Supporting Regulation Through the Power of Sound: The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is a neuroscience-based listening approach designed to support nervous system regulation, helping children and families feel more connected and focused.
The Safe & Sound Protocol can help children and adults who find it difficult to stay regulated or connected. This listening programme supports the nervous system through filtered music and co-regulation, promoting focus, engagement, and emotional steadiness.
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What is the Safe & Sound Protocol?
The Safe & Sound Protocol can be helpful for both children and adults who find it difficult to stay regulated, focused, or connected in everyday settings. It is often used where the nervous system feels “on alert” or easily overwhelmed by sound, transitions, or emotional demands.
SSP is particularly supportive for:
• Children with sensory sensitivities or challenges with attention and focus.
• Those who have experienced stress or trauma and struggle to feel settled.
• Individuals who find busy or unpredictable environments difficult to manage.
• Adults seeking greater balance, emotional steadiness, or capacity for engagement.
While experiences vary, SSP often helps the body feel more available for connection and engagement - supporting growth and participation in the ways that matter most to each person. woven in to keep the process supportive rather than overwhelming.
In simple terms, SSP helps the body and brain work together more smoothly, creating the foundation for better regulation, stronger relationships, and fuller participation in everyday life.
Benefits can Include:
• Improved regulation – steadier energy and fewer intense reactions.
• Better connection – easier communication, social engagement, and mutual understanding.
• Enhanced participation – greater readiness to join in meaningful experiences such as play, exploration, relationships, or therapy.
The Science Bit.
The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is grounded in the Polyvagal Theory, developed by neuroscientist Dr Stephen Porges. This theory explains how the body constantly scans the world for signs of safety or threat - a process known as neuroception.
When the body senses safety, it activates the social engagement system; the part of the nervous system that supports connection, communication, and regulation. When safety isn’t detected, the body can slip into protective states such as fight, flight, or shutdown.
At the heart of SSP is filtered music, processed through a patented, evidence-based algorithm that highlights certain sound frequencies linked with human speech and communication. This helps the nervous system more readily detect “safe sounds,” while reducing input that may feel jarring or threatening.
This short video, created by the team behind the Safe & Sound Protocol, introduces the science and practical ideas that guide its use. It explains how filtered music can influence the nervous system and support regulation, connection, and engagement in daily life.
Educational video from the creators of the Safe and Sound Protocol explaining how filtered music supports regulation, connection, and engagement through Polyvagal-informed principles.
SSP is organized into three pathways (levels of filtration):
SSP Connect: full-spectrum (unfiltered) music, used often as a gentle entry point.
SSP Core: progressively filtered music designed for neural retuning and core regulation.
SSP Balance: lighter filtration used to support continued regulation after Core.
Because the music is thoughtfully sequenced and filtered, providers report that SSP can “open up” clients’ nervous systems and relax their defenses — making therapeutic work more accessible and responsive.
What to Expect & How We Deliver SSP
Every SSP journey is unique. The process is guided, gentle, and paced to match each person’s nervous system. There’s no rush — we move at the speed of comfort and connection.
Before we begin
We start with sessions to understand individual goals, sensitivities, and daily routines. Together, we create a plan that feels safe and manageable. You’ll receive clear guidance on how to set up the listening app and integrate supportive regulation strategies at home, school, or within therapy.
During the listening programme
SSP sessions use timed listening of specially filtered music, usually through over-ear headphones. Some people listen while drawing, building, walking outdoors, or engaging in gentle play; whatever helps them stay regulated. Each session is guided and adjusted by a trained practitioner to ensure the process remains comfortable and attuned.
After the sessions
We will meet to reflect on any shifts you’ve noticed and to plan next steps. For some, changes can appear subtly; feeling more settled, open, or connected in everyday interactions. For others, it may take time for the nervous system to integrate the experience. We focus on noticing patterns of progress rather than fixed outcomes.
At Emerald Wellbeing, SSP can be delivered in schools, within therapy sessions at our woodland setting, or remotely with regular check-ins. Whichever setting you choose, our priority is to keep the experience relational, and respectful of your pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know it’s important to feel confident before starting something new. Here you’ll find answers to common questions — and if you’d like to talk it through, we’re happy to help.
What happens during SSP?
During the Safe & Sound Protocol, you or your child listen to specially filtered music through over-ear headphones in short sessions. The music has been acoustically processed to highlight the frequencies of the human voice - particularly those linked to safety and social connection.
What type of music is it?
The Safe & Sound Protocol uses familiar, easy-to-listen-to music that has been scientifically filtered to highlight the frequencies of the human voice — the same range our brains associate with safety and social connection.
There are different playlists available, chosen according to age, preference, and sensitivity. Options include a children’s playlist featuring gentle Disney and family-friendly songs, an easy-listening playlist with soft vocal tracks, and a classical version for those who prefer instrumental music.
The filtering gently reduces sounds that might feel sharp or threatening, allowing the nervous system to tune in to calm, prosodic tones instead. Listeners aren’t consciously aware of these changes, but at a neurophysiological level, the body begins to recognise safety and connection.
Each playlist is designed to support engagement without overstimulation, helping the listener stay comfortable, focused, and relaxed throughout the process.
How long does it take?
The full programme is five hours of listening which is spread over several sessions. The pace is individual — we move slowly and adapt as needed.
Is it suitable for autism, ADHD, or trauma?
Many people with sensory or regulation differences benefit from SSP. Suitability is always discussed first, and the process is shaped around each person’s needs.
Will it make my child calmer?
Our goal isn’t compliance or quiet — it’s regulation. SSP supports the nervous system to feel safer and more available for connection, play, and engagement.
Can it be done remotely?
Yes. SSP can be completed at home with regular check-ins for guidance and support.
The Safe & Sound Protocol is offered as a guided listening programme, supported by a trained practitioner. Each programme includes a initial consultation sessions (minimum of 2 x1 hour sessions), access to the listening app, ongoing check-ins, and a post-programme review.
Programmes are individually paced and can be delivered at home, in school, or in person.
Prices start from £350 for home-based delivery. School and professional packages are available on request.
If you’re unsure whether SSP is right for you or your child, you can book a free 15-minute call to discuss your goals and explore options.
Next Steps
If you’d like to explore whether SSP could support you or your child:
Book a free 15-minute call – we’ll talk through your goals and questions.
Complete a short intake form – to help us tailor the approach.
Begin your personalised SSP journey – at our woodland therapy yurt, in school, or remotely.
What Families and Schools Have Noticed
The following reflections are drawn from teachers and parents who took part in an MSc research exploring the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) as an occupational therapy intervention in schools.
Each comment represents genuine experiences of how children responded to the listening programme and the wider support that surrounded it.
Parent feedback
"Bed wetting has completely stopped"
"Sensory overwhelm doesn't happen as often and she was able to go swimming last weekend - something we've never managed before"
"He used to shout out and make random noises but he doesn’t do this anymore"
Teacher feedback:
"Since the SSP, he’s more able to join group activities and stay part of the class for longer. Now he can join carpet time without distress"
"Playing with other children in the playground"
Put her hand up in class and answered a question; not something she would normally do.
"He's much more confident in his own abilities"
Other feedback:
"I love doing my listening - it makes me feel happy inside"
Child Participant
"She is able to eat lunch with the other children and not get overwhelmed by the smells and noises in the hall”
Lunch-time Supervisor
"He's trying so much more food than he's ever done - and he appears more confident with me" Lunch-time Supervisor
"More confident in talking to different adults in school.”
SENCO
All reflections anonymised and adapted from Helené Duerden’s MSc Occupational Therapy research (University of Lancashire, 2025).
This MSc research explored the use of the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) as an occupational therapy intervention in a UK primary school.
The study found positive changes across several functional areas, including emotional regulation, attention, social participation, and sensory tolerance.
Teachers and parents observed that children appeared more settled, socially connected, and able to participate in classroom and playground activities. Many also showed greater independence and focus, with fewer sensory sensitivities and emotional outbursts.
While outcomes varied between individuals, the findings suggest that the SSP can provide a supportive foundation for regulation, engagement, and learning readiness within school environments.
Research conducted as part of the MSc (Pre-registration) Occupational Therapy programme at the University of Lancashire, 2025. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Central Lancashire Health Ethics Review Panel (Ref: HEALTH 01190).
The Safe & Sound Protocol is not a medical treatment or guaranteed cure, and experiences vary for each individual. It is designed as a supportive tool to complement other therapeutic and occupational therapy approaches and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or care from a qualified health professional.
All reflections anonymised and adapted from Helené Duerden’s MSc Occupational Therapy research (University of Lancashire, 2025).
Images shown are AI-created for illustrative purposes only; no real clients are depicted.
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