Safe and Sound Protocol 

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is an auditory intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. This therapy makes a great addition to traditional talk therapy, and can also be used as a stand-alone intervention.

The SSP is a five-day intervention designed to address a number of common symptoms. 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 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 shut down when stressed out, often called the freeze effect, the SSP can help move you from that shutdown state to a place where you 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 all 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.)

If you are not currently living or working in a safe environment, are currently using substances, or in crisis, SSP may not be right for you at this time. Give us a call to schedule an assessment today!

What Will this Program Cost?

The program costs differ depending on the amount of direct time you will have with your therapist. It is generally advised that you participate in sessions with a trained therapist present at each of the sessions, the cost will be higher than if at-home use is appropriate. The fee schedule is outlined below. SSP if offered by our advanced student therapists-they are each trained before beginning with Being Human Group to provide this service. SSP is not covered by insurance.

Note: Insurance will not cover the cost of the SSP program. Current clients may be eligible for discounted rates. SSP can be utilized as an adjunct to therapy or as a stand-alone treatment.

Existing clients can access SSP for $50 per month and incorporate into their weekly therapy.

All advanced student therapists at Being Human Group offer this service.