What is Safe and Sound Protocol?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, a scientist who extensively studied the relationship between our nervous system and our ability to feel safe and connected. Dr. Porges developed the Polyvagal Theory, which explains how our nervous system reacts to signals of stress and safety in daily life. He discovered that specific sound frequencies, particularly those found in prosodic human speech (the type of speech a mother uses when addressing an infant) could help regulate the nervous system. This led to the creation of the SSP, a listening therapy that uses specially filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve and neural networks associated with listening.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) uses specially designed music to help train the muscles of your middle ears to focus on sounds that signal safety. This training aims to help you regain flexibility in your nervous system, potentially leading to a range of benefits. For instance: when faced with a challenge, you may find it easier to access a calm, problem-solving state instead of becoming overwhelmed or anxious or after experiencing stress or excitement, you could return to a balanced, restful state more quickly. A key aspect of nervous system flexibility is to be able to shift more easily between different states as needed. This means your body and mind can adapt more readily to various situations you encounter throughout your day, which allows you to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively, creating deeper connections and approaching life's ups and downs in a more balanced way. Ultimately, having a flexible nervous system empowers you to navigate your experiences with intention, making it easier to find joy and meaning in everyday life. It enhances your ability to manage emotions and stress, providing a broader range of options for how you want to engage with the world around you.