The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an auditory-based intervention that may positively support resilience and nervous system regulation. It consists of filtered music accessed on an app while wearing over-the-ear headphones.
Based on four decades of research and developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the SSP uses a bottom-up approach to help people regulate their nervous system more consistently and independently. The SSP’s effectiveness has been proven in a wide range of studies.
For more info on how the science of SSP, visit www.whatistheSSP.com
SSP Pathways and Playlists
SSP consists of several playlists—Connect, Core and Balance. When someone says they completed the SSP, they are generally referring to the SSP Core playlist.
SSP Core
SSP Core is the most filtered playlist consisting of 5 hours of music. A listener may choose to complete SSP Core with one of these playlists:
- SSP Core Classical Flow: classical music
- SSP Core Child: covers of lyrical songs from Disney and other sources
- SSP Core Adult: covers of popular songs from various decades
SSP Connect
SSP Connect may be used before listening to Core. Some listeners find Classical Connect resourcing and like to listen to it between SSP Core sessions.
SSP Balance
SSP Balance consists of less filtered music. Some listeners find it supportive after completing SSP Core.
How Long Does It Take to Complete SSP?
Completion of the Safe and Sound Protocol depends on each unique individual’s nervous system. As your provider, we will co-create a listening plan that centers on co-regulation and resourcing, going at the just-right pace of your body. In any given online session, we’ll listen to up to 30 minutes of SSP.
These mottos guide our SSP work.
Less is more.
Safe before sound.
What do you notice when you listen to your body?
While SSP was originally developed as a five-day listening protocol when used with children experiencing sound sensitivities, a “less is more” approach was adopted by trauma professionals using the SSP. A titrated, individualized approach means we may listen to just a few moments before pausing to resource, integrate and process your listening experience.
What Equipment Do I Need?
- Apple or Android phone or tablet
- Over-ear headphones without noise-cancelling features (or with those features turned off
- Wifi + computer
iPhones require a lightening to 3.5 mm adapter to connect to wired headphones
Headphone recommendations from the makers of SSP can be found in the links listed for $30-$50.
Note, affiliate links are listed. You’re welcome to search for the equipment by name in a browser instead:
OneOdio A71 Wired Over Ear Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Apple Lightening to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Already own over-ear headphones? They may potentially be compatible. Feel free to ask.