SAFE & Sound Protocol 

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The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and is a five-day auditory intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. It’s based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory.

The SSP is a research-based therapy showing significant results in the following areas:

• Social and emotional difficulties

• Auditory sensitivities

• Anxiety and trauma related challenges

• Inattention

• Stressors that impact social engagement 

The non-invasive intervention involved listening to music that’s been specifically processed to retune and regulate the nervous system (regulating state). When you have better state regulation you are more socially engaged improving therapeutic outcomes.

 

How it Works

The SSP uses the auditory system to stimulate the vagus nerve which controls our physiological state. The music trains the auditory pathway by focusing on the frequency of human speech. As the client learns to process these frequencies, they improve the functioning of Cranial Nerve VII (facial nerve) and Cranial Nerve X (Vagus Nerve). Cranial Nerve VII helps the client focus on human voice, tuning out distracting frequencies and Cranial Nerve X helps with self-soothing and autonomic regulation.

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