The Safe And Sound Protocol

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) was developed by Stephen Porges as a way to calm one's physiological and emotional states.  In doing so we can reduce stress and enhance social engagement and resilience through increasing vagal tone.  In turn, this can improve communication and lead to more successful therapy.

The SSP is a five-day auditory intervention that has been shown to address:

• Anxiety and trauma related stressors
• Inattention
• Stressors that impact social engagement
• Social and emotional difficulties
• Auditory sensitivities

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The SSP is best used as an adjunctive to psychotherapy, as it helps enhance the process of psychotherapy and related treatments.

What does the SSP entail?

The protocol involves listening to specially modified, pre-programmed music within certain frequencies for up to one hour a day for five consecutive days.  For those with complex trauma, it is recommended to do this within the context of therapy so that your therapist can help you co-regulate in the even that your fight or flight response or freeze response is activated (depending on your insurance this may or may not be covered).  In some special cases, based on clinical observations in session, you may be able to take the device home with you ($200 fee applies with agreement to replace damaged or lost equipment).