Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)

“When we are in a defensive state, then we are using metabolic resources to defend. It’s not merely that we can’t be creative or loving when we’re scared; we can’t heal.”

– Dr. Stephen W. Porges,
The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a five-hour therapeutic listening intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges as an advanced application of Polyvagal Theory. The SSP uses psychoacoustic sound healing to recalibrate the nervous system, fostering greater regulation, resilience, and connection between the brain, body, and heart.

When integrated with Biofield Tuning and Somatic Experiencing techniques using Transformative Harmonics™, this intervention not only helps individuals connect with their interoceptive cues and creates a pathway for greater regulation, it also provides a unique container for integrative trauma and attachment healing.

"What a psychotherapist can do, according to C.G. Jung, is to create a supportive environment, in which psychospiritual transformation can occur; this container can be compared to the hermetic vessel that makes alchemical processes possible… that mediates contact between the conscious ego and a higher aspect of the client.”
- Stan Grof

Recalibrating the Nervous System

The SSP is grounded in decades of research on Polyvagal Theory and the role of the vagus nerve in promoting safety, social connection, and self-healing. By utilizing sound frequencies that communicate safety to the nervous system, SSP helps the body shift out of defensive states and toward a state of homeostasis and regulation.

How Does the SSP Work?

  • Filtered Sound Frequencies: The SSP uses music that has been filtered through a patented, evidence-based algorithm designed to highlight sound frequencies that promote autonomic nervous system regulation.
  • Inner Ear Stimulation: The SSP stimulates the inner ear muscles, training the nervous system to orient toward cues of safety communicated through coherent vocal tones.
  • Neurological Exercise: Over the five-hour intervention (delivered in titrated segments over several weeks), the nervous system "retunes" itself to perceive and process safety more effectively.
  • Cycles of Physiological Shifts: The SSP facilitates state shifts in the nervous system that mimic those experienced in Somatic Experiencing sessions.
  • Self-Healing and Regulation: Through repeated exposure to cues of safety, the SSP enhances the body's innate self-healing abilities and fosters coherence in the mind-body system.
  • Attuned Relational Support: The provider’s attuned embodied presence acts as an additional support, enhancing the participant's experience of relational safety and inviting their nervous system into a new state of balance.

Pre-Requisites for Advanced Application of the SSP with Paula using Somatic Experiencing, Parts Work, and Biofield Tuning

To fully benefit from the SSP, the following conditions are recommended:

  • Safe and Comfortable Environment: Engage in a space free from distractions where you can lay down and relax.
  • Sound Journeying Practices: Incorporate techniques from Somatic Experiencing and Traditional Wisdom teachings to deepen your experience.
  • Self-Tracking: Have a willingness to inwardly explore and track your internal states with curiosity and ease.

Required Equipment:

  • Over-the-ear headphones.
  • An iPhone or compatible device for accessing the SSP playlists.

SSP Playlists

The SSP offers six curated playlists to suit individual preferences.

Playlist Options:

  • Groove: Artist Jim Donovan, M.Ed has created a rhythmic mix of instrumentals and pop/rock tracks. This type of music is great for those who enjoy American rock.
  • Groove Instrumental: This instrumental version of the Groove playlist offers the same energy as above without vocals.
  • Freely: AZA Stephen Allsop, M.D., Ph.D has created a calming ambient fusion of non-vocal tracks composed exclusively for Unyte. This type of music is great for those who enjoy yoga fusion.
  • Classical Flow: This offering includes classical music pieces for those who prefer a timeless instrumental experience (see example playlist).
  • Original: A list of pop and contemporary cover songs (see example playlist).
  • Wonder: Features Disney classics and other uplifting tracks (see example playlist).

Can I Sample the Music?

How Is Transformative Harmonics™ Integration of the SSP Different?

Transformative Harmonics™ is an advanced application of SSP that blends many models from indigenous and Western perspectives in our understanding transformative healing (Bioenergetics, Transpersonal and Jungian Psychology, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Experiencing, and Sound Healing). The courses offered through Transformative Harmonics™ are a culmination of over 30 years of experience the integrates many of these practices and perspectives in a manner that is embodied and integrative.

"Psychotherapy using holotropic states of consciousness offers many additional highly effective mechanisms of healing and personality transformation, which become available when experiential regression reaches the perinatal and transpersonal levels. Among these are actual reliving of traumatic memories from infancy, childhood, biological birth, and prenatal life, past life memories, emergence of archetypal material, experiences of cosmic unity, and others.”
- Stan Grof

Introducing The Rebirthing Ourselves Course

Course Highlights:

  • Integration of Disciplines: Explore the intersection of sound healing, somatic practices, psychology, and bioenergetic work.
  • Nervous System Retuning: Foster social connection and interoceptive awareness.
  • Inner Child Healing: Use automatic writing prompts to explore core wounds and reframe limiting beliefs.
  • Mindfulness Practices: Meditations, creative movement, and body-centered exercises enhance connection to the self.
  • Heart Consciousness: Develop your capacity for empathy, attuned presence, and self-love.


Who Is It For?
This program is ideal for individuals who:

  • Are exploring body-based approaches such as somatics, breathwork, or sound healing.
  • Seek greater freedom and connection to their authentic self through inner child and attachment healing.
  • Desire more nervous system regulation and resilience to handle stress.
  • Are searching for clarity in relationships, personal growth, or their spiritual journey.

How to Engage with SSP or Rebirthing Ourselves

Group Healing Circles
Visit the course page for outlines and upcoming dates.

and/or

Individual Services
Option One:
Hybrid program (6 sessions).

Option Two:
Full program (12 sessions).

Each session includes:
30 minutes of Sound Healing using SSP.
30 minutes of psychological or somatic counseling.

Price:
$200 per 60-minute session.
Sessions available remotely.

Contact us for a free 20-minute discovery session.

"Paula’s intuitive, wise, compassionate presence while listening to the SSP transformed life-inhibiting somatic, relational, and emotional narratives held by parts of myself into life-sustaining narratives. An emergent felt sense of safety and calm evolved in my personal life and my witnessing presence with others as a clinical psychologist. I unreservedly recommend that you invite her into your process while listening to the SSP."
– Gail E. Gnade, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychologist, CCTP-II, EMDR Certified)