Safe and Sound Protocol

The Safe and Sound Protocol, or SSP, is a therapeutic listening intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and based on Polyvagal Theory.

It uses specially filtered music to support the nervous system through sound. In my practice, SSP is integrated into ongoing Somatic Experiencing therapy rather than offered as a stand-alone service. When it seems like it could support the work we’re already doing, we can incorporate listening alongside conversation, body awareness, and other somatic practices.

SSP works with the nervous system through sound.

The music is specially filtered to emphasize frequencies found in the human voice. The program was developed from Polyvagal Theory and is designed to support the nervous system’s ability to take in cues associated with safety and connection.

Some people notice changes in how they respond to sound, stress, or social interaction as they move through the listening. Within therapy, we pay attention to these responses and adjust the pace based on what you notice.

Yes, SSP can be helpful for some people experiencing trauma and anxiety. It may support greater regulation, flexibility, and capacity, particularly when someone experiences overwhelm, heightened reactivity, or sensitivity to sensory input.

In my practice, I may incorporate SSP into trauma therapy or anxiety therapy when it seems like a useful addition to the somatic work we’re already doing. Because people respond differently, I don’t assume SSP will be helpful simply because someone has a particular diagnosis or symptom. I consider it in the context of the person, what we’re noticing in therapy, and how their body is responding.

Once we’ve decided to incorporate SSP into therapy, listening can happen during sessions, between sessions, or both.

You might listen sitting upright, resting back, lying down, standing, or moving lightly. Some people color, draw, or have a pet nearby. We adjust pacing based on how your nervous system responds and what feels manageable in your daily life.

The core protocol includes five hours of listening.

How quickly we move through it varies. Some people move steadily. Others go more slowly and pause as needed. We decide together based on how your system responds, and there is no benefit to pushing the pace.

In my practice, the five hours are often spread across several months rather than completed quickly.

Some people notice temporary changes such as fatigue, restlessness, emotional sensitivity, sleep changes, vivid dreams, or increased awareness of sensations.

If you notice uncomfortable or disruptive changes, we can slow down, pause the listening, or make other adjustments. This is one reason I integrate SSP into ongoing therapy rather than approaching it as a stand-alone program. We can pay attention to how you’re responding and decide together what makes sense next.

SSP may not be appropriate for everyone, and there are situations where listening may need to be delayed, modified, or approached with additional care. Before incorporating SSP, I consider your current circumstances, relevant health history, and how you are responding in therapy.

If there are medical or neurological concerns that fall outside my scope, I may ask you to consult with an appropriate healthcare provider before we decide whether to proceed.

Yes. In my practice, SSP is integrated directly into the somatic therapy I provide rather than offered as a separate service.

If we decide to incorporate it, SSP becomes one part of our work alongside conversation, body awareness, and other Somatic Experiencing practices.

Yes. I integrate SSP into online therapy with clients throughout Florida and Illinois.

Depending on where we are in the process, listening may happen during a therapy session or between sessions with guidance from me. Being at home can also make it easier to have familiar supports nearby, such as a comfortable place to sit, a blanket, or a pet.