Safe and Sound Protocol for Children, Teens and Adults

Learn more about the Safe and Sound Protocol in The Science of Feeling Safe with Polyvagal Therapy, an interview with Stephen Porges on the Jim Donovon Show
The nervous system influences our thoughts and feelings.  Read Positive Thinking Starts with the Body by Afshan Tafler

What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a non-invasive and researched intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges (author of The Polyvagal Theory) and colleagues.  The SSP is a five-day intervention designed to address a number of common symptoms experienced by children and adults.  The SSP stimulates nervous system regulation and can help with difficulties such as anxiety, irritability, anger, social interaction, and auditory sensitivity.  It has also been shown to increase the effectiveness of therapy and potentially decrease the length of time needed in therapy to provide the desired results. 

This non-invasive intervention involves listening to female vocal music that has been specifically filtered so that the middle ear muscles are trained and exercised to focus on the frequency range of the human voice.  This stimulates nervous system regulation by exercising and systematically challenging the auditory system.  The music chosen is able to retune or regulate the nervous system to introduce a sense of safety and the ability to socially engage.  This allows the client to better interpret not only human speech, but also, importantly, the emotional meaning of language. 

Our emotional and physiological states are critical to how we approach our daily lives.  If you often feel that you or your child are experiencing a heightened state of arousal, usually referred to as fight or flight, the SSP can help regulate your nervous system to allow for a calmer state of being.  On the other hand, if you often notice that you or your child shuts down when stressed out, often called the freeze effect, the SSP can help move you from that shut down state to a place where you or your child can socially engage. 

Who Might Benefit from the SSP?

Stephen Porges first began using the SSP with children with autism, resulting in sometimes remarkable changes.  Now we know that SSP can also benefit individuals with:
  • Auditory sensitivity
  • Chronic anxiety
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Social anxiety
  • Separation anxiety
  • Behavioral acting out
  • Anger
  • Learning problems
  • Sleep problems (due to worry and ruminating)
  • Self-medicating behaviors (alcohol or drug use, gambling addiction, etc.)

Caveats for the Use of the SSP

As Stephen Porges has described, the SSP is a “potent” intervention. Many people experience stronger emotions for a short time as their defense mechanisms lower.  There are some indications that SSP is not an appropriate intervention if the following is occurring:
  • Living in a home or work situation that is not currently safe
  • Current life upheaval
  • Trauma that has never been addressed in therapy
  • History of disassociation
  • Ongoing substance abuse
  • Current self-harm
**Note: If you have questions about whether SSP would be helpful for you, please contact us to set up an initial assessment where we can get enough information to provide an appropriate recommendation.

What Will Our SSP Experience Look Like?  Do I Really Have to Come 5 Days in a Row?

While the initial research on the effectiveness of  the SSP has been shown to be effective during sessions, 1 hour a day for 5 consecutive days, current research has shown that there are many other schedules for the SSP to be an effective intervention.  You will receive an assessment with a trained clinician who will collaborate with you on the best possible treatment schedule for you or your child.  Some of these schedules may look like:
  • 5 days in a row for 1-hour sessions either in the office or at home
  • 10 days in a row for ½ hour sessions either in the office or at home
  • A combination of different lengths of sessions over a 2-3 week period either at home or in the office
  • For our current clients, we can add an additional session in the office for the SSP each week for ½ or 1 hour sessions
**Note: During the initial assessment you will discuss the schedule most appropriate for you or your child.  We require that the initial assessment and initial listening session be done in the office or during a teletherapy session to ensure we can provide the necessary tools and instruction should you or your child have any discomfort while participating.

What Will this Program Cost?

The program costs differ depending on the amount of direct time you will have with your clinician.  If it is advised that you or your child participate in sessions with a trained clinician present at each of the sessions, the cost will be higher than if at home use is appropriate.  The fee schedule is outlined below.
  • Assessment, Listening Sessions (5 1-hour sessions or 10 ½-hour sessions, and includes Classical, Connect, and CORE), and Follow-up in office/by telehealth
    $339
  • Assessment, 1st Listening Session (includes Classical, Connect, and CORE) in office/by telehealth, At-Home Listening Sessions, and Follow-up
    ​$239 
  • Balance Booster Session (Pre-requisite: You have completed the SSP through Arvada Therapy Solutions, PLLC within the previous 6 months) This includes an assessment of your previous experience, At-Home Listening Sessions of Balance with a phone check  in and Follow-up                                                                                                                                              $49 (3 month access)
  • Full CORE Booster Session (Pre-requisite: You have completed the SSP through Arvada Therapy Solutions, PLLC within the previous 12 months)                                                            $129 At-Home Listening                                                                                                                              $319 In Office Sessions           
**Note: Insurance will not cover the cost of the SSP program.  If you are a current Medicaid or Crime Victim Compensation client, please contact us via email or phone to discuss reduced fee options.