What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a non-invasive, science-based listening therapy that helps rebalance your autonomic nervous system. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and based on polyvagal theory, the SSP uses specially filtered music to train your nervous system to better recognize ‘signals of safety.
When tension persists for months or years, your nervous system loses flexibility. Your system stays in fight/flight faster, or sinks into shutdown. SSP supports regulation, allowing your body to return more easily to rest, recovery and a sense of security.
How does it work?
The SSP uses algorithmically filtered music that emphasizes the frequencies of the human voice. These frequencies are recognized by our bodies as safe. By exposing yourself to these:
- Stimulate the vagus nerve and facial nerve through the ear
- Train the tiny muscles in your middle ear to filter out background noise
- Teaches your nervous system to distinguish again between safe and unsafe
- Can connect more easily and deeply with yourself and other people
The SSP consists of 5 hours of filtered music that you can listen to comfortably at home through over-ear headphones. You listen at your own pace, in sessions of 1-20 minutes (sometimes you also start with a few seconds, that's called we call microdosing), spread over several weeks. You get 12 months of access to the full program (Connect, Core and Balance) via the Unyte app, with our remote guidance.
Find out which SSP program is right for you
The SSP can help you with a variety of challenges. Click on the topic that best fits your situation to discover more.
🧩 SSP & Autism
Find out how the SSP can help with sensory overstimulation, social engagement and emotion regulation in autism.
Read more →😴 SSP & Sleep problems
Learn how the SSP can improve your sleep pattern by calming your nervous system and preparing your body for rest.
Read more →🩺 SSP & Psychosomatic complaints
Understand the connection between your nervous system and physical symptoms and how the SSP can help reduce them.
Read more →👨👩👧 SSP for parents with children
Discover how the SSP can help children with behavioral problems, anxiety and emotional regulation - comfortably at home.
Read more →💙 SSP & Emotion Regulation
Learn how the SSP helps you manage your emotions better and stop being overwhelmed by feelings.
Read more →🔥 SSP & Burnout
Recovery from burnout by resetting your nervous system and rebalancing your body.
Read more →🌊 SSP & Anxiety and agitation
Reduce anxiety and inner turmoil by helping your nervous system recognize signals of safety.
Read more →🛡️ SSP & Trauma
Discover how the SSP helps your body come out of survival mode after traumatic experiences.
Read more →👂 SSP & Other Circumstances
Improve how you interact with other people, increase your functioning and reduce other symptoms.
Read more →Why choose our SSP program?
With more than 15 years of clinical experience, we know exactly how to achieve the best results with the Safe and Sound Protocol
15+ years of clinical experience
From our years of practical experience in mental health care, we know exactly how the SSP works and how to optimally incorporate it into your daily life and treatment.
Read more about us →1000+ satisfied clients
We have already guided more than 1,000 clients successfully at a distance. Their experiences and results give us valuable insights that we share directly with you.
Read experiences →Custom microdosing
Every nervous system is different. We offer microdosing as needed and always customize your listening plan based on your unique reactions and needs.
How it works →Personal guidance
You will receive detailed listening plans and instructions fully tailored to your situation. During the program, we will be there for you when you need us and make adjustments as needed.
Discover guidance →Expertise in online counseling
With our extensive experience with SSP remotely, we know exactly how to support you optimally, wherever you are. This ensures maximum results from the comfort of your own familiar surroundings.
More about our approach →Scientifically based
We combine the scientific basis of Dr. Stephen Porges’ polyvagal theory with our practical experience for a proven effective approach.
Read about the theory →1000+ Satisfied Clients
Read more about others' experiences with the SSP
We always go for the best result. Meanwhile, we have more than 1,000 clients successfully guided remotely in their journey to a regulated nervous system. The insights we gained from their recovery processes gained, we use daily to refine our guidance.
Privacy & Security First
The privacy and safety of our clients is our top priority. The experiences below have been shared with permission. To maintain privacy and comply with legislation, the names (except those of therapists William and Shahera) have been anonymized and changed to random names.
Why clients choose our counseling services
Clients come to us with a variety of challenges: from burnout and Long Covid to trauma and sensory overstimulation. Below you can read how they experienced the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and the Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) have experienced.
Tranquility, Calmness & Self-Regulation
Many clients report a profound shift in how they respond to the world.
“I noticed physical sensations and traumatic memories came up, but this has made me realize that I need to take rest. I now have less restlessness and a gnawing sense of insecurity. The realization that it is literally in my body was an eye opener.”
“I really notice a difference. I am calmer and sense stimuli much better. I now notice when I'm tired, something I used to ignore.”
“I used to suffer from social anxiety, sweaty hands and heat attacks in groups. Suddenly I noticed that this was much less. My friend called me ‘another Sophie.’ A burden fell off my shoulders.”
“I often fall asleep while listening to Core, but I wake up with a relaxation I've never felt before. My body feels its own again.”
“I feel much more present and calm. It gives me space to make inner decisions before I react to anything.”
Sleep & Energy Recovery
A restored nervous system often means a dramatic improvement in sleep and energy levels.
“I am calmer and sleep better. My blood sugar has even improved after 6 months of SSP and RRP.”
“I sleep super well (really MEGA happy about it) and my energy levels are better. I am recovering from burnout and can exercise again.”
“The support is unexpectedly good. I'm very emotional during periods, but that's part of it. I continue motivated.”
“Small steps worked well. After just a few days I was calmer and persistent digestive problems improved noticeably.”
“I come from far away. Meditation didn't help, but by shifting my attention to hearing, I regain control of my life.”
Children & Family Dynamics
The protocol affects not only the individual, but often the entire family.
“After three hours of listening, he wets the bed less and is much more attentive. He now knows where he leaves his things, something that was impossible before. He is softer and calmer.”
“Within 2 weeks he was daring new things on the playground. After 4 weeks, he was a different child: he plays, climbs and asks for hugs. Even my husband, who was skeptical, is now a ‘believer’.”
“Family life has not been this peaceful in 10 years. My husband is much more relaxed and our son is cooperative and loving. He says every day now that he loves us.”
“The teacher saw that Leo entered the classroom without tension. His self-confidence grew and his motor skills became smoother.”
Deep Healing & Trauma
For clients with complex trauma (CPTSD) or deep dysregulation, the protocols offer a safe way in.
“What I'm also already noticing is that my awareness is changing. I am more aware of myself. My patterns, strategies, thoughts, etc. That's also a little tiring, but I'm able to sustain it well.”
“I experience more 3D and 4D experience; colors are more vivid. It feels like all my senses are getting ‘juice’ again.”
“Everyone with ME/CFS should know about this. It's a gamechanger. I'm not just lying flat anymore, I can do small exercises again.”
“During a retreat, the floodgates opened completely. I finally felt connected to the group instead of disconnected. RRP led me to a soft, deep inner space.”
“As a Zen practitioner, I find that SSP helps me achieve a calmer state in the midst of chronic Lyme symptoms. I feel more space between a trigger and my response.”
“Emotions flow through it without major disruption afterwards. I feel like I would be a different person if I complete the full five hours.”
Feedback about our guidance
We are here to guide you through the tough moments.
“Thank you for your understanding and extended emails, William. It does me a lot. The dorsal tips were super helpful.”
“I am grateful that I found you and that SSP is now financially feasible. The polyvagal theory is key for me.”
“The contact with you guys is always easy and fun. I really feel supported in this process.”
“Thank you for your support and help. After 4 years of not being able to work, picking up a job again feels like a huge victory.”
