Listening Therapy: SSP & RRP
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music. As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to re-tune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience.
The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider, in-person or remotely. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.
Read more about the SSP here: https://www.whatisthessp.com/
If you are wondering if Listening Therapy is a good fit for you, send me an email, give me a call, or book a free discovery call and I will be happy to answer your questions.
Potential Benefits of SSP
Everyone experiences something a little different from SSP. Some benefits others have experienced include, but aren’t limited to:
- Reduced visual or auditory sensitivity
- Improved sleep quality and/or quantity
- Increased feeling of calm and regulation
- More capacity to cope with stressors
- Increased connection with people and/or activities
Equipment and Logistics:
- Over the ear headphones (without noise cancellation or with the ability to turn off noise cancellation). As most phones no longer have a headphone jack, you may require an adaptor to connect any wired headphones to your phone, or you may prefer to use Bluetooth headphones.
- Cell phone to access the Unyte app to access the listening protocol.
Music of the SSP:
There are 6 different playlists available for the Safe and Sound Protocol. You can listen to samples of each playlist here: https://integratedlistening.com/products/ssp-safe-sound-protocol/ssp-music/
Three Streams of the SSP:
- Connect: regular, unfiltered music. This can be listened to anytime and may be helpful to familiarize yourself with the app.
- Core: this is the primary intervention. Music is gradually filtered from a narrow, middle range of frequencies at the beginning of hour one, progressing to full frequencies at the end of hour five.
- Balance: this is intended as a maintenance program to support continued changes once you complete the 5 hours of listening.
Duration of Listening
The duration of listening differs for each person. Most people start with short listens of one to five minutes, however some individuals with very sensitive nervous systems may require a more titrated approach of less than one minute of listening, and some people are able to progress to longer listens. Generally, the SSP seems to be more effective with shorter listens, so progression beyond 15 minutes of listening at a time is less common.
Potential Considerations and Contraindications:
Certain conditions have increased risk associated with SSP, or may require specific modifications or careful titration. SSP is currently contraindicated during active psychosis and for individuals with uncontrolled seizures. Some individuals with tinnitus have experienced a worsening of tinnitus symptoms.
Access and Pricing for SSP and/or RRP
The duration of listening differs for each person. Most people start with short listens of one to five minutes, however some individuals with very sensitive nervous systems may require a more titrated approach of less than one minute of listening, and some people are able to progress to longer listens. Generally, the SSP seems to be more effective with shorter listens, so progression beyond 15 minutes of listening at a time is less common.
If you are an existing client at Enduring Heart Somatic Therapy, you can choose to add on a 6 month subscription to SSP and/or RRP and your listening will be supporting during the course of your regular therapy sessions.
New clients interested in SSP can either choose to sign up for an SSP or RRP package, which will support your listening and incorporate other aspects of nervous system support, or you may choose to attend sessions with another focus (such as Somatic Experiencing Sensory supports, or other OT based supports) and add on an SSP or RRP subscription to your sessions.
PRICING
Package: $500: Includes a 6 month subscription to either SSP or RRP.
- A one-hour initial session
- 2 additional hours of one-on-one support (can be used as four 30 minute sessions or can be broken down to shorter durations as needed).
- Email support as needed.
- Clients interested in additional one-on-one support can book additional 30 or 60 minute sessions at the regular session rate.
Subscription cost for existing clients or new clients wanting to incorporate SSP and/or RRP into Somatic Experiencing and/or other OT work: $100 for 6 month access to SSP or RRP, with continued sessions to support listening.
Subscription Renewal: You can also renew your subscription once your 6 month access has ended. Subscriptions renew at $100 for 6 months of access.
I offer a free 20 minute discovery call so you can see if this is the right fit for you.
Both in-person, and virtual appointments are available.
You may book directly here.
For third party bookings, contact me directly. Phone: 403.910.1230, or email.
