The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a neuro-developmental intervention designed to help individuals who experience symptoms related to stress, anxiety, trauma, and social communication difficulties. The protocol involves listening to specially designed music that is processed to emphasize certain frequencies and rhythms, which are thought to help regulate the autonomic nervous system and improve social engagement and emotional regulation.

The SSP was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, a neuroscientist and psychobiologist, and is based on his Polyvagal Theory. According to this theory, the autonomic nervous system is regulated by the vagus nerve, which has two branches that respond differently to stress and social engagement. The SSP is designed to stimulate the parasympathetic branch of the vagus nerve, which is associated with feelings of safety and social engagement.

The protocol involves listening to a series of music tracks that have been processed to emphasize certain frequencies and rhythms, which are believed to stimulate the parasympathetic branch of the vagus nerve. The music is delivered through headphones or speakers and is accompanied by breathing exercises and other sensory activities.

The SSP is typically delivered by a trained therapist or healthcare provider and can be tailored to the specific needs of the individual. It has been used to help individuals with a range of conditions, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While the SSP has shown promising results in some studies, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and potential benefits.