A young boy outdoors, wearing headphones, participating in The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) in Dallas, TX - an evidence-based listening therapy designed to help regulate the nervous system.

Safe and Sound Protocol

Listening Therapy Designed to Help Regulate the Nervous System

Safe. Secure. Regulated.

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to help regulate the nervous system. It is recommended for kids who struggle with:

  • sound sensitivities

  • sensory processing

  • focus and attention

  • sleep

  • emotional regulation

  • social connection

During an SSP session, your child listens to specially filtered music through headphones for a short time each day. The music helps calm your child's nervous system so they feel safer, calmer, and more able to connect with the people around them. SSP can stand alone or work alongside occupational therapy.

A young boy wearing headphones, relaxing with his mom in a blanket fort, participating in The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) in Dallas, TX - an evidence-based listening therapy designed to help regulate the nervous system.

  • Most likely, yes! The SSP is non-invasive and can help kids with a variety of areas, including auditory sensitivities, overall sensory processing, attention and executive function, sleep, emotional regulation, and social connection. See below for additional information on benefits of the SSP.

    • Easier and more spontaneous social connection

    • Better emotional control

    • Improvements in auditory and other sensory processing

    • Improved access to executive functions and higher cognitive abilities

    Clients may also see:

    • Greater focus and attention

    • Less impulsivity and hyperactivity

    • Improved body awareness and GI function

    • Less fatigue

    • Enhanced expressive and receptive language skills

    • Lower anxiety

    • Better physiological state regulation

    • Improved learning

    • Enhanced sleep

    • Reduced pain levels

    • Increased effectiveness of other modalities

    Results are unique to each person and cannot be guaranteed.

  • SSP is 5 total hours of music. This can be completed at home and on a timeline that is suitable and tolerated by your child. Often the listening starts with 1-10 minutes and works up to 15-30 minutes. I would not recommend more than 30 minutes a day. During the listening, your child can play with toys like blocks, play dough, color. No screens or complex tasks should be used while listening.

  • The basic requirements are: child size over ear headphones, a device that can connect to an app (tablet, phone, etc.), a quiet, safe environment, and a trusted adult to sit with them during the session. That’s it!

  • Included at no additional cost for Bright Start Intensive clients.

    $300 flat fee for existing clients receiving OT treatment.

    $550 flat fee for program only (if not receiving direct treatment).

    Both options include SSP assessment, set-up and access to the app, facilitation of sessions directly or remotely as needed, and follow-up for up to 6 weeks following program completion.

  • You may only gain access to the SSP programs through a trained and certified professional.

  • You can visit www.whatisthessp.com to learn more, review research, and watch a brief video.

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