Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)
What is Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)?
Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is a 5-hour sound-based (auditory) intervention that calms the physiological and emotional states of your nervous system. Listening to SSP music in headphones helps stimulate the vagus nerve and middle ear area to bring the nervous system back to its neutral, calm state. When our brain interprets a situation as threatening, our nervous system moves into a defense state of fight, flight or freeze. It is common the nervous systems remain in a chronic state of defense, influencing our behaviour. Hyperaroused nervous systems affect the way we feel, think and connect with others. Remaining in a state of hyperarousal can have a large impact on our health and how we perceive the world. SSP is designed to reduce stress, auditory sensitivity, increase emotional regulation, social engagement and resilience.
By helping to access this calm and grounded state, the SSP promotes a neural platform for health, growth and restoration in patients experiencing the following challenges:
- Anxiety
- Inattention and Focus
- Auditory sensitivities
- Behavioral Regulation and Resilience
- Physical Coordination and Balance
- Reading and Auditory Processing
- Sleep
- Speech and Language
- Social and emotional difficulties
- Trauma and PTSD
- Stressors that impact social engagement
- And many more
How is SSP delivered?
The SSP music is delivered in an app on your phone or iPad tablet. Music is listened to in ear-covering headphones. Parents must complete the program before supporting their children. This creates co-regulation and harmony within the home. After completing this program, families have reported being able to communicate more effectively, feel less defensive, and be proactive in their interactions.
Where can SSP be delivered?
It is essential to have a quiet and calm space for listening without distractions or interruptions. It is recommended to keep your hands busy with easy tasks. For adults, folding laundry or washing dishes is sometimes helpful. Children can colour, doodle, or play with playdough/sand/clay. It is NOT recommended to engage in any task that takes concentration. Therefore, if you or your child seek perfection in activities, choose something simple, like building blocks.
This program can be administered at home or in the clinic. The SSP-certified Therapist will decide on the proper delivery of the system for individuals.
OPTION 1#: Delivering SSP At Home
SSP may be delivered at home after the initial 1.5-hour in-clinic session. The initial session will cover the SSP process, delivery strategy and program setup. You will receive instructions and information to ensure the proper delivery of the program. Clients must be able to complete a minimum of 30 minutes of SSP in the clinic before taking it home.
Once Home:
The Parent or Guardian will choose a time and quiet place to listen to the SSP music. Once the three pieces of SSP music (Core, Balance and Connect) are completed (5 hours), the parent or guardian can support the child(ren) through the same process. Having only one child complete the program at a time is preferable.
COST: $595 for 30 days of access to SSP. The client will be charged once listening has begun. Can be charged in 5 increments of $119.00 *in-clinic assessment fees are separate.
*Additional access time can be added to sustain gains by re-listening to SSP Connect and SSP Balance at home for $50/month.
OPTION 2#: At the Clinic
The SSP-certified psychotherapist (Julie) will support the client through SSP at the clinic. One-hour sessions will be booked over the five weeks to support the client through the SSP process. Talk therapy is essential to guide the client into the program, feel comfortable before listening, and debrief after listening. Clients’ listening capability may vary depending on the regulation of their nervous system. Multiple sessions should be booked in advance to ensure availability.
COST: $160.00 per session (total cost depends on client listening capability and amount of sessions required to complete the SSP).
All SSP music has been acoustically modified based on a specific algorithm that triggers physiological states of safety and trust. Calming the physiological state helps to promote social engagement and self-regulation and further therapy is enhanced or even accelerated.
Listeners have three music choices:
1) SSP Classical Flow
An accessible, trauma-sensitive program of full spectrum classical music. SSP Connect Classical Flow includes non-vocal, classical music tracks thoughtfully selected and sequenced to mirror human voice. These include symphonies, concerto, serenades, waltzes, and sonata, using primarily Mozart, for its inherent flow and ease.
2) SSP "Easy Listening" Adult
Sample songs on the "Easy Listening Track" are:
I can see clearly now: Jimmy Cliff
Midnight train to Georgia: Gladys Knight & the Pips
Ain't no mountain high enough: Diana Ross
3) SSP Child "Disney" Track Playlist
Sample songs on the Child "Disney" Track are:
You can fly!: Peter Pan
How far I'll go: Moana
Life's a happy song: The Muppets
*You will require a set of Bluetooth (over the ear) headphones prior to booking your initial session so you can bring them to the clinic or you can use ours for the initial session and ensure you have your own to use at home. *No ear buds or on-ear headphones are approved for usage and should be avoided*
Limited spots are available, email Julie to book your initial session if you are already a client of the clinic - otherwise email the clinic to get started!
