Safe And Sound Protocol: SSP


Resilience Counseling & Social Skills Center aims to offer a wide range of services so we can support our community. We have been investing in the specialized training of many of the clinicians of our team. SSP has emerged as a standalone or adjunctive specialized intervention to complement traditional psychotherapy for the treatment of several mental health concerns. To learn more about this treatment protocol please read below. You will also find links to the clinicians on our team that have completed specialized SSP training and undergo rigorous ongoing consultation to continue developing their skills. We have launched our SSP program at our Midlothian location with expansion plans in the future. Discover how Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) therapy uses specially filtered music to regulate the nervous system, improve social engagement, and enhance overall well-being.


Overview of Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) therapy is a therapeutic auditory intervention that sends cues of safety through specially filtered music to regulate the nervous system. By utilizing music filtered through an algorithm, SSP therapy interrupts the feedback loop of feeling unsafe, assisting in the regulation of the nervous system. This innovative therapy is designed to address dysregulation symptoms such as digestion issues, sleep problems, anxiety, and difficulty connecting with others.

An example to illustrate the effectiveness of SSP therapy is a patient experiencing high levels of anxiety and difficulty in social interactions. Through SSP therapy sessions, the individual may gradually experience reduced anxiety levels, improved sleep patterns, and enhanced social connections, showcasing the positive impact of this intervention on their overall well-being.

The Science Behind SSP Therapy

SSP therapy works implicitly on the nervous system regulation by using music filtered through an algorithm to regulate the autonomic nervous system and stimulate the vagus nerve. While therapy works explicitly to recognize and regulate one's state, SSP therapy focuses on creating a sense of safety and calmness through auditory stimulation. This therapy is particularly effective in helping individuals process external cues effectively, contributing to improved emotional regulation and social engagement.

For instance, individuals with sensory processing disorders may benefit from SSP therapy as it helps them regulate their responses to sensory stimuli, leading to enhanced social interactions and reduced sensitivities, thus demonstrating the therapeutic impact of this intervention on sensory processing challenges.

Benefits and Effects of SSP Therapy

SSP therapy has been reported to relax clients, improve engagement in therapy sessions, and accelerate therapeutic outcomes. Providers also note that SSP therapy aids in improving auditory processing, which can result in better social connections and overall well-being for individuals undergoing the intervention. Additionally, SSP therapy is suitable for various populations and can complement other therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Somatic Experiencing (SE).

An example to highlight the benefits of SSP therapy is a client struggling with emotional regulation challenges. Following SSP therapy sessions, the individual may experience enhanced emotional regulation skills, improved social interactions, and a greater sense of well-being, underscoring the positive impact of this intervention on individuals with emotional regulation difficulties.

Application and Delivery of SSP Therapy

SSP therapy is delivered through an app-based platform, ensuring accessibility for both in-person and remote therapy sessions. Professionals can undergo SSP Training and Certification, followed by a subscription to deliver this therapy to their clients. The efficacy of SSP therapy is supported by real-world evidence and clinical trials, making it a trusted tool in the toolkit of practitioners and organizations for promoting healing and well-being.

One can consider the scenario of a therapy practice incorporating SSP therapy into their services. By offering SSP therapy through remote sessions via the app-based platform, the practice can reach a wider audience and provide effective nervous system regulation interventions to individuals seeking support, highlighting the versatility and accessibility of SSP therapy.

In summary, the key benefits and effects of SSP therapy on regulating the nervous system, improving social engagement, and enhancing overall well-being. Emphasize the role of SSP therapy in providing a sense of safety, calmness, and improved social responsiveness. Encourage further exploration and consideration of SSP therapy for individuals seeking to enhance their emotional regulation and social connections.

SSP Trained Clinicians


April Lynch-Smith, LPC

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