Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

SSP is a sound therapy developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, based on Polyvagal Theory. It uses filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve via the middle ear, aiming to shift the nervous system from fight/flight or shutdown into safety and social connection.

It’s used to gently regulate the nervous system, often for people who are sensitive to traditional therapy or trauma work.

Delivered via headphones through a trained provider (or sometimes via app)
Listeners follow a programme of 5–10 hours of specially filtered music over days or weeks
Music is designed to “exercise” the vagus nerve and increase physiological regulation

Course Delivery Options

In-person through clinics or therapy centres.
Remote/online delivery via a secure app (requires provider access).
Self-paced options are rare — most require a practitioner’s supervision to monitor nervous system responses.

Practitioner Access

SSP can only be accessed through a trained provider.
Use the official directory to find someone near you: Find a Provider
Some therapists integrate SSP into other modalities (e.g., somatic therapy, trauma work).

Autism, trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, freeze states, sensory sensitivity, developmental trauma, long COVID.

Usually done through a provider; some access may require cost
Can cause strong responses in some people — usually delivered in very short, gentle doses
Best done with trauma-informed support if you have a history of trauma or nervous system sensitivity
Pairs well with somatic work and other gentle therapies

Typical Costs

Most SSP programmes are delivered by certified providers and sold as part of a package (consultation + listening sessions + follow-up).
UK: Around £200–£400 for a full programme (varies by practitioner, often 5–10 hours of listening over 2–4 weeks, with guidance).
USA: $300–$800 depending on provider, package length, and whether additional therapy sessions are included.
Australia: AUD $350–$700 for the full protocol, often delivered online with remote support.
Europe: €250–€600 depending on the provider and delivery method.
Ask about illness-discount or sliding-scale options - many SSP providers make accommodations for those on disability or chronic illness.
Some offer payment plans, especially in NZ (via disability support or grants). Worth asking directly if finances are a barrier.

Discount-Friendly Directory

SSP is a paid, licensed product - no full version is offered for free
Some providers offer free initial consultations or reduced-cost packages for low-income clients, including those with ME/CFS, fibro, POTS, or chronic pain
Worth asking directly about hardship rates if on disability benefits or unable to work due to illness
Short videos and frequency-based soundtracks on YouTube are not SSP, but some people use them for general relaxation — they do not replace the licensed programme