Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is a research-based therapy that uses interactive meditation and specially filtered music to train the brain to focus better on peoples’ voices and has other benefits.
Improvements from five hours of listening are commonly seen in some or all of the following areas:
- Social and emotional difficulties
- Auditory sensitivities
- Anxiety and trauma-related challenges
- Inattention
- Speech and Language Processing (receptive and expressive)
- Stressors that impact social engagement
- Sleep
- Picky eating
What is Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)?
SSP, or Safe & Sound Protocol is a comprehensive auditory intervention program developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, Unyte’s Chief Scientific Advisor. The SSP program offers support by utilizing the type of cognitive processing that begins in areas of the brain that receive sensory information and translates it to our thoughts and feelings. SSP uses interactive meditation and specially filtered music to train the brain through this type of cognitive processing to focus better on peoples’ voices. The elements used in the program stimulate the vagus nerve, which directly impacts how we hear, perceive, and respond to everyday voices and sounds.
How is the program implemented?
This SSP Core program should be used for 10 consecutive days, 30 minutes per day in an environment that makes the user feel safe and relaxed.
Creating an environment that promotes a sense of safety and familiarity will reduce stress during sessions. For children, a familiar, comfortable environment is often made up of toys and activities that they find fun. For adolescents, age-appropriate activities such as arts, crafts, and games are useful for normalizing and encouraging self-regulation. For adults this could be a walk, or just sitting quietly in a relaxing environment.
Two follow-up programs – SSP Connect and SSP Balance – build on the SSP Core and can provide additional support and benefit.
What happens during an SSP session?
You’ll listen to 5 hours of music while wearing over-ear headphones. The music comes from an App you download to your phone. You will take breaks to regulate if you notice any activation in your nervous system.
Who can benefit from the SSP?
SSP is applicable for a wide range of ages and can support many conditions, including but not limited to folks with anxiety, depression, ADHD, sensory processing sensitivities, and social difficulties.
What are some typical outcomes of the SSP?
Users have reported that outcomes include increased calmness, enhanced focus, and improved social connections after listening to the Safe and Sound Protocol. Vagal regulation can result in improved digestive health as well.
Does insurance cover SSP? What is the cost of the program?
There is an out-of-pocket charge of for this unique treatment protocol of $550 for the 5-15 hour intervention, whether administered in the clinic or at home. Insurance currently does not cover the costs of this treatment program.
Your payment covers communication time as you learn about the treatment and ongoing support. The SSP Core is an “opener,” both neurologically and physiologically. There is no additional cost for access to the “SSP Connect” 5 hours and the “SSP Balance” 5 hours of supplemental therapeutic music. There is only a charge when we repeat the “SSP Core” – the strongest therapeutic 5-hour program, which also takes more therapeutic guidance.
How do I get started?
We’ll schedule a free consultation to see if you/your child is a good candidate for SSP and, if so, we will set up an appointment to get started.