We are certified providers of The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP). It 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 acoustic support application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, vagal nerve stimulator helping to retune the nervous system to effect better human connection, collaboration, and resilience. The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music. Suitable for children and adults, SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences, neurodivergence, and more.
When we experience challenges, be they daily stressors, accidents, ill health, natural disasters, emotional or physical abuse or neglect, be it ongoing or one-off incidents, we feel stress, distress, and even traumatized. Our nervous system states change when we experience danger and threat. Our body goes into a state of flight, fight or freeze. Our survival instincts tell us it is not safe so we are driven to escape, fight or shut down. We do not wish to stay in that state as it is detrimental to our health. Cortisol and Adrenaline are produced in abundance when in a threat-danger hyperaroused state, and too much of those hormones compromises our health, heart, and well-being. Several modalities exist to restore our nervous system to a calm state, and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is one of them.
The SSP is:
- A 5-hour auditory intervention developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of the Polyvagal Theory.
- Designed to reduce sound sensitivity and improve cognitive focus, capacity for emotional regulation (anger and anxiety management), 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, and better ability to tolerate stress and triggers.
Polyvagal Theory: The Science of Feeling Safe
Developed by world-renowned researcher and Unyte’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. Stephen Porges’s 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.
It complements perfectly many other therapeutic modalities like EMDR, Neurofeedback, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Counselling, and traditional psychotherapies. Even remedial reading programs are more effective when students use the SSP, as it increases focus and attention in the remedial lessons.
The SSP is being used all over the world by therapists to support clients on their growth and recovery journeys.
Contact us for more info and to explore how we can tailor the delivery of the SSP to support you with your particular nervous system and emotional regulation needs.
Video: https://vimeo.com/unyte/ssp
Sophie Barcant - Life Harmony Coaching & Consulting 