Safe and Sound Protocol

What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the SSP began as a five-day sound-based intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. It has evolved from 1 hour per day for 5 days to less time over more days to allow the nervous system time to adjust.  It was determined that less is more.  This non -invasive intervention involves listening to music specifically processed to re-tune the nervous system (regulating state) to introduce a sense of safety and the ability to socially engage or increase engagement. This allows the client to better interpret not only human speech, but, more importantly, the emotional meaning of language. Once interpersonal interactions improve, spontaneous social behaviors and an enhanced ability to learn, self -regulate and engage are often seen.

Who can it help?

The SSP is proven to benefit individuals (children to adults to pets) with challenges or symptoms of:

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  • Autism Spectrum Disorders                                            The SSP can be used to

  • Down Syndrome                                                               regulate your pets 

  • Auditory Sensitivities                                                        nervous system,

  • Anxiety & Depression                                                       changing behaviours &

  • Stress & Trauma ​                                                               creating safety, 

  • Addictions                                                                         especially those pets 

  • Sleep-related problems                                                   that have suffered

  • Poor Behaviour & Self-Regulation                                  trauma and abuse.

  • Poor Sensory Integration & Motor Coordination

  • Poor Social & Emotional Function

  • Poor Attention & Executive Function  

  • Poor Performance (work, play)

How can it help?

  • Improved focus & attention

  • Calmer emotional & physiological states

  • Improved social engagement

  • Reduced aggression

  • Decreased anxiety & depression

  • Improved performance (work, play)

  • Improved sleep

  • Decreased sensory and auditory sensitivities

  • Improved self-regulation

How does it work?

It is designed to stimulate nervous system regulation by exercising and systematically challenging the auditory system with specifically processed music.  Understanding language and engaging with others requires a regulated and organized nervous system for optimal brain health.