Safe & Sound Protocol

Feel better. Think better. Connect better.

What is the SSP?

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening program that provides 5 hours of music that is filtered by frequency. The music activates the muscles in the middle ear and is designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. The intervention helps to improve physiological state regulation by calming and retuning the autonomic nervous system. When our body is feeling safe and calm it allows us to be more engaged with others and the world around us.

Feel Better.
Think Better.
Connect Better.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is designed primarily for individuals who experience challenges related to social engagement, anxiety, trauma, and other emotional or behavioral issues. Specifically, it can benefit:

  1. Children with Developmental Disorders: It has been used with children on the autism spectrum or those with sensory processing issues, helping them improve their social engagement and emotional regulation.

  2. Anxiety and Stress Disorders: People dealing with generalized anxiety, PTSD, or panic disorders may find the protocol helpful in calming their nervous system.

  3. Individuals with Trauma: Those who have experienced trauma may struggle with feelings of safety and social connection.

  4. Therapy Clients: The SSP can be integrated into therapeutic settings, enhancing the therapeutic relationship and making clients more receptive to other therapeutic interventions.

  5. Individuals Seeking Personal Growth: Anyone looking to improve their emotional resilience and social functioning can benefit from the protocol.

The SSP is typically administered by trained professionals who can guide clients through the listening exercises in a safe and supportive environment.

CORE Connection has five therapists trained to deliver the Safe and Sound Protocol as part of individual therapy or as an SSP only client. 

One SSP, 3 Pathways:
Connect, Core, Balance

The complete SSP program comprises 3 main pathways.

Each of the SSP pathways is composed of different filtered, unfiltered and calming 5-hour music playlists for either children or adults.

The SSP pathways are designed to help the nervous system to better receive, process and respond to the cues and signals from the world around us.  This non-invasive intervention is not considered a stand alone therapy but can help to augment progress in other therapies. 

The SSP’s effectiveness has been proven in a wide range of studies, most notably in two clinical trials involving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Trial participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in:

  • Emotional control

  • Behavioral organization

  • Hearing sensitivity and listening

More information about the SSP can be found on the Unyte-Integrated Listening Systems website. 

The Safe and Sound Protocol  | The Science of Feeling Safe | What is the SSP

Our Therapists Trained in the Safe and Sound Protocol:

  • Colleen Hanson Headshot

    Colleen Hanson, MSW, LCSW, CDWF

    Clinical Therapist / Director

    Read Bio
  • Jessica Amedeo Headshot

    Jessica Amedeo, MSW, LCSW

    Clinical Therapist

    Read Bio
  • Courtney Brown Headshot

    Courtney Brown, MSW, LCSW

    Clinical Therapist

    Read Bio
  • Janell Larson Headshot

    Janell Larson, MSW, LCSW

    Clinical Therapist

    Read Bio
  • Jamie Wiora Headshot

    Jamie Wiora, MSW, LCSW

    Clinical Therapist

    Read Bio