The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is music with the power of science and years of clinical research. It is music that has been carefully filtered to send safety signals to your nervous system. These signals live in the mid-frequency range, which directly engages the vagus nerve through your outer and middle ear.
If headphones distort, cancel, or “enhance” those frequencies, the protocol does not land the same way. Think of it like trying to play a finely tuned RPG soundtrack through a broken speaker — you miss the notes that carry the emotion. With SSP, those “notes” are literally what helps your body shift from survival mode into regulation.
Your vagus nerve has sensory branches in your outer ear (pinna and ear canal). Covering the whole ear with over-ear (circumaural) headphones maximises that input. The enclosed cup also keeps the filtered frequencies immersive and consistent.
Earbuds or on-ears only stimulate part of the pathway. The signal still gets through, but it is like playing with half a controller — technically possible, but not ideal. Unless you like wild West challenges when streaming. :P
Noise-cancelling (ANC) works by generating low-frequency signals to mask outside noise. The problem? SSP depends on mid-frequency signals to do its job. ANC muddies those frequencies, making them less effective for the retuning of your nervous system.
ANC also creates an isolation bubble. For some nervous systems, especially those already wired for hypervigilance, that bubble can actually feel less safe.
So: ANC off, or better yet, headphones without it.
Wired headphones: Simple, reliable, no lag. Recommended if you have a headphone jack or adapter.
Bluetooth headphones: Approved, but keep your phone/tablet close. Distance can cause compression or dropouts, which weakens the effect.
👉 Pro tip: if you are using Bluetooth, disable any “extra” sound settings in the companion app (EQ presets, spatial audio, bass boost, etc.).
Not at all. SSP is not about hi-fi (high-fidelity audio) sound — it is about preserving mid-frequency clarity. Even budget over-ear models can deliver excellent results if you keep processing off.
Expensive headphones are fine if you can disable all enhancements. But honestly? Sometimes the cheaper, simpler models are better because they do not overthink the job.
Many modern phones and tablets no longer include a headphone jack. You will need a 3.5mm adapter (Lightning-to-3.5mm for Apple, or USB-C-to-3.5mm for Android). These are widely available at electronics stores such as Best Buy or Amazon.
Adapters work perfectly well! They are just another part of the setup. Mindful Mage Counselling will also provide an adapter if you forget or are low on gold.
In rare cases (very young children, sensory-sensitive clients, and even dogs), we sometimes use speakers instead of headphones. The effect is usually weaker, but still present.
Think of it like training without the weighted vest — still useful, just less intense.
Here is what to look for in your headphones:
✅ Over-ear cups that fully surround the ear
✅ Wired or Bluetooth with device nearby
✅ All processing OFF (noise-cancelling, EQ presets, bass boost, spatial audio)
✅ Comfortable for 10–30 minutes without fidgeting
✅ Volume low and safe (never crank SSP music)
Avoid:
❌ Noise-cancelling (if you cannot turn it off)
❌ Earbuds/in-ear monitors (last resort only)
❌ Headphones that force DSP “corrections” you cannot disable
Are expensive headphones better?
Not really. SSP does not need full-frequency reproduction. It just needs clean mid-range. A $40 wired pair can outperform a $400 pair with locked-in noise filters.
Can I use my gaming headset?
Maybe. Many gaming headsets add EQ or surround sound. If you can turn everything off and run them in “flat” mode, you are good. Otherwise, grab a simpler pair for SSP.
What if I only have earbuds?
We can try, but you may not get the full effect. Earbuds do not stimulate the outer ear enough. Consider them a temporary option while you source over-ears.
What about on-ear headphones?
Better than earbuds, but not as immersive as over-ear. Use them if that is your comfort zone, especially if clamping pressure from over-ear cups is overwhelming. The frequency quality might not be as effective for the SSP.
Why do we care so much about “processing”?
Because the SSP filtering is already deliberate. Your headphones’ “improvements” undo the very thing the program is designed to deliver.
For SSP to work best, you want simple, over-ear, no-frills headphones. Wired is ideal. Bluetooth is fine if you keep it close and turn off all features.
👉 Not sure if your model is SSP-ready? Send me the brand + model (or a screenshot from Amazon) to fox@mindfulmagecounselling.ca