Safe and Sound Protocol
Polyvagal theory; the science of feeling safe
What is the Safe and Sound Protocol? The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, emotional regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music.
Developed by world-renowned researcher and Unyte’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system, and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life-threat can impact our behavior. Understanding Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework that can be applied through physiological, or “bottom-up” therapies, to help change and improve how we feel, think and connect with others.
SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to re-tune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience. SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.
Safe and Sound listening therapy can help to accelerate your healing when combined with talk therapy and/ or other modalities, such as brainspotting. As safe and sounds brings your ventral vagal nervous state more online, you become more open to connection, healing and change. Safe and sound can also be used as a supplement to regulate you between sessions, or as a self care tool on going.
Benefits of using Safe and Sound: The time it takes to see results from the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) varies from person to person, and can range from immediately to several weeks after the program ends. Many clients report noticing changes within the first few weeks of listening.
Reduced anxiety, especially social anxiety
Improved assertiveness and self protectiveness
Increased displays of affection-seeking affection-expressive contact
Increased facial flexibility and expressiveness
Increased body flexibility
Reduced chronic pain
Change in throat tension/sound of voice
Improved eye contact
Reduced repetitive motions and restlessnes
Increased feelings of calmness
Hearing changes/reductions in sensory hypersensitivities
Finding transitions much easier
Speech and language improvements
Reduced sensitivity to food tastes and textures/less "picky eating”
Improved reciprocal communication
Thoughts and behavior have more purposeful flow
Improved comprehension
Easier to follow directions
Improved processing speed
Improved organization
Improved dexterity
More active participant in group settings, able to tolerate and overcome challenges Improved visual focus/tracking
More able to put words to feeling
Able to remain regulated during face to face communication
Improved self-awareness (particularly of emotions),
Improved communication about self (again particularly about emotions)
Decreased panic, fears and phobias
Improved cardiac function
Improvement in breathing patterns
Able to tolerate busy environments
Increased sense of humor
Improved ability to read social cues
Less easily stressed
Improved digestion
Improved bladder control
Hormonal shifts for women
Concerns related to long covid.
What To Expect
The SSP is administered over a series of listening sessions. These sessions can be done with a provider present either in person or remote, or independently. You and your provider will determine what might be the best fit for you. Supported sessions are 1 hour or 30 minutes and independent sessions are up to 30 minutes. Supported sessions include autonomic mapping and check in, psycho-education, technical set up, listening with co regulation and grounding at the end. Every client is required to do at least 1 in person listening session to begin. You and your provider will determine the frequency and duration of the listening that is best for you. It is recommended to complete the full 5 hour program to maximize its benefits, and the program can be repeated multiple times if desired. SSP requires use of over-the-ear headphones that do not have active noise-cancelling or enhanced bass features.
Listening to music: The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones. The full protocol includes 5 hours of music. Everyone progresses through the protocol in their own timeframe as each nervous system is different. The music is generally relaxing and follows a specific pattern to activate the vagus nerve. You will get to chose your music preference as part of your program set up.
Co Regulated Listening: SSP is most effective in the context of felt safety. Ideally, the listener should have a calm, trusted support person present during listening—someone who can offer soft eye contact, a gentle smile, or a reassuring presence when needed. This is most often a friend or family member, sometimes even a pet. You can also do supported listening sessions with your therapist.
Regulating Activities: Clients will be invited in regulating activities while they are engaged in their listening session. These activities may include, mindful breathing, guided visualization, or gentle movement just to name a few.
Notice Changes: Clients are asked to notice emotional and physiological changes during the listening session as well as in between sessions. This changes are evidence that the nervous system is changing how it functions.
Monitoring: Your provider will monitor and make changes to your program with supported or independent listening and check in with you via email about what you notice.
Possible Challenges: Some clients report mild headaches, tinnitus, and increased irritability/emotionality. If these things occur, they are mild, temporary and manageable as long as you are reporting to your provider and following recommendations. Staying engaged and in touch with your provider throughout your listening will help minimize challenges. ** Clients with active, moderate to severe tinnitus are not a fit for SSP**
Katie Dolinsky, LMFT is a certified Unyte Safe and Sound protocol provider, has completed the Advanced SSP provider training through SSP Yoda and is engaged in ongoing consultation.
Safe and Sound for Partners / Couples
Using science to open to connection
When members of a relationship engage in Safe and Sound together, they are allowing both of their nervous systems to calm, regulate and be more open to the connection that is possible within that relationship. SSP can be helpful for couples who are rebuilding emotional safety, navigating through trauma thats negatively impacting the connection or just wanting to decrease how stress impacts their relationship.
Partners will co regulate with each other through their listening journey with the assistance of their provider via email. Joint listening session with provider are also an option.
SSP is a helpful supplement to any therapy journey and can improve couples therapy outcomes.
Pricing for Couples: Both partners are present for a typical 90 minute intake session which will consist of reviewing assessments and history, reviewing informed consent, background on the protocol itself and the listening platform. One partner is selected to begin the protocol first and will do a supported listening session with their partner and therapist present. Cost: $245
Once the 1st partner has an established program, partner 2 will then start their listening program. They will complete a 1 hour supported listening session with their partner and therapist present. Cost: $160
Each partner must have access to their own listening platform- see pricing below.
Listening Options and Cost Safe and Sound Supportive Listening Sessions
Initial intake, assessments and supportive listening session, 90 minutes- $245 (Required to begin)
Supportive listening sessions - 1 hour- $160
Supportive listening sessions- 30 min. - $80
These sessions can be billed to OON benefits for potential reimbursement.
** If you are a current therapy client you may do a standard 60 minute first listening session versus 90 minute**
Access to Safe and Sound listening platform
Access to Safe and Sound listening platform for 6 months - $225
Family member discount: Can add an additional family member for half price
Supervision of a pet's SSP process when working with a human is included at no additional charge!
With this access you will be able to listen both in a supported session or independently. One round of Core is included in your subscription as well as access to the Connect and Balance pathways. You may repeat Connect and Balance as many times as you would like within your subscription window.
Additional rounds of Core within subscription window can be added for $100 plus another 30 minute listening session ($80).
**If you need additional time to complete the same round of Core, you can add another 6 months for $100.**
You may be able to use your HSA or FSA card to pay for this platform.
On going monitoring and tailoring of listening program
Whether you choose in person, remote or independent listening, your provider will monitor your progress, send weekly emails to check in and make adjustments to your program as needed. You will feel supported with SSP the whole way. This cost is included with access to the platform.