Safe and Sound Protocol
Rewire Safety Into Your System
Without Saying a Word
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a gentle, listening-based therapeutic protocol that supports nervous system regulation, especially for folks navigating complex trauma, disordered eating, and chronic overwhelm.
You don’t have to push through anymore.
The safe and sounds protocol can help your body learn and experience what safety actually feels like.
Why You Might Still Feel Stuck…Even If You’ve Done “The Work”
If you’ve lived through trauma, your nervous system has likely adapted in ways that kept you safe back then, but now leave you feeling anxious, shut down, disconnected, or overwhelmed.
Maybe you:
Live in a near-constant state of hypervigilance
Struggle with dissociation, numbness, or flatness
Feel like you’re always bracing for something bad
Can’t access calm, even when life is “fine”
These are signs of a nervous system that still perceives danger, whether or not it’s there.
SSP helps retune your system at the biological level.
What Is the Safe and Sound Protocol?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the neuroscientist behind Polyvagal Theory.
SSP uses filtered music to stimulate the ventral vagal branch of the vagus nerve, which is responsible for regulating safety, connection, and calm. When this system is underactive (which is common in folks with CPTSD, eating disorders, or sensory sensitivity), your body stays stuck in defense mode: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn.
The specially filtered frequencies in SSP target the middle ear muscles connected to vagal regulation. This supports the nervous system in receiving cues of safety, improving emotional regulation, social engagement, and even digestion and sleep.
Think of it like physical therapy… but for your nervous system.
Who Is SSP For?
SSP is designed for people who are navigating:
Complex trauma or attachment wounds
Emotional neglect
Disordered eating, ARFID, or chronic body mistrust
Sensory sensitivity or noise reactivity
Anxiety, panic, or shutdown
Autonomic dysregulation (e.g. digestive issues, chronic fatigue, poor sleep)
It’s especially helpful when traditional therapy has helped you understand your patterns, but you still don’t feel settled, safe, or embodied.
How SSP Works at Reclaim Therapy
We offer SSP as part of a trauma-informed approach, either as a standalone nervous system support or alongside therapy. We are happy to work alongside your current therapist to provide the protocol. It’s delivered over several weeks, always at your pace.
Sarah and Abby are our SSP providers. Here’s our process:
Initial Consult – We’ll explore your history, patterns, and goals to make sure SSP is the right fit.
Prep & Safety Building – You’ll learn strategies to stay grounded, with support from Sarah or Abby.
Listening Phase – You’ll listen to filtered music using over-ear headphones, usually in short 5–15 minute segments. This can happen in-person or remotely.
Integration Support – We check in regularly to track your nervous system’s responses and adjust the pace as needed. You’ll have guidance the entire way.
What Might Change as a Result of Working Through the SSP?
Clients often report:
Feeling less reactive to everyday stress
A greater sense of calm and groundedness
More connection to their emotions and body
Improved tolerance for social interaction
Reduced shutdown, numbness, or panic
Because SSP works on the foundation of the nervous system, these shifts tend to ripple into other areas of life—including therapy.
Ready to Help Your Nervous System Really Register The Healing Work You’ve Been Doing?
If you’re ready to feel more regulated, embodied, and connected, SSP may be a powerful next step. We’d love to walk with you as you reconnect with safety—gently and at your pace.