Think clearly, feel deeply, and connect fully through nervous system regulation.

The Safe and Sound Protocol

A powerful listening therapy with lasting impact.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an effective listening therapy that supports nervous system regulation, helping you deepen connection with yourself, others, and the world around you.

What is the SSP?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a trauma-informed, evidence-based listening therapy created by Dr. Stephen Porges. It is designed to help regulate the nervous system by using specially filtered music to deliver cues of safety. This process allows the brain and body to better process external signals, such as tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions, that are essential for interpreting social cues and forming meaningful connections.

By calming and grounding the nervous system, the SSP fosters a state of safety and receptivity, improving the individual’s ability to connect with themselves, others, and the world around them. Additionally, the SSP enhances awareness, embodiment, and resilience, helping individuals become more present and open to healing.

Benefits of a Calm Nervous System

Improved Stress Response
A regulated nervous system helps you navigate difficult situations with greater ease, allowing you to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This balance makes it easier to recover and move forward instead of feeling “stuck.”

Enhanced Emotional Regulation and Resilience
With improved nervous system regulation, it becomes easier to understand and manage emotions, helping you navigate challenges with more flexibility and grace.

Stronger Social Connections
A calm nervous system activates the part of your brain that supports social engagement, making it easier to connect with others, communicate effectively, and build deeper, more fulfilling relationships.

Better Sleep, Digestion, and Focus
When your nervous system is calm, basic functions like sleeping, eating, and concentrating become smoother and more effective, supporting overall well-being.

Supporting Various Symptoms & Conditions

By supporting the nervous system, SSP can contribute to improvements across these areas, fostering a sense of safety and connection.

  • Trauma History

  • Attachment-Related Disorders

  • Depression, Anxiety & Mood Disorders

  • Dissociation

  • Sleep Disorders

  • Chronic Pain

  • Neurodevelopmental Differences

  • Learning Difficulties

  • Sensory Processing Differences

  • Autonomic Dysfunction

How It Works

The SSP was designed to improve emotional regulation and social engagement by using specially filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

This music is designed to specifically target and engage the middle ear muscles, which are involved in processing and filtering sound, allowing the nervous system to better regulate its response to stress and sensory input. By enhancing the body’s ability to process and interpret auditory and sensory information, SSP helps individuals move out of a state of fight-or-flight (sympathetic activation) or shutdown (dorsal vagal state) and into a more balanced, regulated state. This creates a foundation of safety and calm that can support healing from trauma, reduce anxiety, improve social connections, and enhance overall well-being.


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SSP & EMDR

SSP & EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can complement each other effectively by targeting different aspects of the nervous system and emotional processing.

Nervous System Regulation: SSP helps calm the nervous system before and during EMDR, allowing clients to engage more deeply in trauma work without feeling overwhelmed.

Enhanced Emotional Regulation: SSP promotes emotional balance, helping clients stay within their window of tolerance while processing difficult memories in EMDR.

Reduced Dissociation: SSP supports grounding and presence, reducing the likelihood of dissociation during intense EMDR processing, leading to smoother trauma reprocessing.

Improved Safety and Engagement: By enhancing social engagement and creating a sense of safety, SSP strengthens trust in the therapeutic process, supporting more effective EMDR work.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The SSP is a research-based listening therapy designed to regulate the nervous system by using specifically filtered music. It helps improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, and enhance social engagement by stimulating the vagus nerve and calming the body’s fight-or-flight response.

  • The SSP works by delivering music filtered to target the middle ear muscles, which are connected to the vagus nerve. This process helps the nervous system shift from a state of defense to safety, making it easier to connect, communicate, and self-regulate.

  • The SSP can help with:

    • Reducing anxiety and stress

    • Improving focus and attention

    • Enhancing emotional regulation

    • Increasing social engagement and connection

    • Supporting trauma recovery and sensory integration

  • During a session, you’ll listen to specially filtered music through high-quality headphones in a quiet environment. Sessions can last anywhere from 1-2 minutes, up to 60 minutes, and can be adjusted to your comfort level. Alex provides support and guidance throughout the process to ensure it feels safe and effective.

  • Yes, the SSP is highly customizable. Program delivery can be tailored to each client's needs, and there’s no strict order of listening required. The pathways and playlists are designed to support the creation of individualized treatment plans for optimal results.

  • The SSP is designed for individuals of all ages, from young children to adults. The program can be adapted to meet the developmental and sensory needs of each client, making it accessible for a wide range of populations.

  • Yes, the SSP is often used to support trauma recovery. By creating a sense of safety and regulating the nervous system, it helps reduce hypervigilance and promote emotional healing.

  • The SSP is often recommended for individuals struggling with anxiety, trauma, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, or difficulty managing emotions. If you’re unsure, a consultation with Alex can help determine whether the SSP aligns with your therapeutic goals.

  • The duration depends on the client’s autonomic response and personal pace. There’s no rush to complete the SSP, and sessions can be as short as one minute. Flexibility ensures clients feel safe and supported. Foundational SSP Training includes guidance on developing effective listening plans.

  • During the SSP, clients may experience shifts in their autonomic state, including feelings of calmness, alertness, or even mild discomfort as their nervous system adjusts. After completing the SSP, many report improved emotional regulation, social engagement, and reduced stress responses. Regular check-ins with the provider ensure the client progresses safely and effectively.

  • While the SSP is safe for most clients, some may experience heightened sensitivity or discomfort due to the nature of the program. Clients with severe auditory sensitivities, acute mental health crises, or unstable trauma symptoms should consult with their provider to determine the appropriate timing and modifications for using the SSP.

  • Yes, the SSP can be repeated as needed; however, it’s not intended for continuous use over time. Many providers observe benefits when repeating the program occasionally, following safe and structured guidelines.

  • Both vocal and non-vocal music have undergone the same filtration process and are equally effective. Including both types ensures the SSP appeals to a broader range of listeners and personal preferences. This can be discussed further during treatment planning.

  • Absolutely. The filtration process is consistent across all playlists within the same pathway. Clients can seamlessly switch between playlists as they progress through the SSP.

  • Sort of.. the SSP is typically offered as part of therapy services and is integrated into the therapeutic process. This allows for personalized guidance and support as you progress through the program.

    While all participants must meet with Alex for an intake appontment as well as a discharge appointment, individuals may be able to complete the listening program independently and remotely.

  • Many clients only require 1 month to complete the SSP. However, some individuals benefit from spacing out the duration of listening, or repeating the program ongoingly over time.
    First time access to one month of the SSP is $300, with subsequent monthly subscription rates of $100/month.

  • The SSP program itself is not currently covered by insurance. However, if you are completing the SSP as part of therapy sessions, the time spent listening during these sessions is billable to insurance.

  • Yes, the SSP can be completed at home with guidance and support from Alex. You’ll receive instructions, ongoing check-ins, and access to the SSP playlists through a secure app.

  • The SSP typically takes 2–6 weeks to complete, depending on the pace that feels right for you. Some clients may complete sessions more quickly, while others benefit from spacing them out.

  • Some clients may experience short-term effects such as increased emotional sensitivity, fatigue, or mild discomfort during or after listening. These are normal signs of the nervous system processing changes and can be managed by slowing down or pausing sessions as needed.

  • If you feel overwhelmed, you can pause the session or reduce listening time. Alex will work with you to adjust the protocol, ensuring it stays within your comfort zone while supporting your progress.

  • You’ll need high-quality, over-ear headphones (not earbuds) and a device to access the SSP app. Specific recommendations can be provided to ensure the best listening experience.

  • After completing the SSP, many clients notice lasting changes in their emotional and physical regulation. Follow-up sessions with Alex can help integrate these changes and address new goals or challenges.

  • Yes, the SSP works well alongside other therapies, such as EMDR, somatic work, or talk therapy. It can enhance the effectiveness of these approaches by improving nervous system regulation.

  • The SSP playlists are accessible only during the program. However, additional listening opportunities can be arranged if needed to maintain progress or for booster sessions.