Safe & Sound
Protocol (SSP)

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is based on Polyvogal Theory. SSP teaches our nervous system to feel safe and calm by training the vagus nerve. This is done through a five hour auditory intervention designed to reduce stress, increase resilience, and promote a more regulated nervous system. This non-invasive intervention can be used to complement other forms of therapy.

SSP is an innovative approach developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, a distinguished scientist at the Kinsey Institute, who created the Polyvagal Theory. The protocol involves listening to specially processed music, designed to help regulate the nervous system and promote a sense of calm and safety for the listener. Research shows that SSP is an effective intervention for many concerns, including:

  • Anxiety

  • Trauma

  • Auditory sensitivities

  • Social and emotional difficulties

  • Inattention

Dr. Stephen Porges described the Social Engagement System (SES) as part of the Polyvogal Theory. This refers to the part of the nervous system that picks up on unconscious cues telling us that a person or situation is safe or unsafe. This system is an important survival strategy that is always operating. However, for people with very sensitive nervous systems, such as those struggling with anxiety, trauma, or other social and emotional difficulties, it can be exhausting. This can make it extremely difficult to feel attuned and engaged in social situations.

The auditory system is a portal to the rest of the autonomic nervous system and the SES. The Safe and Sound Protocol uses this portal to train the SES to feel safe and regulated through sound. As clients learn to feel safer, they are able to recognize and process the nuances of human speech and emotional communication. This improves the ability to regulate emotions and engage more effectively in interpersonal communication.

Bringing The Science Of Safety To Life From The Bottom Up

Safe & Sound Protocol FAQs

What are the fees for Safe & Sound Protocol?

  • Subscription fee per month: $300 prepaid for 12 months of access, $35 per month, 12 month commitment paid monthly

  • Intake (may take up to two sessions): $200 per 53 mins (billable or reimbursable by insurance) 

  • Symptom Review and check-ins (30 minutes, if needed) a week while using Core playlist: $100 per 30 mins (billable or reimbursable by insurance) 

  • Termination/Wrap-up session: $100 per 30 mins, if needed (billable or reimbursable by insurance) 

  • Balance Playlist only: $25 per month 

  • Additional therapy as needed $100 per 30 mins (billable or reimbursable by insurance)

  • It is important to work together with a therapist while completing the SSP. Each individual will respond to the protocol differently, and we will work together to understand your reactions. Some of the listening can be done at home, on your own, but we will need to discuss this together to determine what makes sense for you. Some clients have intense emotional reactions when entering the relaxed state created by SSP. As a certified SSP provider I am committed to guiding you through this process in a responsible way, using a somatic and trauma informed approach. I also collaborate with leading clinician supervisors from Integrated Listening Systems, the developers of SSP, and receive ongoing guidance and training to meet the specific needs of my clients.

  • SSP is a total of five hours of specially processed music that must be listened to in sequence over a period of time. We will work together to determine the frequency and length of listening sessions. This process includes a discussion of your concerns and history with therapy, as well as listening together to see how your nervous system responds to the protocol. Typical listening sessions are between 2-30 minutes per day, depending on the client’s needs. Once you begin your listening sessions, we will book regular follow up sessions and remain in close contact as you go through the training. We will work together to develop self care strategies to support your nervous system as you work through this protocol.

  • Yes, it can. Integrated Learning Systems has developed a digital platform that allows therapists to connect clients to an SSP app. The app is called Unyte-ILS and is available for Apple and Android devices. This app allows clients to access SSP remotely, while connecting with me for support and guidance through the process.

  • Please visit the Integrated Learning System website (https://integratedlistening.com/ssp-safe-sound-protocol/) for more information, research, and clinical applications of SSP.

    How do I learn more about Polyvagal Theory?

    Here are some excellent introductory videos about Polyvagal Theory:

    Deb Dana describes the Polyvagal Theory - https://youtu.be/JXGy7M4kvaY

    Stephen W. Porges explains the Polyvagal Theory - https://youtu.be/_ShPBwn9U8E

    Stephen Porges explains the benefits of understanding the Polyvagal Theory - https://youtu.be/zbxk8pphvZA

Person with dark hair and headphones sitting on a wooden deck, facing a sunset over a green tree-filled landscape with a distant city skyline in the background.

For More Information
Reach out to Aimee Mills-Viscovich, LICSW
Aimee@therainbowinitiative.org