Research and case studies on the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)


Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a therapy that uses specially edited music to help relax the nervous system and improve social interaction. It is based on the polyvagal theory, which explains how our nervous system responds to stress and security.

Research on the SSP shows that it can be especially useful for people with stress-related problems. Such as anxiety, trauma, and problems with social interactions. People who have followed the SSP often report that they feel calmer and safer. And that they can handle social situations better.

It works like this: listening to the edited music stimulates the part of the nervous system responsible for relaxation and social interaction. This helps you feel more relaxed and safe. And to deal better with others and your environment (neuroception).

Over the past 30 years, thousands of scientific publications have been published and countless studies and case studies have been published on the functioning of the Safe and Sound Protocol and the underlying  Polyvagal theory.  Below you will find a number of studies and case studies to give you a better idea of the research into the SSP. 


Photo child research into FND and SSP from Unyte-Nederland

Functional Neurological Disorder and the Safe and Sound Protocol in a ten year old child

Neuromodulation using digitally filtered and edited music to treat a ten-year-old child unresponsive to standard interventions for Functional Neurological Disorder.

Photo child research into Autism and SSP from Unyte-Nederland

Social improvements of a child with autism spectrum disorder after Safe and Sound Protocol

The ability to regulate emotions is fundamental to healthy development and functioning in a variety of domains, including social engagement.

Photo child research listening project and SSP from Unyte-Nederland

The listening project: tuning into change with the Safe and Sound Protocol

A research project funded by the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) is being conducted at AKF Australian facilities to evaluate the effectiveness of the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) in children with a history of trauma.

Photo child research overstimulation autism and SSP from Unyte-Nederland

Reducing hypersensitivity in Autism through the Safe and Sound Protocol

Reducing hypersensitivity in autistic spectrum disorder: preliminary findings evaluating the listening project protocol (precursor SSP).

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Low HRV and the Polyvagal Theory 

Read Cattaneo et al.'s (2021) research publication discussing polyvagal theory and the neurovisceral integration model to better understand how heart rate variability (HRV) relates to emotional dysregulation, cognitive performance, and psychopathological conditions.


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Real world evidence

Explore Unyte's real-world data on the Safe and Sound Protocol.

Data is collected through standardized third-party assessments.

And provides insight into the effectiveness and positive impact of the Safe and Sound Protocol on anxiety, depression, trauma and psychosocial challenges.

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Regulate emotions, just like her peers

The Safe and Sound Protocol helps 9-year-old Holly, who has experienced trauma all her life, better regulate her emotions at school.

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Safe and Sound Protocol as a treatment for long Covid

Woman with symptoms of long-term COVID finds ease and better regulation of the nervous system with the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP).

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Improved social connections after the Safe and Sound Protocol in clients with Autism

Mother is happy with the results after the SSP and says she now has a better connection than she has ever experienced with her daughter.

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Safe and Sound Protocol helps Generation Z clients find more fun and motivation

Case study:  Bob, 22, said he felt less depressed, anxious and had fewer intrusive thoughts after taking the SSP Core, adding: “I can enjoy life and experience calmness again.”

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Combination of the Safe and Sound Protocol and the Focus system benefits children with developmental problems

Case study: Max had problems and delays in several areas of development compared to peers. After the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and Focus System, Max's grandparents were amazed to see such a different version of him.

SSP helps families find solutions together

The Safe and Sound Protocol supports families to find solutions together

Case study: Ola is a medical provider. She is healthy, lives near the forest and works various shifts. However, she is often suddenly called to work, where she encounters human suffering every day.  More peace with the mother led to more security in the relationship,” she added. “Change in one family member causes change in the entire family.”


Read how the SSP is helping our clients

They are happy to share these experiences with you to give you a better understanding of the SSP. And what it can do for you.

I am also managing to cautiously exercise/sports a little more again.

I benefited greatly from Core especially during the first week. I could work much longer without getting tired. After the first week I didn't notice a big difference, but now that I look back at the past few weeks I can see how activities that were relatively strenuous for me have now gone on without too many complaints. In the meantime I have been able to attend two busy birthdays and during the May holidays I went away for six days including a flight.

Yes it is going well. I really notice a difference.

Other than that, I am calmer. I feel stimuli much better and whether I'm tired or maybe feeling down.

So overall I say successful!

I'm very glad I discovered it!

I knew so YouTube healing frequencies... But this is of a completely different order. I always felt it immediately in my throat, jaw and facial muscles. There was such a feeling of relaxation. The same in my belly and chest. And there is a warm feeling, my nervous system is more regulated. And somehow I'm also more communicative.

Furthermore, I have less restlessness now

I often had such a gnawing sense of insecurity, the feeling that something terrible could happen at any moment. That has become less. I also have less tension with driving.

It makes me feel peaceful

Recovery thereafter is smoother.

I feel somehow supported by the program and that's nice.

It helps me process

I am now 10 days into the SSP and I am experiencing that one of my underlying fears, which I thought was not currently in play, is suddenly surfacing in everyday life. In the last days also that when I listen to the music, I get sad about this and those emotions come up. 

I feel calmer

It also did my daughter good. But there is still potential, she still has fears.

Very special and fine!

By now I have listened to Freely twice, my husband is about to start his second time.

Especially after the first time, I noticed a difference, it felt like coming home to myself.

My husband initially said he didn't notice anything about it, but I did notice it in him. He was much more relaxed and less easily irritated; it really made a big difference.

Great!

The first few times I felt a little restless and somehow more energetic than usual, but that has subsided.

In general, I feel much more present on one side and calm/quiet on the other.

A good state that gives me more ability to regulate myself and make inner decisions before reacting to anything.

First of all I want to say thank you for the opportunity to use the Safe and Sound protocol.

I noticed to my delight that this is more powerful than expected. It made me positive but also in respect to it. I started with one minute as recommended and I felt clearly activation of the nervous system, especially the second day. I tend to be in dorsal shutdown most of the time so I guess it's a good thing to get more activated. 

I do feel some positive effects too. Less dissociative, more clear minded, energetic and have easier to take action. 

I continue to be amazed by the difference I feel after doing the Safe and Sound Protocol

I continue to be amazed by the difference I feel after doing the Safe and Sound Protocol. I have had more energy and motivation. It feels easier to do household chores, I no longer need to force myself to do it. I have no more anxiety when I'm under pressure. I feel more patient and calm. I don't have to act calm when something frustrating is happening, because I actually feel calm. The anhedonia I had been struggling with in varying levels for the past 10 years is nearly completely gone. 

It made me much more alert

Sometimes I had the impression that my mood was suddenly a lot better. I noticed smaller details in my environment (plants, sounds, smells) much more intensely and had something akin to a "childlike" curiosity. Social interaction with others also seemed to improve. I was much more relaxed in all situations and could think clearly without becoming stressed.

Listening does me a lot of good


I notice that I am more at ease with others and relaxed 🙂 .  


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