Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)
What is the SSP?
The SSP is an evidence-based therapeutic music program involving 5 hours of listening to specially filtered music.
The SSP is rooted in the Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges.
The SSP can shift the nervous system out of a chronic state of defense (fight/flight/freeze) and into a state of calmness, connection and social engagement.
Improvements are often observed in some or all of the following areas:
Arousal and emotion regulation
Social engagement
Atypical sensory processing (e.g., sound sensitivity, including misophonia)
Anxiety and trauma-related challenges
Self-awareness and a sense of agency
Eating and digestion
Sleep
The SSP effects vary and changes may be mild over time and sometimes can be dramatic. Specific improvements or that your child will improve at all cannot be guaranteed.
The SSP is not a stand-alone therapy or a quick fix. Changes initiated by the SSP may be slow and must be reinforced by supportive social engagement.
How do we implement the SSP?
Your child will listen to 5 hours of specially filtered music through headphones in the presence of a clinician or caregiver, either in person or remotely.
Duration and Frequency of Listening
The 5 hours of SSP will be spread out over a period that is comfortable for your child, and may take anywhere from 2 to 12 months to complete.
The length of each listening session varies according to your child’s needs and nervous system, and will be guided by your clinician. Sessions may range between 5-20 minutes at a time, with a maximum of 30 minutes per day.
SSP in the Clinic and At-Home
SSP sessions will be introduced in the clinic, and virtually when required.
In addition to listening during treatment sessions, when appropriate, caregivers will support their child's SSP listening at home to allow for increased frequency.
The frequency and duration of home listening will be directed by your clinician, ensuring it meets your child and family’s individual needs.
If home listening is implemented, consultation sessions with the clinician to monitor progress will be scheduled and billed according to need.
In cases where the recommended listening duration or frequency is exceeded, access to the SSP may be paused or suspended. This is to ensure the safety of the listener.
Before Starting the SSP
Before starting the SSP, you will complete a questionnaire to help us understand your child’s response to stress and safety.
If your child is currently working with a mental health clinician, it is important for your SSP clinician to collaborate with them to maximize intervention.
What do we need for the SSP?
Over the ear headphones. Do not use earbuds, noise cancelling headphones, or bass-boosting headphones (you can use noise-cancelling headphones if you are able to turn off the noise-cancelling function). If your child cannot tolerate wearing headphones, they can listen over a speaker.
A supportive and safe person while listening to the music (i.e. calm and patient caregiver).
A calm and quiet environment while listening to the music.
Regulating and play-based activities while listening to the music (e.g. colouring, playing with toys, sensory play, rhythmic swinging, etc.)
Unyte-iLs app downloaded on your phone or iPad.
What are the contraindications and precautions for the SSP?
SSP is not recommended if your child experiences the following:
Active psychosis
Active or uncontrolled seizures
Active tinnitus
Self-harm or actively reporting thoughts of suicide
Consultation with your doctor or mental health clinician prior to initiation of SSP should occur when your child experiences:
Conditions related to structure of the ear (perforated or ruptured ear drum, tubes in the ears)
Complex medical conditions (autoimmune, neurological or chronic conditions)
History of seizures that are controlled
Mild presentation or history of tinnitus
Severe mental health challenges (in these cases SSP should be provided or monitored by a mental health clinician)
What are some possible short-term responses that may occur?
During and after the SSP session you may find your child wanting to spend more time with you. It is important to recognize that your child may be seeking additional social connection at this time as they experience changes in their bodies.
Sometimes there may be an increase in what appears to be challenging behaviours, which may be a reflection of an increased sense of self-awareness, agency and empowerment.
My child may experience the following short-term responses during or after a listening session:
A temporary increase in arousal
Increased auditory or other sensory sensitivities
Ear discomfort
Pressure or “ringing" in the ears
Emotional dysregulation (changes in arousal)
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Fatigue
Headache
What are the associated fees for SSP?
Access to the SSP requires a one-time subscription fee of $300. This can be paid in full upfront or in three monthly installments of $100.
