“The nervous system is the brain’s way of predicting and responding to the environment. The state of the nervous system, especially through our sense of hearing, determines how we perceive and respond to the world around us.”
STEVE PORGES
Therapeutic Listening Programs: The Safe and Sound Protocol and Focus System.
The SSP and Focus System are two of Unyte’s leading multisensory programs to help guide every person to train their nervous system to be more regulated and resilient in daily life. Through Neuroplasticity our brain and body connection becomes more organized, and we better process the world around us.
Scientific advancements have greatly improved our understanding of the brain and nervous system, providing deeper insight on what happens in the minds and bodies of those who struggle. One major breakthrough is the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself - change and adapt in response to stimulation. This concept is now widely accepted as a fundamental truth.
Another important development is Polyvagal Theory, often referred to as the "science of feeling safe." This theory helps us understand our emotional and physical responses and offers a solid framework for non-invasive ways to support those facing challenges.
Polyvagal Theory
Developed by a researcher and Unyte Health’s Chief Scientific Advisor, Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory focuses on what is happening in the body and the nervous system, and explains how our sense of safety, danger or life threat can impact our behavior.
Polyvagal Theory provides a scientific framework that supports the integration of physiological (“bottom-up”) therapies with cognitive (“top-down”) approaches to help change and improve how we feel, think and connect with others.
Polyvagal Theory is transdisciplinary and can be combined with many modalities (5,6).
The Vagus Nerve
The mind and body are connected through the vagus nerve, the longest nerve in the autonomic nervous system, stretching from the brainstem to the colon. It is our internal control center, allowing the brain to monitor and receive information about many of our bodily functions.
The vagus nerve helps to regulate critical aspects of human physiology, including the heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, digestion and even speaking. As the body takes in information automatically through neuroception, the vagus nerve communicates this information to the brain, which processes the signals and cues from the world around us and in turn determines how we react through three physiological states: Parasympathetic/ventral vagal state, Sympathetic state, or Dorsal vagal state.
''If you want to make the world a safer place, start by making people feel safe''
Dr. Steve Porges
The Autonomic Ladder: Three Physiological States
The Autonomic Ladder, described by Deb Dana (1), is one way to visually represent these physiological states:
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Parasympathetic/ventral vagal state: Our centered, “true self” state, where all social interaction, connection and creativity occurs.
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Sympathetic state: Feeling of threat or danger and feeling the need to either “fight” or “flee” from a situation to seek safety.
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Dorsal vagal state: Our “freeze” state, when we feel our lives are so immediately threatened that we become immobilized.
The Safe and Sound Protocol
According to Dr. Porges, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is more than just a music therapy—it's a comprehensive, evidence-based approach designed to support healing and promote overall well-being. This unique listening therapy involves a carefully curated set of sounds that guide the brain and body towards greater regulation and integration. The SSP is delivered in a structured process, where the client, therapist, and protocol work together to create a safe, supportive environment that fosters healing. This collaborative journey helps to reduce stress and enhance the connection between the brain and body, paving the way for lasting, meaningful change.
Clients who undergo the SSP often report a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related challenges. Additionally, caregivers of children who experience the protocol note a decrease in psychosocial difficulties, leading to improved behavior, emotional regulation, and overall functioning. By helping to calm the nervous system and enhance social engagement, the SSP can lead to profound, long-term improvements in both emotional and physical health.
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SSP for Children with Neurodevelopmental Delays (Including Autism):
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) offers significant benefits for children with neurodevelopmental delays (NDDs), including autism, by helping regulate the autonomic nervous system, which plays a key role in emotional and social functioning. Children with NDDs often face challenges in sensory processing, social interaction, and emotional regulation. The SSP uses a specially designed sound protocol to stimulate the auditory system, supporting the brain in reorganizing and self-regulating in response to external stimuli. As a result, children may experience reduced anxiety, improved sensory integration, and enhanced communication and social skills. By promoting nervous system regulation, the SSP helps children become more emotionally stable, improve their coping strategies, and reduce behaviors linked to stress or sensory overload.
SSP for Parents: enhancing support and well-being: Parents of children with NDDs, including those on the autism spectrum and ADHD, can also benefit from the Safe and Sound Protocol. As the SSP helps regulate their child's nervous system, parents often observe fewer outbursts, better emotional regulation, and improved behavior. This can relieve the stress that parents typically experience while managing the complexities of daily life with a child facing neurodevelopmental challenges. As children become more emotionally regulated, parents often feel more confident in their ability to engage with and support their child effectively. Furthermore, the improvements in the child’s emotional and behavioral responses can help strengthen family dynamics, fostering a more supportive and harmonious home environment for everyone involved.
The SSP supports many symptoms and conditions:
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Stress-related disorders
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Anxiety Disorders
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Traumatic experiences
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Sensory processing problems
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Concentration and attention problems
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Emotional regulation problems
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Sleep disorders
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Communication and social interaction problems
The Science Behind The SSP
The Autonomic Nervous System
Our autonomic body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion, are regulated by the autonomic nervous system.
This system consists of two parts that work together to help us navigate life. These parts of our nervous system are called the sympathetic (gas pedal) and parasympathetic (brake pedal):
Sympathetic Nervous System: Fight or Flight!
The sympathetic nervous system can be thought of as a defense mechanism that supports our "fight-or-flight" responses. It acts like a gas pedal, activating internal resources when we encounter danger. This activation can lead to an accelerated heart rate, rapid and shallow breathing, tension in the neck and shoulders, and feelings of anxiety.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: Rest and Recovery
The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, is often referred to as the "rest-and-recovery" state. It helps us heal, recover, and maintain energy when we feel safe. This state promotes relaxation and well-being.
(It’s important to note that the "fight-or-flight" state and the "rest-and-recovery" state can look different for everyone.)
Safe or Unsafe?
Your autonomic nervous system is constantly asking the question, “Am I safe?” This question shapes our reactions and sense of well-being (3).
But what happens when your nervous system is tuned to feel unsafe? That’s where the SSP comes in, offering support to help recalibrate the system to a state of safety and calm.
How does the Safe and Sound Protocol work?
The music of the SSP has been thoroughly sequenced and filtered through a patented, evidence-based algorithm that highlights specific sound frequencies that help regulate the autonomic nervous system and stimulate the vagus nerve. By sending cues of safety through specially filtered music, the SSP engages a system of muscles and nerves that support social engagement. In addition, this opens the door for other therapies (i.e., occupational, physical, speech, CBT or mental health therapies) to become more accessible, impactful and accelerated (4).
During a session, all one has to do is listen to the music and share any notable feelings or sensations—both emotional and physical—with the SSP provider.
It is also fine to engage in relaxing activities while listening, such as stretching, breathing exercises, or drawing. These activities can enhance the experience and promote a sense of calm.
The SSP is a suitable tool for people with various conditions such as ASD, SPS, ADHD/ADD, trauma and PTSD. And it can help with gastrointestinal problems caused by over stimulation of the nervous system.
More resources here.
References:
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Dana, D. Polyvagal practices: Anchoring the self in safety. (2023) Norton series on interpersonal neurobiology; W. W. Norton & Company. ISBN-10 : 1324052279
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Konopka, A. K., Kasprzyk, A., Pyttel, J., Chmielik, L. P., & Niedzielski, A. (2024). Etiology, Diagnostic, and Rehabilitative Methods for Children with Central Auditory Processing Disorders—A Scoping Review. Audiology Research, 14(4), 736-746. https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres14040062
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Pakula, T. The Safe and Sound Protocol: A revolutionary approach to well-being. (2024) Communication Matters; Issue 57. https://search.informit.org/doi/epdf/10.3316/informit.T2024112700000890114071573
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Van der Westhuizen, T. Occupational therapists’ experiences of sound-based therapy on occupational performance outcomes in children with sensory processing difficulties. (2021) Retrieved from https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/items/a6ea0ccc-9bf5-4ff8-b266-a126fb4c86ac
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Porges, S. The vagal paradox: A polyvagal solution. (2023) Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology, Volume 16,100200,
ISSN 2666-4976, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100200. -
Tucci, J., Mitchell, J., Porges, S. W., & Tronick, E. C. The Handbook of trauma-Transformative Practice: Emerging therapeutic frameworks for supporting individuals, families or communities impacted by abuse and violence. (2024) Chapter 2; Jessica Kingsley.
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Heilman, K. et al. Effects of the Safe and Sound Protocol TM (SSP) on Sensory Processing, Digestive Function and Selective Eating in Children and Adults with Autism: A Prospective Single-Arm Study. (2023) ournal on Developmental Disabilities
Volume 28 Number 1. https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/112696538/V28_20N1_20JoDD_2021-388R_20Heilman_20et_20al_20v2-libre.pdf?1711271408=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DEffects_of_the_Safe_and_Sound_Protocol_T.pdf&Expires=1737532721&Signature=PeYnb60dNgpJU9sBUPTjoHFVtrWuwt8YEytai4nfwHZ~GdCH4UgvzCp73yXkAy-feUM9X2mtYA4LbiT140tk~NnPBMYbE8W9GBMMUosWnNffnsDNwoRo8HJ7glCGwU4akCoLkYyJvHvo5JigXRAV8eYOyzEKWp7gEEOJ0JUgYu9-DhLBz0y3KADlO9iDjVg9bfut2qaG4Ohd2gw9CVWX7cUW3F6kVcEEqeurtFyKzBia6ZqrAvOSoegMAZQzikttLHUnwAfykPuGmzEeMme~J34js2kLiiGn9T0UDXda7iKHTRNenfimh7LQK9szKnf6qudrmmx6fTwwPzHWz2z38Q__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA -
Thoen, A., Alaerts, K., Steyaert, J., Pleysier, S., & Van Damme, T. Differences in cardiac vagal modulation and cortisol response in adolescents with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. (2023) Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 104(102166), 102166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2023.102166