A nervous system reset for safety, calm, and connection
The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is a five-hour, evidence-based listening program created by Dr. Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory). It uses specially filtered music tuned to human speech to send subtle safety cues to your nervous system.
Think of it as a nervous system workout: the music gently stimulates the vagus nerve and middle ear muscles, training your body to recognise safety, soften stress responses, and shift out of survival mode. Over time, many clients report fewer “false alarms,” clearer focus, and easier connection.
SSP helps shift you from constant fight-or-flight into a calmer, more connected state. That means less reactivity, steadier focus, and relationships that feel easier.
👉 At Mindful Mage Counselling, we offer SSP as a standalone nervous system intervention — or as a buff spell to boost the impact of other therapies like CBT, DBT, EMDR, or mindfulness.
SSP may help children, teens, and adults who experience:
- Anxiety, chronic stress, or burnout
- Trauma or PTSD
- Autism spectrum differences and masking fatigue
- ADHD and focus difficulties
- Sensory processing challenges
- Misophonia and auditory sensitivities
- Shutdowns, meltdowns, or mood swings
- Ongoing issues with sleep, digestion, or immune regulation
👉 Because SSP works directly with the autonomic nervous system, it can help you move out of fight–flight into calm, or out of freeze–shutdown into safe engagement.
SSP is designed to “retune” survival patterns that once kept you safe but now keep you stuck.
Here’s the science in simple terms:
💻 We like to say it’s like swapping your overclocked stress GPU for one that runs smooth and cool.
Your nervous system constantly samples the world through eyes, breath, and ears. SSP uses that ear–vagus pathway to update the “operating system,” not just the apps. When the OS runs in a stable, safe state, your thoughts, behaviours, and relationships stop fighting uphill battles.
You find a lot more information on Unyte's What is the SPP site.
Early experiences shape survival patterns: freeze, avoid, explode, overperform, mask. Those strategies probably kept you safe once. As an adult, they can pull you off your goals.
Signs of mismatch between intention and physiology:
Jittery when you want to sleep
Lethargic when you need to act
Overwhelmed in social settings
Afraid when you want deeper connection
Distracted when you’re trying to focus
That mismatch is dysregulation. SSP helps realign the signal with the task.
SSP Core is delivered over seven 50-minute sessions, totalling five hours of listening. Sessions are broken into 30–50 minute blocks to support your nervous system’s natural pacing.
You’ll use wired, over-ear headphones and the Unyte-iLs app, either in-person with Fox or virtually with remote guidance.
During listening sessions, you might choose gentle activities such as colouring, journaling, knitting, or simply resting. Avoid technology, strenuous exercise, or demanding cognitive tasks during listening.
You can watch this video by Unyte on what to expect from your SSP experience.
During listening, you can:
Do quiet activities (colouring, puzzles, knitting, journaling).
Use gentle rhythmic movement (rocking chair, hammock, swing).
Or simply sit comfortably and let the music do the work.
Things to avoid during sessions:
Use technology such as cellphones, tablets, video games, etc.
⚠️ Note: Noise-cancelling headphones are not compatible with SSP and reduce effectiveness. See our Approved Headphones Guide
Not too sure if you'll like the music? You can listen to some of the sample music in the SSP here!
Imagine your system delivering the right energy at the right time:
Open, warm, and calm for connection
Alert and focused for work or workouts
Slow and sleepy for rest
Capacity to halt spirals and panic before they snowball
Choice in how you feel, rather than being dragged by habit
Flow at work with built-in breaks that protect your health
This is regulation. SSP trains your body toward that baseline so life feels playable again.
Regulation can feel unfamiliar if trauma has been your baseline. We go slow, adjusting session length and frequency to support safety. Most clients complete SSP Core within the seven-session structure, with optional tune-ups later.
Fox’s clinical workflow:
Begin with 30 seconds morning and night. Add 30 seconds every day or two until you find the sweet spot.
Expect your system to test the new setting. That’s not failure—it’s old survival coding. Keep the pace gentle and steady.
All SSP clients begin with an intake & orientation, then complete seven 50-minute sessions.
| Component | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Intake & Orientation | 50 minutes | We review your history, goals, and set up the Unyte app for listening. |
| SSP Sessions | 30–50 minutes | Minimum of 7 sessions, broken into 30–50 minute blocks to support nervous system regulation. This pacing allows time for breaks, in-session processing, and gradual rewiring—helping you stay comfortable and grounded throughout the experience. |
| SSP Core Listening | 5 hours total | Five hours of listening, completed across your sessions. The pace is fully adjustable—slower if you are more sensitive, faster if your system feels ready. |
| Integration & Debrief | Included | Short check-ins between sessions (5–15 minutes by phone, video, or email) to monitor progress and adjust pacing. |
| Total Package | 7 × 50-minute sessions | $950 + GST (additional sessions can be added at $135 + GST each if you need extra time to complete the protocol). |
📄 For more details, visit our Safe and Sound Protocol page or check our SSP Headphones Guide for approved listening equipment. Learn more about SSP at whatisthessp.com
Optional monthly check-ins for independent clients
Your $50 monthly fee can be applied toward a session
Note: Subscription covers licensed access and monitoring. Sessions are separate.
Certified SSP provider (2025) with CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed training
Neurodivergence-affirming and LGBTQ+ inclusive
Flexible pacing matched to your nervous system
Playful but grounded style: metaphors, co-regulation, creativity
Think of SSP as a baseline buff for your whole system so the rest of your healing plays smoother.
The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is powerful work with the nervous system — which means it can feel different, and not always comfortable at first. For many people, this is a safe and gradual reset. For others, certain medical or mental health conditions mean you’ll want to go slower, or check in with your doctor first.
👉 Important: Please review these cautions before starting SSP. In some cases, medical clearance is recommended. If you’re unsure, talk with your doctor, psychiatrist, or audiologist before beginning.
These conditions can increase sensitivity to SSP.
Please consult with your doctor and ensure you have a support plan in place before starting.
Clients with psychosis, recent psychiatric hospitalisations, or currently on antipsychotic medication should only complete SSP under the supervision of their psychiatrist or a closely involved provider.
Conditions like perforated/ruptured eardrums, stapedectomy, or tympanostomy tubes require audiologist or medical clearance first.
SSP may create nervous system shifts that interact with ongoing health issues.
Please ensure you have access to a medical provider to monitor changes as needed.
SSP can sometimes temporarily activate tinnitus symptoms.
If approved by your doctor, you may benefit from:
Listening at the lowest comfortable volume.
Taking frequent breaks.
Using speakers instead of headphones.
Some clients report SSP actually helps their tinnitus when delivered at a slower pace.
SSP can bring up strong emotions.
If you are currently struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, please talk with your therapist or doctor first.
SSP may be possible with support, but should always be combined with regular therapy check-ins.
SSP can be done in-person, virtually, or independently at home — but it requires following the plan.
If you prefer a self-guided approach, you’ll receive clear instructions plus email/text/phone/video call support.
If following instructions is difficult for you, SSP should only be done in live 1:1 sessions.
Yes. SSP requires wired, over-ear headphones that meet specific technical standards so the filtered music is delivered accurately. Noise-cancelling headphones are not compatible and will reduce effectiveness. See our Approved Headphones Guide
SSP Core is five hours of listening, intentionally divided across multiple shorter sessions to allow a listen–pause–process rhythm. This pacing supports your nervous system in integrating change safely and effectively.
That’s a normal sign your system is doing work. We pace carefully. We can slow down, pause, or spread sessions out to support regulation. Comfort and safety come first.
Some people notice shifts during listening; others notice change over 2–6 weeks after completing SSP Core. We layer in somatic practices (breathwork, mindfulness, brief meditations) to consolidate gains. Tune-ups can be scheduled later if helpful.
Yes. Many clients repeat SSP in a new season of growth. We’ll decide timing with you based on goals and how your nervous system responded the first time.
Both. Sessions can be completed in-person in Calgary or virtually with guided support. You’ll use the Unyte-iLs app and approved headphones either way.
You can explore SSP’s background and research at whatisthessp.com
SSP is not a one-size-fits-all tool. For some, it’s life-changing. For others, it needs to be carefully adapted or paired with medical supervision. At Mindful Mage Counselling, we’ll always screen first and adjust the protocol to fit your nervous system safely. Your nervous system doesn’t need to stay stuck in fight, flight, or freeze. SSP offers a way to help your body feel safer, more regulated, and more open to connection.
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