SSP

Safe and Sound Protocol

Now offering the Safe and Sound Protocol. The SSP is a non-invasive vagal nerve stimulator designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity.

A young woman is outside at sunset, wearing headphones and a beanie, with her eyes closed and a peaceful expression.
Black over-ear wireless headphones on a white desk with a white keyboard and a white mouse.

Safe and Sound Protocol: A listening therapy designed to support your nervous system

What is the SSP?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music.

As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to retune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience.

The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider in person or remotely. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.

Your Questions, Answered

  • The Vagus nerve is one of the most important nerves in the body and a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the body’s “rest and digest” system.

    It runs from the brainstem down through the face, throat, heart, lungs, and digestive organs. This nerve plays a central role in regulating:

    • Heart rate

    • Breathing

    • Digestion

    • Emotional regulation

    • Social engagement and facial expression

    • The body’s stress response

    When the vagus nerve is functioning well, the body can shift more easily between states of activation and calm. However, trauma, chronic stress, or early attachment wounds can disrupt this regulation.

    The Safe and Sound Protocol supports the vagus nerve by stimulating the muscles and nerves involved in listening and social engagement. Over time, this can help the nervous system learn that it is safe to relax and connect.

  • Polyvagal Theory: the Science of Feeling Safe

    Developed by world-renowned researcher and Unyte’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system, and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life-threat can impact our behavior.

    Understanding Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework that can be applied through physiological, or “bottom-up” therapies, to help change and improve how we feel, think and connect with others.

    Watch this video to learn more: https://vimeo.com/unyte/ssp

  • People often pursue SSP therapy for support with:

    • Trauma and post-traumatic stress

    • Anxiety and chronic stress

    • Emotional regulation difficulties

    • Sensory sensitivities

    • Social engagement challenges

    • Attachment or relational trauma

    • ADHD-related regulation challenges

    Because the protocol works directly with the nervous system, many people experience improvements in their ability to feel calm, connected, and present in their daily lives.

    Learn More About the SSP Here

  • Yes — when provided by a properly trained and trauma-informed clinician.

    At Flourish Counseling & Wellness:

    • We prioritize stabilization before trauma processing

    • Sessions move at a pace that feels manageable

    • You are always in control of the process

    • Listening session are titrated based on how your body responds

    You will never be forced to move forward with anything in treatment before you feel ready.

  • The Safe and Sound Protocol is a therapeutic listening program that uses specially filtered music delivered through headphones. The music is designed to stimulate parts of the nervous system involved in safety, communication, and emotional regulation.

    SSP works by targeting the neural pathways connected to the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in how our bodies respond to stress and connection.

    During SSP, clients listen to the music in structured sessions while supported by a trained therapist. The listening process helps the nervous system become more flexible, making it easier to shift out of survival states like fight, flight, or shutdown.

    Here is the process we will walk through to get you started:

    1. Initial consultation call to ensure the right fit

    2. Intake Appointment with screening for any contraindications

    3. Initial listening in-session with provider

    4. Collaboratively develop a listening plan that may include a mix of in-session and at-home listening

    5. Your provider will check in with you regularly during listening sessions and be available for any questions throughout your treatment

    Client often report feeling grounded, safe and supported after listening; at times, some people may feel energized while others get tired. Each body is unique!

  • Our team at Flourish Counseling & Wellness provides compassionate, affirming, evidence-based care. We are LGBTQIA+ affirming and deeply committed to trauma-informed practice.

    If you’re looking for:

    • Safe and Sound Protocol in Fort Collins

    • Complex PTSD treatment in Northern Colorado

    • Trauma-informed therapy

    • Attachment-focused trauma care

    Healing from trauma is possible. Your nervous system can learn safety again. And painful memories do not have to control your present.

  • If you’re curious whether the SSP is right for you — whether you’re struggling with hypervigilance from trauma or hyperarousal related to neurodivergence — we’re here to help.

    Reach out to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward trauma healing.

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