The autonomic nerve system is the part of our nervous system that shapes our ability to perceive and to respond and dominates control over most of our organs.

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The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based music listening therapy designed to support the nervous system to move towards a sense of safety, out of fixity, and into flow. It is a listening protocol of specifically filtered music created as a practical application of the Polyvagal Theory developed by Stephen Porges, PhD. By using the ear as access to the Vagus Nerve  (Cranial Nerve X) which is the main nerve of the autonomic nervous system, it cues in safety into the body. In a way, SSP is like a work-out for the autonomic nervous system to help build more capacity to feel safe and comfortable and react less through the pathways of “fight-or-flight” or to “shut-down”. And in doing so, this can help bring about more physiologic and emotional balance. In working with patients, Becca has noticed that they fall into a life rhythm that seems more innate to them. It can be a very supportive tool to enhance therapeutic outcome from other modalities.

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It is delivered either in-person or remotely through over-the-ear-headphones alongside a provider.  The provider serves to provide co-regulation and monitors shifts in your nervous system while staying grounded in their own. In total, the core of the program is 5 hours broken up into smaller listening sessions. There are four different core tracks to the program with different music types to choose from. The length of each listening session is tailored to the response of the individual.   In general, the thought is that less is more.  It can be experienced alone or within a group.

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More info: https://www.whatisthessp.com/

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Safe & Sound Community Groups: Experience the Safe & Sound Protocol in a small groups of 6 people or less.

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Working in a group can be beneficial for all of those as we co-regulate and have a shared experience together.