Unlock Your Potential with The safe and sound protocol (SSP)

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a powerful listening therapy that consists of specially filtered music that sends cues of safety to your nervous system, ultimately retuning it and allowing for more access to regulation and wellness.

A Regulated Nervous System is the Key to Well-being

Subconsciously, your nervous system is always looking for cues of safety from other people through things like body language, facial expression or tone of voice.

When we feel safe, we are able to connect socially with others, maintain greater access to our higher brain functions and have more balanced, efficient and healthy bodily systems. We can feel more calm, connected and resilient to life's challenges.

Sometimes, if we live with a chronic illness/injury, if we have sensory, learning or developmental difference or if we have had past experiences that have left us feeling unsafe, the nervous system has more difficultly interpreting signs of safety.

The SSP may be helpful in reducing symptoms and supporting overall health and resiliency for people seeking support for: 

• Mental health (including stress, anxiety and mood; dissociation; fears/phobias; trauma)
• Neurodevelopmental differences, such as autism, hyperactivity and attention (also supports executive functions such as problem solving, memory, impulsivity, abstract thinking, organization and planning, memory and planning)
• Learning difficulties
• Ongoing physical difficulties such as sleep, body awareness, gastro functioning, fatigue and chronic pain/illness
• Social Engagement - spontaneous speech, listening skills, behavioural organization, receptive language, social communication, social awareness, affection, connecting with others, facial expressions, vocal prosody
• Emotional Regulation
• Sensory processing differences (including hearing, visual and tactile sensitivities; selective eating; digestion; physical movement)
• Individuals with a highly demanding and stressful lifestyle or career

Your Role

As the listener, all that is required of you during a session is to simply listen to the music and to let your provider know of feelings or sensations, whether emotional or physical, that may arise.

Your provider may also have you engage in light activity during your listening sessions, such as stretches, breathing exercises, or drawing. Be sure to stay in close communication with your provider, so they can adjust your listening plan to suit your needs.

Provider’s Role

Your certified provider will be your guide along your SSP journey. They are trained to make sure that you are ready even before you start listening to the music, and will recommend an individualized listening plan for you. They will provide education, answer all your questions and prepare you for all that you may experience once you begin.

During the listening, they will monitor your progress and make sure you are not completing the program too quickly or too slowly. They will support and work with you to find the right pace and conditions for the optimal listening experience for you.

If you are a parent or caregiver, you may be the primary listening partner for your child. Follow your provider’s instructions for what activities to do and how to guide your child.

Initial intake session (75 minutes) and access to the Safe and Sound Protocol for 3 months - 300

 Session includes psychoeducation on the polyvagal theory and the SSP protocol, as well as nervous system mapping. Supported listening for 5 to 10 minutes, after which, Rebecca will provide recommendations for a listening plan and program delivery (independent listening versus supported listening)

Independent Listening 

Initial 75 minute session as described above - 

30-60 minute check in after hour 3

30-60 minute check in after completion of protocol. This includes planning for next steps

SSP works best when it is experienced with an attuned and supportive practitioner allowing for co-regulation and ultimately a greater sense of safety.

Supported Listening is for listeners, who would benefit from co-regulatory support during the listening.

Initial 75 minute session as described above

Listening sessions are booked for 30 - 60 minutes depending on the plan you create collaboratively with Rebecca. 

Session Prices are 165/hour

Access to the SSP Balance Program: $50/month

This option is ideal for people, who have completed the core program. Listening to this program extends the benefits of the SSP Core and can be a helpful as an ongoing tool to cope with stress and increase productivity.

Repeat SSP Core users, who do not require the psychoeducation component and/or ongoing support: $125 for 3 months of SSP access. 

Mental Health clinicians, who have a sound theoretical knowledge of polyvagal theory and are well versed in recognizing each of their autonomic states: $180 for 3 months of SSP access, set up, 5 minutes of supported listening and ongoing email support. A virtual session is recommended after the completion of hour 3, as well as at after the completion of the protocol.

What does the music sound like?

The SSP uses music that you may already be familiar with. The music is filtered through an algorithm that enhances intonation changes within the frequency range of the human voice, training the auditory processing system to attune to cues of safety.

A classical playlist is also available as a non-vocal, trauma-sensitive and accessible alternative that maintains the essential elements and original algorithms of the SSP.

Can I do the SSP by myself without a provider?

The SSP is a powerful therapeutic intervention and is not available for use without the supervision of a trained professional (e.g. therapist, licensed social worker, mental health practitioner, clinician, educator, etc.). Your provider may, however, suggest some independent listening as part of your SSP experience. All SSP providers are required to complete an extensive training and certification course prior to delivering the SSP to ensure safe and effective delivery.

What does a listening session look like? 

Listening sessions include a combination of client education, regulating activities and listening to the SSP. 

What can I do while listening?

Consult your SSP provider for guidance on what activities are most supportive of your listening experience. In most cases, light movement, breathing exercises, and drawing, colouring or puzzle activities are recommended. High-intensity exercise, cognitively demanding tasks, and video gaming or computer work is not recommended. 

What if I am hard of hearing or wear hearing aids?

The SSP protocol is still accessible for individuals with various hearing aids. Please consult with me and we can discuss options

Still have questions? No problem. Reach out to our team to chat with Rebecca directly or book your first session today!