The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music.
As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to re-tune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience.
Simply put, the SSP uses filtered audio to allow your nervous system to transition naturally through its three various states (known as ventral/sympathetic/dorsal, rest and digest/fight or flight/freeze, and green/yellow/red). It helps you to not get “stuck” in the sympathetic and dorsal states, allowing you to more easily access the ventral, or resting, state.
The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.
Highlights of the SSP:
- A five-hour auditory intervention developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of the Polyvagal Theory.
- Designed to reduce sound sensitivity, and improve auditory processing and behavioral state regulation.
- Activates the client’s social engagement system, helping to accelerate and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
- Supports physiological state regulation, allowing for greater resilience.
Polyvagal Theory: the Science of Feeling Safe
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.
Mended Mind’s SSP Program
Mended Mind’s SSP program consists of 5-30 minute sessions as you work through the 5 hour protocol.
Prior to the first appointment, we will need you to fill out a few assessment forms. There is no need to book a consultation prior to this.
When you book your first appointment, you are beginning the following program:
Monday:
- Autonomic mapping (approximately 30 mins)
- Psychoeducation (5-15 minutes)
- Q&A
- Equipment and software check
- Core listening with SSP Coach
Tuesday and onward
- Independent core listening with access to coach as needed
Most are able to complete the core listening in about ten days to six weeks, but you will have access to the audio for a total of 2 months. You will be able to finish up the listening program at your own pace using the training that you’ve received from your coach. For example, some choose to listen to just 5-10 minutes of filtered audio per day.
Post Assessment and Debriefing
Two to four weeks after you have completed the Safe and Sound Protocol, you will be sent post-assessment to complete. Your results will be emailed to you.
Requirements
You will need a quiet, calm area where you can be completely undisturbed during the program.
Hardware:
- A iOS or Android device capable of downloading and running the Unyte-iLs app
- Over-ear high-quality headphones that do not have boosted bass or noise cancelling features. They will also need to be able to connect to your mobile device to play the audio.
- An activity that requires minimal attention is preferred by many that take this treatment. For example, an adult coloring book and pencil crayons.
Groups
Group sizes are 2-8 individuals. We offer discounts to multiple members of the same household taking the program together.
FAQs
How much does the Safe & Sound Protocol cost?
We’re currently offering this program at a price of $295 per person. This includes the pre-assessment and post-assessment. You may have additional personal costs if you need to purchase a new headset or other equipment for the program.
Why would I be interested in the SSP program instead of just doing vagal exercises with my coach?
Both the SSP and vagal exercises are bottom-up approaches to therapy, meaning that they focus on connecting you to your nervous system and emotions. Both are effective in achieving this.
The reason that we are excited to offer the Mended Mind SSP Program is that it has been proven to achieve more noticeable results in a shorter amount of time than vagal toning exercises alone.
Do I need to re-take the SSP Program in the future to maintain the benefits? Is maintenance required?
Most clients choose to re-take the program as events in life come up or as regular maintenance. The frequency varies from person to person, and can range between every two months to every year. We offer this program to repeat clients at a reduced rate.
We also offer a subscription service where you will be able to access less modified audio for use as maintenance for a monthly fee.
What’s the refund policy for the SSP Program?
Due to the challenge of requiring daily progress for an entire week, this program is more challenging for us to coordinate with our clients. For this reason, instead of a 48-hour cancellation policy we will require a full week’s notice of cancellation to qualify for a refund.
If you are interested in trying the Safe & Sound Protocol, please ask your Mental Health Coach for more information.