Safe and Sound Protocol

An auditory (sound) based therapy to reduce sensory sensitivity and stress, promoting social engagement and resilience by regulating the nervous system.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music. As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to re-tune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience. The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider, in-person or remotely. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.

mother and son smiling listening to safe and sound protocol
father and son listening to safe and sound protocol

Highlights of the SSP:

● A five-hour auditory intervention developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of the Polyvagal Theory.

● Designed to reduce sound sensitivity, and improve auditory processing and behavioral state regulation.

● Activates the client’s social engagement system, helping to accelerate and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

● Supports physiological state regulation, allowing for greater resilience

The Safe and Sound Protocol helps with:

  • anxiety

  • stress

  • sleep problems

  • improving ability to self-regulate

  • emotional reactivity

  • sensory overwhelm/ overstimulation

  • can be beneficial to those with Autism and ADHD

Polyvagal Theory: the Science of Feeling Safe

Developed by world-renowned researcher and Unyte’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life-threat can impact our behavior. Understanding Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework that can be applied through physiological, or “bottom-up” therapies, to help change and improve how we feel, think and connect with others.

Check out the video below to learn more.

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