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Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, founder of the Polyvagal Theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol is an evidence-based therapeutic tool designed to reset the nervous system and help it orient to a state of connection and safety. It has been shown to improve:

  • Anxiety and trauma-related challenges
  • Inattention
  • Social and emotional difficulties
  • Auditory Sensitivities
  • Reactive/negative behaviors
  • Difficulties in regulating physiological and emotional states
How does it work?

The SSP playlists are delivered through over-the-ear headphones. It is a powerful listening intervention designed to work along with other therapies or modalities. The program is a total of 5 hours, listened to over the course of 10 days to a few weeks (more information on this below).

The SSP trains the middle ear muscles to tune-in to cues of safety signaled by the frequencies of human voice, which stimulates the social engagement system through the neural network associated with listening. This results in the repatterning of neural networks and improved regulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) for lasting change.

The SSP interrupts chronic states of nervous system defense by using specially filtered music that alters the way sounds are interpreted.

This helps the nervous system shift out of a defensive, protective (fight, flight or freeze) state and into a state of connection, safety, and social engagement.

SSP with Judy Grupenhoff

I am an Integrative Mental Health Coach and a certified SSP Provider.

The SSP is typically an add-on to the skill-building/coaching services I offer. It combines coaching and supported listening sessions with independent listening sessions in a calm and safe environment. The number of independent vs. supported listening sessions and the rate at which you will listen to the tracks is tailored to your needs and your nervous system response to the music. Some people may listen to 30 minutes a day for 10 days, others may go more slowly.

Through an assessment and evaluation process, we will determine the most appropriate combination of coaching/listening sessions for you.



Questions? Want to know if this work is right for you? 
I offer a free 20-minute consultation.



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I am an Integrative Mental Wellness Coach and Educator, not a psychotherapist. The tools and approaches I use are intended to help clients learn skills to manage their nervous systems and to support them in behavior change. Skill-building and coaching support can be an effective adjunct to other forms of treatment, but they are not a substitute for appropriate medical or mental health care.