What do Connect, Core, and Balance mean?
When you open SSP in the app, you'll see a list of different programs. Here, you can read exactly what each program does and in what order to use them.
The SSP consists of three programs: Connect, Core, and Balance. All three use the same underlying algorithm, but each has its own specific role. A lot of confusion arises because people don’t know where to start, or accidentally get stuck in the wrong program. That’s why we’ll walk through them step by step below.
Connect
Connect is unfiltered music—basically, just regular music. It’s meant to give you a taste of which music styles you like, not for listening to for long periods of time. A few minutes per style is enough. Once you’ve found your favorite, listen to that style in Core. Tip: Don’t linger in Connect any longer than necessary; the real action happens in Core.
Do you have the time and patience? If so, it’s always a good idea to listen to your favorite music genre thoroughly in Connect first before moving on to Core. You don’t have to stick to a specific listening schedule; you can simply listen for 20 to 30 minutes a day at your own pace.
Core
Core is the filtered, dynamic core of the SSP. This is where the actual training takes place, according to your personal listening schedule. Because Core is dynamic, you always listen from start to finish—you pick up where you left off; you don’t start over every time. Most people don’t notice anything clearly until the third hour, so don’t jump to conclusions too soon.
Balance
Balance is a gentler, non-dynamic version of Core. It’s great as a break between Core sessions, or to gradually get used to the filtered music. A common way to describe it is: Core shakes things up, while Balance brings things back into balance.
In what order do you use them?
The usual route looks like this:
- Start with Connect To briefly select your music style.
- Go to Core and follow your personal listening schedule, building up gradually.
- Usage Balance as a break between Core rounds, or after the first round of Core.
- Repeat Core — Many people do that several times throughout the year.
An important exception
Are you very sensitive to light or sound, do you have more severe symptoms, or have you had Long COVID, for example? In that case, after Connect, we’ll start with Balance first, because it’s gentler and non-dynamic. This way, you can gradually get used to the filtered music before you start Core. We prefer not to start with Balance just for the sake of it, because that can sometimes actually be disruptive. We’ll determine what works best for you based on the intake session.
Why You Get Twelve Months of Access
The SSP isn’t a program you go through once and then finish. It’s precisely the repetition that deepens the effect, because with each round, your nervous system can further integrate what it has learned—this has to do with neuroplasticity. That’s why you get twelve months of access. A common approach is to repeat Core several times and listen to Balance in between as a break.
Wondering which approach and listening schedule are best for you?
Take the free nervous system checkWhich music genre will you choose?
A frequently asked question: Does it matter which music genre you choose? Not in terms of how it works—the algorithm is the same for all genres and at all stages. There are currently eight playlists, featuring both vocal and instrumental music, so there’s something to suit just about everyone’s taste. So feel free to choose the style that feels calm and pleasant to you:
Feel free to switch playlists as you work your way through the SSP; the filtering is the same for all styles within each phase. So choose whatever brings you the most peace and joy—that helps your nervous system feel safe while you’re listening.
What you might notice while listening
Many people experience a sense of calm and security within the first few hours of Core. So Core doesn’t "just make you tense"—often, it’s actually the opposite. Reactions that may be part of the process include:
- Heavy eyelids or falling asleep (which is why we recommend listening while seated)
- A heart that beats a little faster
- A slight "crackling" in your ears — the SSP really has a physical effect on your ears
- More vivid dreams, which may be a sign of processing
Is it not always easy to listen?
Make it a pleasant moment. Think of it as some time for yourself: light a candle, pour yourself a nice cup of tea, and grab a book. And remember: even if you only listen to Core for five minutes a day, it still works. It doesn’t have to be anything big; it just has to happen.
Short Questions, Short Answers
What is the difference between Connect, Core, and Balance?
Connect offers unfiltered music so you can choose your favorite music style. Core is the filtered, dynamic core of the program, which you listen to according to a personalized schedule. Balance is a gentler, non-dynamic version of Core, perfect as a break between Core sessions or to get used to the filtered music.
Which phase should I start with?
Usually, you start with Connect to briefly select your music style, and then move on to Core based on your listening schedule. In cases of more severe symptoms, high sensitivity, or, for example, after Long COVID, we start with Balance after Connect, because it’s gentler. We prefer not to start with Balance right away, as it can sometimes be disruptive.
Do I have to listen to the entire Connect album?
No. Connect is only meant to give you a taste of which music styles you like; a few minutes per style is enough. You then listen to the style you’ve chosen in Core. Some people accidentally get stuck in Connect, when the real action happens in Core.
Can I repeat the SSP?
Yes, and we often recommend that. You have twelve months of access, so you can repeat Core multiple times, with Balance as a break in between. Repeating the program deepens its effect; this has to do with neuroplasticity.
What style of music should I choose?
That’s up to you, because the underlying algorithm is the same for all styles and in all phases. There are eight playlists: Original, Wonder, Classical Calm, Classical Flow, Groove, Groove Instrumental, Freely, and Visions, featuring both vocal and instrumental music. Feel free to choose whatever feels calm and pleasant to you; you can also switch between playlists as you go through the SSP.
Ready to get started with SSP?
Take your time to read on and learn how SSP works, or get started with a guided program featuring a customized plan.
The SSP is a guided listening program, not a medical treatment. We tailor your listening schedule and the order of the phases to your specific situation.
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