Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

Calm Your Mind. Reconnect with Your Body.
Experience a groundbreaking approach to nervous system regulation with the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) at Lokahi Wellness Collective in Kelowna, BC.

What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?

 

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a non-invasive, evidence-based listening therapy designed to calm the nervous system, enhance resilience, and foster feelings of safety and connection. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, SSP is rooted in polyvagal theory, which explains how our bodies respond to stress and social engagement. By helping your nervous system shift from states of defence into states of safety, SSP supports emotional regulation, reduces anxiety, and enhances your capacity for relaxation and connection.

How Does It Work?

The SSP works by stimulating the vagus nerve through auditory input, which can help shift your nervous system from a state of defence to one of safety. This is achieved by:

  • Listening to specially filtered music: The music is designed to engage the neural pathways that facilitate safety and social connection.

  • Guided sessions: Conducted under the supervision of a trained professional, SSP sessions typically last for several hours over a series of days.

Benefits of the Safe and Sound Protocol

Engaging with the SSP can lead to a variety of positive outcomes, including:

  • Improved emotional regulation: Many individuals experience greater ease in managing their emotions.

  • Enhanced social engagement: Participants often report feeling more connected and present in social situations.

  • Reduced anxiety and stress: SSP may help alleviate feelings of overwhelm and promote relaxation.

How Can the SSP Help You?

The Safe and Sound Protocol is especially beneficial for individuals facing challenges with:

  • Anxiety and Stress: SSP helps soothe an overactive nervous system, allowing you to experience more calm and balance in daily life.

  • Trauma and PTSD: As a trauma-informed approach, SSP supports individuals with relational or childhood trauma in regaining a sense of safety and connection.

  • Emotional Dysregulation: By stabilizing the nervous system, SSP promotes emotional resilience, helping you respond calmly in stressful situations.

  • Sensitivity to Sounds: SSP can reduce auditory sensitivities and improve sound tolerance, making it helpful for those with heightened sensitivity to noise.

What to Expect in an SSP Session

At Lokahi Wellness Collective, we tailor SSP to meet your unique needs, providing a safe and supportive environment for you to experience the protocol. SSP sessions typically include:

  1. Preparation & Initial Assessment: A qualified practitioner will conduct an assessment to determine how SSP can best support your needs.

  2. Guided Listening Sessions: You will participate in a series of listening sessions, under professional supervision, to ensure a safe and effective experience.

  3. Follow-Up Support: After completing the SSP, your provider will offer follow-up sessions to discuss your experiences and any additional strategies that may be beneficial.

  4. Independent Listening: Your provider may suggest some independent listening as part of your overall SSP experience to reinforce the benefits.

 

Sessions can be done in person or virtually to provide flexibility and meet you where you are.

Important Note: The Safe and Sound Protocol is not a stand-alone therapy. It should only be used under the supervision of a trained professional.

Is SSP Right for You?

If you’ve been struggling with persistent anxiety, trauma, or nervous system dysregulation, the SSP may be an empowering option. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and explore how the SSP can support you on your healing journey.

Ready to start?

Book your SSP session with Lisa Pereversoff, registered clinical counsellor and trauma specialist dedicated to helping you find calm, safety, and connection through holistic therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • As a client preparing for the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), you will need a few essential items to get started. First, high-quality over-ear headphones are important for accurate audio delivery; look for headphones with a wide frequency range and a flat sound response, ideally wired for reliable performance. Next, you will need a compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer with access to the SSP app, provided through a licensed practitioner. This app contains the specially filtered music tracks used during the program. Lastly, a quiet, comfortable environment will help you stay focused and relaxed, as SSP works best when you’re free from distractions and able to fully engage in the experience. With these essentials, you will be ready to start your SSP journey.

  • Our Initial SSP Package costs $384 plus GST per month. This price includes one month of access to one of the three SSP pathways on the Unyte App, as well as monitoring and support between sessions during that month. Because SSP is used in conjunction with talk therapy and is not a stand-alone treatment, regular session fees for 50-minute talk therapy sessions apply as well. This combined approach ensures that SSP is integrated effectively into your therapy, with the added support of a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) to guide your progress.

  • During a session, clients listen to a series of specially filtered music tracks over a set period. They typically listen for about 5-10 minutes per session, gradually increasing based on their tolerance and progress. Sessions can be done in person or virtually, and a counsellor monitors the process to adjust pacing as needed.

  • Each person’s experience is unique, but many people notice initial shifts within the first few sessions. The full effects may take weeks to fully integrate, as the nervous system adapts and responds to the intervention.

  • The effects of SSP can last for months, but periodic follow-up sessions or complementary therapies can help reinforce and extend the benefits.