Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
A polyvagal-informed approach to nervous system regulation
The SSP is a polyvagal-informed listening program that aims to enhance emotional resilience and promote nervous system regulation, and improve sensory sensitivities, fostering a heightened sense of safety and connection.
For many individuals, chronic stress, anxiety, trauma, burnout, or relational wounds can lead to the nervous system working overtime. You may cognitively understand that you are safe or that circumstances are 'fine,' yet your body might still be bracing, scanning, shutting down, or anticipating something going wrong.
The SSP offers a gentle approach to addressing this body-level sense of safety. Instead of encouraging you to think your way out of stress, the SSP employs specially filtered music to support your nervous system's ability to settle, connect, and recover, aligning with the principles of polyvagal theory.
What is the SSP?
The SSP, or Safe and Sound Protocol, is an evidence-based listening program developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the originator of Polyvagal Theory. This innovative SSP consists of specially filtered music delivered through headphones on the Unyte platform, designed to activate and exercise the neural pathways that are integral to feeling safe, connected, and calm. Throughout the 5 hours of the SSP, these carefully selected frequencies provide cues of safety that facilitate nervous system regulation, helping you to feel more settled, engaged, and balanced.
In practical terms, the beauty of this listening program lies in its simplicity: you listen, allowing the essential work to occur below the level of conscious thought.
The SSP specifically targets your social engagement system, which is a crucial aspect of your nervous system responsible for interpreting safety in your environment, regulating emotional resilience, and fostering connections with others. When this system is activated, it opens the door to deeper conversations, more restful sleep, reduced reactivity, and an enhanced capacity for presence.
Who might benefit?
What does it actually look like?
What does it actually look like?
The SSP, or Safe and Sound Protocol, is an evidence-based listening program developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the originator of Polyvagal Theory. This innovative SSP consists of specially filtered music delivered through headphones on the Unyte platform, designed to activate and exercise the neural pathways that are integral to feeling safe, connected, and calm. Throughout the 5 hours of the SSP, these carefully selected frequencies provide cues of safety that facilitate nervous system regulation, helping you to feel more settled, engaged, and balanced.
In practical terms, the beauty of this listening program lies in its simplicity: you listen, allowing the essential work to occur below the level of conscious thought.
The SSP specifically targets your social engagement system, which is a crucial aspect of your nervous system responsible for interpreting safety in your environment, regulating emotional resilience, and fostering connections with others. When this system is activated, it opens the door to deeper conversations, more restful sleep, reduced reactivity, and an enhanced capacity for presence.
What does it actually look like?
What does it actually look like?
What does it actually look like?
The SSP, or Safe and Sound Protocol, contains 5 hours of music designed to be listened to via headphones. The duration of each listening session in this listening program is carefully tailored to each individual. Typically, sessions begin with just a few minutes, with some individuals gradually increasing their listening time to about 10-15 minutes. Initially, all listening occurs with the guidance of a certified provider. This aspect is crucial, as the protocol can evoke emotions or physical sensations while the nervous system regulation process begins. Having a trained clinician present ensures that you receive necessary support throughout this emotional journey. Once we have a clear understanding of how your nervous system responds to the SSP intervention, solo listening sessions in addition to your regular appointments become feasible.
From that point onward, we proceed at your pace. Some participants advance through the program more slowly than others. Your personalized listening plan is collaboratively created with your provider, ensuring it aligns with your needs and therapeutic goals. The SSP is a valuable tool integrated to enhance emotional resilience and foster ongoing discussions about what your nervous system requires and the possibilities that arise when it feels safer, all rooted in polyvagal theory.
Meet Our Certified SSP Provider
Liz Johnson
In her practice, Liz integrates somatic approaches with a psychodynamic lens while focusing on emotional resilience. She offers a body-based and autonomic nervous system perspective to therapy, assisting clients in understanding how chronic stress, trauma, and past experiences can keep the body trapped in survival mode. Her work incorporates techniques such as biofeedback, breathwork, meditation, and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), aligning with polyvagal theory to help clients enhance their nervous system regulation and foster a deeper sense of safety, connection, and bodily awareness.
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