The Safe and Sound Protocol

The Safe and Sound Protocol was created by Dr Stephen Porges, the founder of Polyvagal Theory. Polyvagal theory highlights the role of the vagus nerve in detecting cues of safety in the environment. An under-functioning vagus nerve can leave us stuck in fight/fight/freeze, as well as affecting sleep, digestion, sensory processing, attention, and much more. The SSP was created as a therapeutic tool to assist with nervous system regulation, by way of stimulating the vagus nerve. 

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Using filtered and coded music, SSP activates the vagus nerve, thus increasing feelings of safety within the body. The program consists of 5 hours of listening, with multiple playlists to choose from. This program is typically delivered on a schedule of 5-30 minutes per session, depending on tolerance. The role of the therapist during these listening sessions is to co-regulate with the client, as well as track the client's autonomic nervous system through subtle shifts in breath, posture, and gaze.