The Safe and Sound Protocol

Feel better. Think better. Connect better.

Easy to access.Delivered remotely (in most cases), adult clients and parents/carers of child/teen clients are coached in how to access the intervention through the Unyte-iLS app. It’s easy to use and you are guided and supported throughout the whole process.

Low cost. A single intervention that equips clients and their families with essential knowledge and life-long skills in managing and nurturing their nervous systems.

Developed by Dr Stephen Porges, The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening  intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing capacity for social engagement and emotional resilience. By calming the physiological and emotional state, a neurological doorway may be opened for improving communication and thus lead towards more successful therapy and learning.

The SSP is a research-based therapy which is showing significant results in approximately two weeks (depending on the needs of the individual) in the following areas:

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

How does it work? Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, the program is derived from nearly four decades of research on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and social-emotional processes. It is designed to stimulate nervous system regulation by exercising and systematically challenging the auditory system with specifically processed music.

Learn all about it here: https://integratedlistening.com/blog/2020/08/17/episode-4-safe-and-sound-protocol-podcast-dr-stephen-porges/

What is involved? The ‘Safe’ comes first through establishing a safe relationship between provide, client and supporter (family member/ close friend). During the intervention sessions there will be short periods of listening and support to notice and respect the nervous system responses with continued safety through co-regulation.

The ‘Sound’ involves listening to a specially formulated sequence of filtered music for thirty minutes max daily over a minimum of two weeks.  This filtered music* has been processed specifically to retune the nervous system (regulating state) to introduce a sense of safety and the ability to socially engage. This allows the person to better interpret not only human speech, but, importantly, the emotional meaning of language. Once interpersonal interactions improve, spontaneous social behaviours and an enhanced ability to learn, self-regulate and engage socially are often seen.

Find out more here: https://www.whatisthessp.com/