Prepares your nervous system gently for SSP.

  • 5 Hours of Core Music: The core SSP component, designed for deep vagus nerve stimulation.

  • 5 Hours of Balance Music: Helps stabilize and integrate SSP benefits, offering additional support before repeating Core.

  • Introductory Session: A 60-minute Zoom session to set goals and introduce SSP.

  • Progress Check-ins: Five 30-minute sessions to review progress after each Core session.

  • Ongoing Support: Email or text check-ins to address questions, track progress, and adjust pacing.

  • Flexible Timeline: Access to all SSP programs for one year, allowing self-paced completion. (Core repetition within this period is not permitted.)

  • Additional Support: Extra coaching available at individual rates if needed.

Requirements:

  • Over-the-Ear Headphones: Required for optimal listening.

  • Assessment & Consent Forms: Must be completed before starting SSP.

  • SSP User Account: An account will be created for you to access the app.

Investment: One-time payment of $975

Experience the transformative benefits of the Safe and Sound Protocol with the freedom to navigate the program independently. Begin your journey toward greater well-being, book a free consultation today.

Flexible Support SSP Program

The Flexible Support SSP Program blends self-paced sessions with expert guidance, offering the flexibility of independent practice alongside personalized support. This approach ensures you progress at your own pace while benefiting from professional coaching and regular check-ins.

This program is ideal if:

  • You prefer a mix of self-regulation and expert support.

  • You enjoy working independently but appreciate occasional personalized coaching.

  • You want to incorporate somatic practices, vagus nerve exercises, and mindfulness techniques for enhanced well-being.

Benefits of the Hybrid SSP Program:

  • Balanced Approach: Gain independence while receiving professional guidance when needed.

  • Flexibility: Schedule sessions according to your personal needs.

  • Supportive Guidance: Regular check-ins and coaching help keep you on track.

  • Empowerment: Develop self-regulation skills for lasting nervous system health.

Program Inclusions:

  • SSP App Access: Conveniently access SSP music programs via your phone and headphones.

  • 5 Hours of Connect Music: Prepares your nervous system for SSP.

  • 5 Hours of Core Music: The central SSP component for deep vagus nerve stimulation.

  • 5 Hours of Balance Music: Helps integrate SSP benefits and stabilize results before repeating Core.

  • Introductory Session: A 60-minute Zoom session to outline goals and introduce SSP.

  • Personalized Coaching: Six 60-minute one-on-one coaching sessions.

  • Ongoing Support: Email or text check-ins for guidance, progress updates, and pacing adjustments.

  • Flexible Timeline: One-year access to SSP programs, allowing completion at your own pace. (Core repetition within this period is not allowed.)

  • Additional Support: Extra coaching available at individual rates if needed.

Requirements:

  • Over-the-Ear Headphones: Required for optimal listening.

  • Assessment & Consent Forms: Must be completed before starting SSP.

  • SSP User Account: A dedicated account will be created for program access.

  • Flexible Payment Options: Pay in three installments or receive a 10% discount for full upfront payment.

Investment: $1,440

Discover the transformative benefits of SSP with a perfect blend of independence and support. Start your journey toward improved health, resilience, and book a consultation call today.

Full Support SSP Program

The Full Support SSP Program is tailored for individuals who thrive with dedicated one-on-one support. This program offers interactive coaching sessions and continuous professional guidance to help you maximize the benefits of SSP and your transformational journey.

This program is ideal if:

  • You prefer hands-on guidance with consistent support.

  • You benefit from personalized coaching throughout the process.

  • You want to learn somatic practices, vagus nerve exercises, and mindfulness techniques for improved well-being and self-regulation.

  • You seek expertise in limbic system or brain retraining to enhance mental resilience.

Benefits of the Full Support SSP Program:

  • Personalized Support: Receive individualized guidance to stay on track.

  • Enhanced Confidence: Work with a certified practitioner to strengthen resilience.

  • Empowerment: Gain a deeper understanding of your nervous system and manage your health with professional support.

Program Inclusions:

  • SSP App Access: Convenient access to SSP music programs via phone and headphones.

  • 5 Hours of Connect Music: Gently prepares your nervous system.

  • 5 Hours of Core Music: The primary SSP component for deep vagus nerve stimulation.

  • 5 Hours of Balance Music: Helps stabilize and integrate SSP benefits before repeating Core.

  • Introductory Session: A 60-minute Zoom session to introduce SSP and set goals.

  • Personalized Coaching: Twelve 60-minute one-on-one coaching sessions.

  • Ongoing Support: Email or text check-ins for guidance, progress tracking, and pacing adjustments.

  • Flexible Timeline: One-year access to SSP programs, allowing you to complete them at your own pace. (Repeating Core within this period is not advised.)

  • Additional Support: Extra coaching available at individual rates if needed.

Requirements:

  • Over-the-Ear Headphones: Required for optimal listening.

  • Assessment & Consent Forms: Must be completed before starting SSP.

  • SSP User Account: An account will be created for you to access the app.

  • Flexible Payment Options: Pay in three installments or receive a 10% discount for full upfront payment.

Investment: $2,220

Experience the profound benefits of SSP with expert, hands-on guidance. Start your journey toward better emotional balance and book a consultation today.

Testimonials

  • "[After the Safe and Sound Protocol], I feel like I could finally connect with myself, recognize and accept who I actually am, and all of a sudden know what my needs are."

    — Client, 30, who presented with hypersensitivity and anxiety

  • "So much of what people are taught about therapy reinforces that they have to think it out and work it out in their minds. Kids and adults alike over-intellectualize therapy. The SSP is a lovely invitation into your body."

    — Licensed Counselor (LMHC) and Registered Nurse (RN)

  • "I can finally relax in my own body and don't feel so stressed out all the time after using the SSP. So easy!"

    — Life Coach who presented with anxiety