About SSP
Find out SSP, how it works and why it was developed.
The Safe and Sound Protocol
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening therapy created by Dr Stephen Porges.
It is a research-based intervention originally developed for autistic children. However, it soon became clear that listening to SSP provided benefits for a far wider population, including those experiencing the effects of trauma. It is now used to support many symptoms and conditions in people of all ages around the world.
The 5 hours of the SSP music playlist is ‘normal’ music that has been specially filtered through an algorithm to give cues of safety, like a mother’s lullaby.
When carefully titrated by a trained provider, listening to the music can gently ‘reset’ the client’s system from being ‘stuck’ in a defensive survival cycle of fight, flight, freeze. The brain and body can then work together in a more balanced way making it easier to “rest and digest”, cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life and socially connect with others.
SSP is not a standalone therapy and is designed to be used with other therapies which can then be easier to access and have enhanced impact.
What is SSP?
The Safe and Sound Protocol was created by Dr Stephen Porges and functions as an acoustic vagal nerve stimulator. It is a research-based intervention that can give significant results in reducing stress and anxiety and improve the well-being of people of all ages.
How Does SSP Work?
Using specially filtered music, it resets the subconscious nervous system connecting the brain and body, encouraging a shift out of its defensive survival responses of fight, flight and freeze. The brain and body can then work together in a more balanced way making it easier to “rest and digest”, cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life and socially connect with others.
Specially filtered music is played through over-ear headphones which gradually exposes the auditory system to different sound frequencies of the human voice. There are two different playlists of popular music to choose to listen to which both have the same special filtering. The volume and clarity of the music varies with the specific filtering and is pleasant to listen to.
Why was SSP Developed?
It was initially developed for those struggling with difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder. However, it soon became clear that it provided benefits for a far wider population, including those experiencing the effects of trauma.
This is not a standalone or quick-fix intervention and is best used alongside other therapies to help them work more effectively and efficiently.
What are the benefits of SSP?
A great benefit of SSP is that effective delivery involves focusing on features and behaviours of the individual rather than with any particular diagnosis. Evidence about the benefits continues to grow and includes those relating to the following difficulties and challenges: social and emotional difficulties: auditory sensitivity and processing difficulties; general and work-related anxiety, challenges relating to the impact of trauma.
Read about the science behind the SSP
SSP with Dr Liz
I specialise in online delivering of SSP to those with complex trauma and chronic illness. Using my Sensitive Approach: Client at the Core™ , I provide carefully titrated SSP tailored for each individual so they can benefit from the best possible outcomes.
