SSP The Science of Feeling Safe

Do you have uncontrollable anxiety, unproductive sleep, trauma, ADHD, ASD or sensory sensitivities?

The Safe and Sound Protocol may help.

What is SSP?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based therapeutic acoustic program created by Dr. Stephen Porges and is designed to reset the nervous system and return it to safety. The SSP is designed to work with other therapeutic approaches and modalities, with demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences, ADHD, ASD and more.

The SSP is a listening therapy that uses specially filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve, sending cues of safety to the autonomic nervous system. The patented algorithm highlights frequencies within the music that are similar to the human voice.

What are signs your body might be feeling unsafe?

These are signs your nervous system may be more attuned to cues of danger. 

When you don’t feel safe, your autonomic nervous system responds by taking action. In this state, you might notice;

anxiety

fast breathing

feeling hot 

quick to anger

These are normal survival responses. But what if they are feeling stuck?

Your autonomic nervous system is constantly taking in and responding to cues from other people, our environment, and even inside our bodies, that tell us if we are safe.

If the feeling that you are not safe does not go away, a branch of your parasympathetic nervous system will shut us down.

In this state, you might notice;

extreme fatigue

difficulty with digestion 

feelings of depression.

This is your body doing its best to conserve our resources to keep you alive.

Who is it for?

The SSP’s effectiveness has been proven in a wide range of studies, most notably in two clinical trials involving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Trial participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in:

Emotional control

Behavioral organization

Hearing sensitivity and listening

The protocol is beneficial for adults and children suffering from autonomic dysregulations such as;

chronic anxiety and stress,

trauma,

auditory and sensory processing issues,

autoimmune disorders related to digestion and

elimination such as IBS. 

What does the evidence say?

Real-world evidence has shown that the SSP is an effective tool in supporting those experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression and trauma. Highlights of evidence collected from existing SSP providers include:

• Anxiety: 61% of clients moved from clinical to non-clinical levels, with a 5.6-point improvement in symptoms.

• Depression: 54% of clients transitioned to non-clinical levels, with a 5.4-point improvement in symptoms.

• Trauma: 63% of clients experienced significant reductions in trauma-related symptoms, with a 17.5-point improvement overall.

The SSP enhances auditory processing, reduces sensitivity to background noise, and fosters social engagement, making it a powerful tool for clients with anxiety, trauma, and sensory processing differences. Studies published in peer-reviewed academic journals, including the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, Music and Medicine, and the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, demonstrate its effectiveness in supporting clients with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), voice and throat complaints, and autism.

When it comes to therapy, there is no universal approach. While top-down therapies may be effective for some, incorporating bottom-up therapies for a more holistic approach can better support clients and accelerate outcomes. With Polyvagal Theory and the SSP, a comprehensive toolkit can be created to offer support. These innovative approaches, supported by real-world evidence, offer therapists new ways to address mental health issues effectively.

There are three phases to the protocol.

Each 5 hour phase consists of listening to music played from an app on your iPhone or Android through special earphones. It;

• requires five hours of listening commitment, moving at your own unique pace

• includes 3 unique pathways for customization

• delivered in person or remotely

• access to app

• reassessment's and reviews.

How to get started?

Book an Initial Wellbeing appointment with Kendra, a certified SSP practitioner. Kendra will design a tailored approach to your listening in combination with Yoga Therapies trauma sensitive approaches to mindfulness and self regulation.