Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

At Way to Grow, we are excited to offer the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) as a supportive, evidence-based addition to our occupational therapy, feeding therapy, and speech-language therapy services.

SSP is a 5-hour auditory intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, creator of Polyvagal Theory. It uses specially filtered music to support regulation of the nervous system, which can improve how children process sound, manage their emotions, and engage socially. Children listen to this music through headphones while supported by a trained provider, either in-person at our clinic or remotely, depending on what best fits your family. The music is designed to gently stimulate the nervous system pathways involved in safety, connection, and social engagement.

How SSP Helps

SSP has shown to be beneficial for children who experience:

• Sound sensitivity or auditory defensiveness
• Anxiety or frequent overwhelm
• Sensory processing differences
• Difficulty with emotional regulation
• Challenges with attention, social engagement, or communication
• A history of stress or trauma

SSP is not a replacement for OT or speech therapy, it is a supportive tool that can help children get more out of therapy. When a child’s nervous system is in a calmer, more regulated state, we often see:

• Improved tolerance for sounds and environments
• Increased engagement and attention during sessions
• Better emotional regulation and flexibility
• Improved readiness for communication and social interaction

The Science Behind SSP

SSP is a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, developed by researcher Dr. Stephen Porges. Polyvagal Theory helps explain how the nervous system responds to feelings of safety, danger, or threat, and how those states influence behavior, emotions, learning, and social connection. When the nervous system feels unsafe, children may struggle with regulation, communication, and participation, even when they are trying their best. By using a bottom-up, physiological approach, SSP works directly with the nervous system to support feelings of safety, helping children become more available for learning, therapy, and relationships.

What to expect

When your child participates in SSP at Way to Grow, they are supported by licensed occupational therapists throughout the duration of the process. You can expect:

• Screening for appropriateness and readiness for the program
• Individualized pacing based on your child’s responses
• Integration of SSP into therapy sessions
• Collaboration with your family for administration in home when completing remotely

More information can be found at https://www.whatisthessp.com.

Interested in learning if SSP is a good fit for your child?

Call Way to Grow at 480-508-5252 to schedule a consultation.

Copyright & Attribution
This information includes proprietary content about the Safe and Sound Protocol, used with permission from Unyte Health Inc., a leading provider of evidence-based listening therapies for nervous system regulation. Images and videos courtesy of Unyte Health. Learn more at integratedlistening.com.

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Here's what families are saying about Way to Grow

"Heather is a caring and very talented occupational therapist. While working with Heather, my daughter felt like she was going to a play date every week instead of a therapy session, and made significant improvements during her sessions. Heather has great communication with parents and helps explain what a parent can do at home to enforce what was learned in therapy. I highly recommend Heather to anyone in need of a occupational therapist. We are so grateful to have found her!"

-Lyndsey M.

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