Listening therapy that helps children feel safe, calm and connected

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a simple and effective listening therapy that helps calm the nervous system and supports emotional regulation. It lays the groundwork for feeling more connected, aware, and resilient in everyday life. All you need to do is listen – there’s nothing else you have to actively do to get the benefits. SSP has already helped over 100,000 people of all ages in more than 70 countries. Many families even go through the listening experience together, supporting each other along the way.

Reduces anxiety, meltdowns and sensory overload

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a gentle listening programme that can be used on its own or alongside other therapies. By sending specially filtered music through the vagus nerve, it helps children, teens and adults move their nervous system from “on-edge” to calm, bringing them back into their natural window of tolerance.

If you or your child are dealing with mild anxiety, sensory overwhelm or emotional ups and downs – and you’d like help right now, even while waiting for longer-term therapy – SSP offers a quick, science-backed reset. Many families use it as an early step to help support therapeutic interventions or as a standalone intervention.

How it works

The music of the SSP has been specially filtered to highlight frequencies of sound that typically make us feel safe. These types of frequencies can be found in everyday sounds, such as: talking, laughter, musical instruments, water flowing, wind, leaves rustling.

Some people’s nervous systems have a harder time interpreting safety on their own. The SSP helps restore this ability by sending “cues of safety” directly to the nervous system, so you can feel more calm, engaged and balanced.

The autonomic nervous system regulates essential bodily functions. When we feel in danger, this system kicks in to protect us by engaging what are commonly known as the “fight/flight” or “freeze” responses. You may be able to identify when your autonomic nervous system is in a defensive state if you notice difficulties with:

  • Breathing
  • Digestion
  • Sleep
  • Mental clarity
  • Concentration
  • Social connection

Improved response to stress: better respond to difficult situations and move past them instead of reacting and getting “stuck” in them.

Ability to access higher learning and cognition: become attuned to and more in control of emotions, so you can move through temporary setbacks with more flexibility and ease.

More social connection and deeper relationships: by activating the part of the brain that allows us to be more social, affectionate and connected, the SSP can help shift you into a state where you are more comfortable and at ease engaging with others, leading to deeper and more meaningful relationships.

How SSP can support mental health and wellbeing

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) may be helpful in reducing symptoms and supporting overall health and resiliency for people seeking support for:

  • Trauma history
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Autism, hyperactivity and attention
  • Chronic pain
  • Chronic health conditions
  • Sensory and auditory processing and more

Backed by decades of research

The SSP’s effectiveness has been proven in a wide range of clinical studies, including clinical trials involving children and adults with autism. Real-world evidence has also shown significant improvements in the following areas after the SSP

0%
of clients with anxiety symptoms reported improvement post-SSP
0%
of clients with depression symptoms reported improvement post-SSP
0%
of clients with trauma-related symptoms reported improvement post-SSP
0%
of clients experiencing challenges with psychosocial functioning reported improvement post-SSP

What does the Safe and Sound Protocol intervention consist of?

  • Initial assessment: an assessment session with the parents/carers or individual to ascertain background information and current concerns.
  • Initial session: initial meeting to introduce SSP and begin some listening
  • Regular check ins: these regular check ins will offer support throughout the programme and can differ in length according to what will be most helpful.
  • Final session:to complete ending assessments and signpost for ongoing support.
  • Three month follow up: this meeting can also advise on continued use of the SSP as clinically indicated.
  • SSP license: 12 months access to the Unyte Health SSP app.

Does SSP sound right for you?

If you’d like to explore the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) as a supportive option for your child or yourself, please contact us. We’re happy to chat about how it works, what to expect, and provide a quote tailored to your needs.