Safe and Sound Protocol
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a non-invasive auditory intervention that leverages Dr. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory to help the nervous system feel safe, regulated, and ready to engage in positive social connection. Think of it as a gentle workout for your vagus nerve—one that tunes your body and brain to a state of calm, resilience, and optimal functioning.
Clinical research has shown the SSP to be especially effective with children on the Autism Spectrum, improving auditory sensitivities, emotional regulation, and behavioral organization. Beyond that, the SSP has also supported people of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, inattention, auditory processing, physical coordination, sleep, speech and language, trauma, PTSD, and other challenges.
Developed from decades of research, the SSP is designed to complement existing treatments, such as therapy or medication, rather than replace them. In my practice, I combine the SSP with Somatic Experiencing® and/or Transforming Touch® to deepen regulation and integration.
As both a parent of a child with autism and a certified SSP provider, I have seen firsthand the profound and lasting effects this approach can have—helping clients release chronic stress, integrate unprocessed primitive reflexes, improve cognitive and emotional function, and restore balance to body systems like breathing and digestion.
Sessions are available in person or remotely for both youth and adults, making this approach accessible wherever you are.
To learn more about the SSP and Polyvagal Theory, check out the following helpful links:
https://integratedlistening.com/polyvagal-theory/
https://integratedlistening.com/products/ssp-safe-sound-protocol/
“SSP has made a big difference in every aspect of my daughter’s life. She is more focused, calm and aware of her feelings. I have seen a change in my daughter’s ability to manage her emotions and bounce back from her meltdowns right after the first session. My daughter has been struggling with sleep and night terrors. After the treatment, she sleeps and eats better. Her appetite improved so much that she now asks me to pack her a bigger lunch for school. She still wakes up once in a while but now has the ability to go right back to sleep. She is better at communicating her feelings with great details and is more confident. Prior to the treatment, she had trouble wearing certain clothing, and now is less bothered by textures and sounds. The treatment has made a big difference in her energy level and endurance as well. She is happy to finish her homework and practice piano after school. Bianca is highly professional and understands that feeling safe is the integral part of the treatment. She takes the time to get to know you and provides a safe space to maximize the benefits of the treatment.”