Safe and Sound Protocol
Now available at TCS
Research-based auditory vagus nerve stimulation
Are you or your child easily dysregulated? Is it hard to navigate unexpected noises or crowded social situations? Do you find your nervous system frequently in a state of fight or flight, and aren’t sure why? If so, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) may help.
The SSP is a 5-hour auditory intervention designed by Dr. Stephen Porges, based on Polyvagal Theory. The SSP has been shown to reduce auditory sensitivity and improve regulation, positively impacting numerous areas of daily activities.
The Science
The SSP is a non-invasive intervention that uses the auditory system as a portal to the vagus complex. This complex contributes to the autonomic nervous system, which controls whether we are in a state of calm or alarm (fight/flight/freeze). The SSP engages the calming response through the vagus complex to help regulate physiological state. Once feeling safe and calm, we are better able to socially engage, manage sensory input, and navigate life’s challenges.
The SSP accomplishes this by specifically filtering the frequencies in music to retune the nervous system to introduce a sense of safety. While listening to the SSP through headphones, the protocol’s targeted frequencies engage Cranial Nerves VII (Facial) and X (Vagus). The Facial Nerve, through activation of the middle ear muscles, helps the auditory system to focus on the frequencies of the human voice and filter out unnecessary frequencies. The Vagus Nerve facilitates self-soothing and a physiological feeling of safety. As a result of these two systems working together, the listener is able to better interpret auditory input. Following successful completion of the intervention, research has shown that listeners experience a calmed emotional and physiological state. For more details on the science, visit www.whatisthessp.com
The Process
The SSP is typically administered as part of your OT sessions by trained providers.
Duration and frequency may be adjusted according to your individual needs, but will never exceed one hour per day.
While listening to the protocol through headphones or over a speaker, the listener will be in a calm, private environment participating in quiet activities according to their interests. The therapist will ensure that the protocol is administered correctly and will closely monitor the listener’s responses.
SSP is also available for remote delivery, with close supervision and routine check-ins. Contact us to determine if this option may work for you.
After the Safe and Sound Protocol
The SSP has been found in research to improve:
Emotional dysregulation
Auditory sensitivity
Anxiety and trauma-related challenges
Inattention
Stressors that impact social engagement
At TCS, we have seen dramatic improvements by the end of the 5-hour intervention. But, the SSP is NOT designed to serve as a stand-alone intervention. In fact, one of the greatest benefits of the SSP is in helping to increase the effectiveness of other interventions. When the body is in a calm state, we are able to learn much more effectively than when in a state of stress. Because of this, we recommend that you continue therapy after the protocol according to your specific planned episode of care. Whether with us or with your existing therapist, this will maximize the effectiveness of the SSP and help you fully achieve your goals.
For more information on whether the SSP may be right for you or your child, or to get started with the protocol, contact us today!