What Is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a powerful, evidence-based listening therapy developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and rooted in Polyvagal Theory. It uses five hours of specially filtered music to send subconscious safety signals to your nervous system, helping it shift out of stress or shutdown and move toward a state of calm and connection (website).
By strengthening the part of your nervous system that supports social engagement, SSP can enhance your ability to:
Regulate stress and emotions
Improve focus, sleep, and digestion
Connect more easily with others
Support communication, especially for neurodivergent individuals (website)
It’s a gentle but powerful way to retune your system using acoustic cues similar to the human voice (website)
How I use the SSP
I integrate SSP into my support programs for:
Moms navigating birth trauma, postpartum and/or parenting stress and overwhelm
Neurodivergent teens and young adults seeking authentic communication and regulation
Helping professionals like educators and therapists aiming to improve burnout and maintain resilience
Each SSP program includes a personalized listening plan, paired with guided journaling, reflective coaching sessions, and ongoing support to help deepen its impact.