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 your nervous system through sound. In my practice, SSP is always integrated into ongoing somatic therapy so we can track your body’s responses and adjust pacing as needed.

SSP works with your nervous system through sound.

The music is specially filtered to emphasize the qualities of the human voice that our brains naturally associate with connection and safety. Dr. Stephen Porges describes this as drawing from the natural patterns we respond to when someone is speaking to us with warmth and connection.

Listening also helps engage the small muscles in the middle ear that support our ability to tune into human voices and filter out background noise. As those muscles become more responsive, many people find it becomes easier to notice cues of safety in their environment.

This can create more room for steadiness, connection, and flexibility within therapy and everyday life.

Yes. SSP is often used to support trauma and anxiety by helping the nervous system experience cues of safety.

It can also be helpful if your body feels chronically on edge, shut down, or under strain in ways that show up emotionally or physically.

When you begin to feel safer, emotional responses can become more flexible. This creates more capacity in relationships, work, and daily life.

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.

Some people notice temporary shifts such as fatigue, restlessness, emotional sensitivity, sleep changes, vivid dreams, or feeling more aware of sensations.

These responses can mean the nervous system is adjusting. Sometimes they also show us where more support is needed in our somatic work. If sleep becomes more disrupted or symptoms feel stronger, it can be a sign we are moving too quickly. That is why I track closely with you and adjust pacing as needed. You are not doing this alone.

SSP isn't appropriate for everyone. Certain neurological conditions, including epilepsy, require additional consideration before beginning. Unmanaged psychosis is also a contraindication.

Additionally, while the Safe and Sound Protocol may potentially help with tinnitus, there is a possibility that it could worsen the condition. Because of this, SSP should be approached with caution if tinnitus is present.

SSP follows the principle of "safe before sound," meaning that certain life or health factors may require us to delay or use SSP carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.

Yes. SSP is often combined with somatic therapy, trauma therapy, or other therapeutic approaches.

In my practice, SSP is integrated into ongoing somatic work so we can support regulation while also addressing the deeper patterns connected to trauma and stress.

Yes. Most of my SSP work is done online with clients across Florida and Illinois.

Online sessions allow you to listen from your own space, which can actually be supportive for this kind of work, especially if you have comfort items or pets nearby.