The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a multi-day intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. It is designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, by calming the physiological and emotional state, the door is opened for improved communication and more successful therapy.
The intervention uses prosodic vocal music that has been filtered to train the middle ear muscles to focus in on the frequency envelope of human speech. Once human speech is properly perceived, the portal to social engagement has been opened. You’ll find you are (or your child is) better able to interpret not only the meaning, but the intent in conversations. And the sense of safety that is achieved by better understanding the fluctuations in human voice, calm your (or your child’s) physiological state. Once your system has been primed and your state is calm, further therapy is enhanced and behavioral regulation is improved.
The SSP is a research-based therapy showing significant results in the following areas:
- Social and emotional difficulties
- Auditory sensitivities
- Anxiety and trauma-related challenges
- Inattention
- Stressors that impact social engagement
