The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Q&A
YOU MUST FEEL SAFE TO ABLE TO COMMUNICATE TO ANOTHER THAT YOU ARE SAFE –– Dr. Stephen Porges
What is the SSP?
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the Safe and Sound Protocol is a listening intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory supports that you can calm emotional and physiological states through the vagus nerve complex. Our emotional and physiological states are critical to how we manage tasks and challenges. When a child is in a better state of control, not only can he/she be more socially engaged, he/she is more open to therapy and therapeutic strategies. The SSP is a research-based therapy that was initially designed to be implemented over five days for one hour sessions. Clinicians now implement the timing of the SSP based on the individual client’s needs.
Who may benefit from using the SSP?
Those with the following features may benefit from using the SSP:
Can the SSP be administered remotely?
Yes the SSP can be administered remotely, in person, or a combination of the two. Your clinician will develop the appropriate plan based on your unique situation and what is most effective and appropriate for your needs.
What do I need to know about administering the protocol at home?
Where can I or my clients get headphones?
While SSP Core is the only one of the Pathways that requires headphones, we recommend purchasing headphones that will suffice for Core and then use them for Connect and Balance when headphones are used.
We recommend over-the-ear (circumaural) headphones for their enclosed nature and the immersive sound experience
Even inexpensive headphones can effectively deliver the mid-frequency sounds of the SSP. While high-quality headphones are better for full frequency music, don't feel like you need to purchase the best headphones you can find. iLs makes our original SSP headphones available for purchase and we list below two different inexpensive options available from Amazon. Use the recommended headphones and the recommendations above as a guide to find headphones that fit your budget.
Headphone Recommendations:
Headphones with Apple iPhones
Because Apple devices do not have a headphone jack, iOS users will have to have a lightning to 3.5 mm adapter in order to use typical headphones. A dongle can be purchased at Best Buy, Target or the Apple Store. Or follow this link
What are some of the potential changes I should look for in my child during and after the use of SSP and how can I support these changes?
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the Safe and Sound Protocol is a listening intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory supports that you can calm emotional and physiological states through the vagus nerve complex. Our emotional and physiological states are critical to how we manage tasks and challenges. When a child is in a better state of control, not only can he/she be more socially engaged, he/she is more open to therapy and therapeutic strategies. The SSP is a research-based therapy that was initially designed to be implemented over five days for one hour sessions. Clinicians now implement the timing of the SSP based on the individual client’s needs.
Who may benefit from using the SSP?
Those with the following features may benefit from using the SSP:
- Social and emotional difficulties
- Auditory sensitivities
- Anxiety and trauma-related challenges
- Inattention
- Stressors that impact social engagement
- Difficulties in regulating physiological and emotional state
Can the SSP be administered remotely?
Yes the SSP can be administered remotely, in person, or a combination of the two. Your clinician will develop the appropriate plan based on your unique situation and what is most effective and appropriate for your needs.
What do I need to know about administering the protocol at home?
- Only administer the protocol with the correct headphones; the intervention will not work without the child being able to listen to the varying volume and sound.
- Choose a relaxing and quiet space to administer the SSP as directed by your therapist.
- Activities during the protocol should be child-led and calm: play-doh, coloring books, finger paints, trains,
cars, legos, puzzles, quiet games. - It’s best not to include electronic toys, screen use, loud activities such as instruments, competitive games,
and over-stimulating activities (jumping, running) that induce stress or over-arousal. Dancing and singing to the music can interfere with the effectiveness of the intervention. Walking around the room would be acceptable. - Follow your child’s lead- it is not necessary for you to be interactive with them if they prefer to play alone; however, it is important that you are PRESENT for the entire intervention.
- If your child seems uncomfortable, or does not want to continue, DO NOT FORCE THEM TO CONTINUE. You can pause the music and have them take a break and press pause. Do some stretching or some gentle movement and offer the opportunity again. If your child does not wish to continue, they are letting you know that they are done for the day and this MUST be respected. It does not matter how long it takes us to complete the intervention; however, your child feeling safe before implementing it is crucial.
Where can I or my clients get headphones?
While SSP Core is the only one of the Pathways that requires headphones, we recommend purchasing headphones that will suffice for Core and then use them for Connect and Balance when headphones are used.
We recommend over-the-ear (circumaural) headphones for their enclosed nature and the immersive sound experience
- On-ear headphones and earbuds are not recommended
- Avoid noise-canceling headphones (unless noise-canceling can be turned off)
- Bluetooth headphones are approved as long as the distance between the headphones and the device is kept to a minimum so as to not disrupt the music.
Even inexpensive headphones can effectively deliver the mid-frequency sounds of the SSP. While high-quality headphones are better for full frequency music, don't feel like you need to purchase the best headphones you can find. iLs makes our original SSP headphones available for purchase and we list below two different inexpensive options available from Amazon. Use the recommended headphones and the recommendations above as a guide to find headphones that fit your budget.
Headphone Recommendations:
- iLs Headphones
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones
- OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones
Headphones with Apple iPhones
Because Apple devices do not have a headphone jack, iOS users will have to have a lightning to 3.5 mm adapter in order to use typical headphones. A dongle can be purchased at Best Buy, Target or the Apple Store. Or follow this link
What are some of the potential changes I should look for in my child during and after the use of SSP and how can I support these changes?
- Your child may increase their eye contact. Respond with reciprocal eye contact and smiles.
- Your child may understand speech better and may demonstrate decreased sensitivity to loud noises.
- Your child may have improved emotional control and expression. They may be more able to be calmed
and be more responsive to social cues as a result of the intervention. When your child does experience a
tantrum, try to keep a calm demeanor, a soothing voice, and eye contact. - Your child may have improved play behaviors with other children. For now, take a more active role in
playdates so that you can support the interaction and talk to your child afterward about what you noticed. - Your child may be more expressive of love to other people. Reciprocate these behaviors when they occur. Be aware, though, of the child’s personal space; unwanted hugs (or hugs from unfamiliar people) can
make the child feel defensive instead of relaxed.