Why try the SSP?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) encourages increased capacity and greater resilience within the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems through vagal nerve stimulation. Although originally developed to assist children on the autism spectrum, trauma therapists soon recognized that the SSP promotes healthy nervous system regulation in clients of all ages. Hundreds of somatic professionals around the world have incorporated the SSP into their therapeutic offerings.

What is the SSP?

The SSP is several sets of music playlists that have been developed to enhance feelings of safety. It was created by Dr. Stephen Porges and is based on his Polyvagal Theory. The music stimulates the middle ear connection to the vagus nerve, providing audible cues that organically open the door to calmed emotions, clear thinking, and improved communication skills. Thus far, research conducted with both children and adults has shown significant results in the following areas:

• Anxiety and trauma-related challenges
• Social and emotional difficulties
• Auditory sensitivities
• Inattention/difficulty focusing
• Stressors that impact social engagement

More information about the SSP and how it works can be found at this official Unyte/SSP site.

Why this Group?

The SSP is expensive. To be a certified SSP provider requires a substantial financial commitment. If you’ve been curious, this is an exchange rate-friendly, low cost way to fully experience the SSP. You will:

  • connect with a small, supportive group of colleagues,

  • realize personal growth, and

  • learn experientially about the potential benefits of the SSP for your own clinical practice.

I’ve been using the SSP since 2017 and became a certified provider in 2019. I keep current with training updates, and am also certified as a remote SSP facilitator. I’ve completed the protocol numerous times on my own and with others, and have witnessed positive shifts in myself, in clients, and in colleagues. I’ve also experienced overwhelm during listening, and therefore understand the importance of titrated delivery and adherence to the principle, "Less is More.” To learn more about my background, please click here.

What are the Group Details?

We will gather on Zoom for up to 90 minutes once a week over five consecutive weeks. While incorporating frequent breaks for discussion and processing, each week we will listen to the first 30 minutes of one of the Week One to Week Five Core playlists.. You will be encouraged, but not required, to complete the second 30 minutes of listening on your own prior to the next week’s meeting.

The price for the five week group is USD$299/280€/CAD$299/AUD$299/¥30,000/₹15,000/R3000. Participants will have access to the Connect (completely unfiltered music) and Core (original SSP algorithms) playlists of the SSP through one week after the final meeting.. For those who listen at a slower pace, and/or for those who wish to repeat any part of the SSP, continued access to all Connect, Core, and Balance (slightly modified algorithms) playlists will be available for purchase following course completion.

You will need A) two electronic devices: one that supports apps (a cellular phone or a tablet) and a separate device (most likely a personal computer) in order to view the group. B) Over-ear headphones (non-noise-canceling) are requested for listening as they provide maximum vagal nerve input. Ear buds or on-ear headsets do not, and are therefore not recommended.

A detailed schedule and other supportive materials will be sent to all participants upon registration. The group will be conducted in English.

When is the Group Offered?

****I am located in Portugal; the times and dates listed are for the Western European time zone. Each group will have a maximum of 6 participants; please enroll early to confirm your spot.

The following groups are intended for participants in the Western Hemisphere (the Americas, Europe, and Africa):

The Tuesday West Group will begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 6 PM. (For reference, this will be 10 AM US West Coast time, 1 PM US East Coast time, and 7 PM Central European time on the same date). The course will run consecutive Tuesdays, finishing on February 11, 2025.

*GROUP FULL** The Friday West Group will begin on Friday, November 22, at 6 PM. (For reference, this will be 10 AM US West Coast time, 1 PM US East Coast time, and 7 PM Central European time on the same date). The course will run consecutive Fridays, finishing on December 20.

**GROUP FULL** The Thursday West Group will begin on Thursday, September 12, at 6 PM. (For reference, this will be 10 AM US West Coast time, 1 PM US East Coast time, and 7 PM Central European time on the same date). The course will run consecutive Thursdays, finishing on October 10.

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The following groups are intended for participants located in the Eastern Hemisphere (Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia):

The Thursday East Group will begin on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM. (For reference, this will be 7:00 PM Japan Time and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for Australia on the same same date). The group will run consecutive Thursdays, finishing on March 27, 2025.

**GROUP FULL** The Monday East Group will begin on Monday, October 28, at 10:00 AM. (For reference, this will be 7:00 PM Japan Time and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for Australia on the same date). The course will run consecutive Mondays, finishing on November 25.

Who is Eligible?

This group is intended for Somatic Experiencing® Practitioners (SEP™’s) or similarly-trained professionals who have experience processing emotional material in a collective setting. The SSP can be a powerful stimulus. While the group will form and hold a supportive container, participants must be familiar with their personal nervous system responses and have confidence in their ability to witness and to self-regulate these responses.

The SSP is not intended to be a stand-alone therapy. Access to supportive resources during and after is recommended and is the responsibility of the participant.

Other individual and group SSP delivery options are available; please click here to view.

Participant Comments

“Thank you so much for doing these groups for somatic practitioners! We are lucky to have access to this experience, and I'm really grateful to be able to experience the work myself. It's been powerful for me. I’m excited to explore it further, and grateful for your facilitation and the space you create for people to go through these polyvagal protocols.” — Aiden Moore

I’m so grateful for these past five weeks—I’ve learned so much and have experienced great benefits from listening to SSP. My sleep has improved, and I feel much calmer.” — Frida T.

How Do I Enroll?

Please select one of the buttons below to proceed. Registrations will be considered complete when course payment is received.