The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)
The Safe and Sound Protocol is a powerful listening therapy designed to help regulate your autonomic nervous system - the part of your body that controls how you respond to stress, safety and connection.
Developed by Dr Stephen Porges, who founded the Polyvagal Theory, the SSP is an innovative listening therapy which uses filtered music to highlight sound frequencies that stimulate the vagus nerve and make us feel safe and connected.
The Safe and Sound Protocol is safe and effective for children and adults and has helped 100,000's of people worldwide.
What can the SSP help with?
The SSP has been shown to be helpful in reducing symptoms and supporting overall health and resilience for people seeking support in:
Anxiety, chronic stress or overwhelm
Trauma history or emotional dysregulation
Sleep difficulties and fatigue
Sensory or auditory processing challenges
Low mood or burnout
Attention and focus difficulties (including ADHD and Autism)
Physical tension and chronic health issues linked to stress
Backed by Research
The SSP's effectiveness has been proven in a wide range of clinical studies, including clinical trials involving adults and children with Autism.
Real-world evidence has shown significant improvements in the following areas after The SSP:
85% with anxiety symptoms reported improvement post-SSP
81% with depression reported improvement post-SSP
87% with trauma related symptoms reported improvement post-SSP
84% of clients experiencing challenges with psychosocial functioning reported improvements post-SSP
The SSP can be combined with and is supportive of other therapies, including:
Neurodevelopmental treatment such as occupational therapy, play therapy and integration therapy
Other forms of mental health and trauma therapy such as EDMR, Somatic Experiencing and IFS.
CBT and other forms of talk therapy (DBT, MCBT)
Health and Wellbeing Coaching
Benefits of Regulating the Nervous System
Improved Response to Stress. When our nervous system is regulated, it is easier to sleep, eat, concentrate, communicate and maintain meaningful relationships with others. A regulated nervous system also makes it easier to respond to difficult situations and move past them rather than reacting to them and staying "stuck" in them.
Better emotional regulation and resilience. You become more attuned to your emotions and able to control them better, helping you move through temporary setbacks with flexibility and ease.
More social connection and deeper relationships. The SSP helps you activate the part of your brain that allows you to be more social, affectionate, and connected. It can help you shift into a state where you are more comfortable and at ease with others, leading to deeper and more meaningful relationships.
Why The SSP works.
It targets the autonomic nervous system - the root of regulation.
The SSP is built on the Polyvagal Theory, which explains how our body constantly scans for safety or threat. When the vagus nerve senses danger, it activates protective states such as fight, slight or freeze.
The SSP uses carefully filtered music to engage the ventral vagal pathway, helping your body shift from protection into connection.
It re-tunes your body's safety signals.
The SSP's music is filtered to amplify the frequencies of the human voice that signal safety and connection.
As you listen, your middle-ear muscles strengthen and your brain becomes better at distinguishing safe sounds from potential threats.
It is backed by evidence and constantly evolving.
The SSP has been studied in both clinical and community settings, with outcomes showing measurable changes in nervous system flexibility and emotional resilience, not just temporary calm but long-term capacity for balance.
Get started with The SSP
For Adults
What's included:
1 x 45 minute intake & mapping session
4 x 30 minute guided listening or integration sessions (online)
Personalised nervous system support and between session check-ins
3-month access to SSP playlist.
Investment: £150 per month (minimum 2 month commitment),
Places are limited and spaces open periodically. Your place is confirmed once payment is received.
Book for a free 15 minute chat to find out if the SSP is right for you, or email me any questions you have
get started with the SSP
For Children
What's included:
1 x 45 minute intake & mapping session
4 x 30 minute guided listening or integration sessions (online)
Parent guidance and between session messaging support
3-month access to SSP playlist.
Investment: £200 per month
(minimum 3 month commitment).
Spaces are limited to ensure safe pacing and individual attention. Book a free consultation to see if this pathway is right for your child.
Children's SSP is delivered remotely with full parental involvement. You don't need any prior knowledge, I will guide you through everything.
What you can expect
What does the music sound like?
The SSP uses music that you might already know. The music is filtered to enhance intonation changes within the frequency of the human voice, training the auditory processing system to attune to cues of safety.
Can I do the SSP by myself without a provider?
The SSP is a powerful therapeutic intervention and is not available for use without the supervision of a trained professional. You will be guided to do some independent listening as part of your SSP experience. SSP providers are required to complete extensive training and certification prior to delivering the SSP to ensure safe and effective delivery.
What does a listening session look like?
This will depend on your needs, but it is usually a combination of psycho education, regulating activities and listening to the SSP whilst I monitor you (or your child)
What can I do while listening?
Before you begin listening, we will discuss activities that might support your listening experience. These might include light movement, breathing exercises, drawing, colouring or puzzle activities.
Demanding tasks, high-intensity and video games/computer work are not recommended.
How is it delivered?
All sessions are delivered online. We begin with an intake session and following this I will design your listening plan. During guided listening sessions, I will monitor your responses and guide you through each stage.
How long does it take?
It depends on what your requirements are, but most clients complete the guided portion within 4-8 weeks. You will keep access to your SSP playlist for up to 3 months, allowing time for integrating and gentle re-listening. If additional listening is recommended, or you would like to continue listening beyond the 3 months, you can purchase additional months access to the SSP playlist for a minimal fee.
What do I need for a session?
You will need over-the-ear headphones, or two speakers to complete listening. In-ear listening devices are not recommended.
You will also need a regulating activity, which we will discuss during your intake session.