Safe and Sound Protocol
Unlock your ability to think, feel and connect better with comprehensive nervous system healing with the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP).
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a unique listening therapy that creates a safe space for your brain and body’s integration. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the SSP is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities, improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation and social engagement behaviors through filtered music.
As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to retune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience. The SSP involves listening to specifically filtered music through headphones alongside a provider in person or remotely. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.
Do you feel disconnected?
Do any of the following resonate with you?
- You struggle to “open up” and feel safe in relationships.
- You feel like you aren’t making progress in therapy.
- You feel depressed, anxious or are suffering from trauma-related symptoms.
- You have sensory sensitivities.
- You have sleep disturbances
- You feel chronically “on edge”
If these sound true to you, we want you to know that healing is possible. Some people’s nervous systems have a harder time interpreting safety on their own. The SSP helps restore this ability through filtered music that send “cues of safety” directly to your nervous system so you feel more calm, engaged and balanced.
Connect better with yourself and the world around you with SSP
It is possible to feel better. Imagine a life where you could…
- Have improved response to stress
- Better emotional regulation
- More social connection and deeper relationships
How does SSP work?
As the listener, all that is required of you during a session is to simply listen to the music and let your provider know of feelings or sensations, whether emotional or physical that may arise.
As your SSP provider, I may also prompt you to engage in light activity during your listening sessions, such as stretches, breathing exercises, or drawing.
Even if you are fearful about talking to a therapist about your painful experiences, SSP may be able to help. When you listen to the SSP, the filtered music is working to interrupt a dysregulated feedback loop, redirecting it with cues of safety to help regulate your nervous system without needing to retell all of your story.
Who can benefit from SSP?
SSP is suitable for individuals of all ages and especially helpful for those who experience:
- Anxiety, panic, or chronic stress
- Sensory sensitivities
- Autism spectrum challenges
- ADHD or focus difficulties
- Trauma and PTSD
- Social engagement difficulties
- Emotional dysregulation
At Emovere, therapy in St. Louis, MO looks a little differently. As your therapist, know that I value an embodied approach to care because I understand just talking about your experience isn’t enough. Experiencing pain is embodied, perhaps preverbal, in other words it moves us and sometimes needs more than words to be expressed.
SSP can also be combined with and is supportive of other therapies including Somatic Experiencing (SE). It is often used along side other approaches to enhance their effectiveness by first creating a regulated foundation for deeper work.
Steps for beginning SSP:
- First the SSP begins with completing a few online assessments so that your SSP provider can design a program for you.
- Together with your provider, you will explore how to prepare your nervous system for the listening experience.
- You’ll move through the listening sessions at a safe and personalized pace.
- As part of your listening sessions, you’ll be invited to reflect on sensations, thoughts or emotional shifts with therapeutic support.
- Over the course of your five-hours of listening you will start making progress toward the life you desire. Many clients notice subtle but meaningful changes early in the process such as better sleep, reduced overwhelm, or a greater sense of ease in social situations.
[Read: Why choose embodied or somatic therapy for trauma]
Let’s get started with Safe and Sound Protocol in Missouri
Ready to start feeling better? If you feel chronically “on edge”, emotionally overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself of others, SSP may offer a gentle and supportive way to reset your internal safety system. Let’s talk about whether this protocol could support your goals. Together, we can create a safe space for your nervous system to begin healing. During your initial call, you can share what’s going on for you and ask us any questions you may have. By understanding your history, needs, and goals I will help you choose the best SSP package for you and schedule your first session. I am here to help you move through.
SCHEDULE AN SSP CONSULTATION