I'm excited to share that I’ve officially completed training in the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and am now offering this intervention to my naturopathic clients.

The Theory

If you know me or you’ve followed me for a while on social media, you’ve likely heard me talk about Polyvagal Theory (PVT). Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, this framework has deepened my understanding of the nervous system and what happens when our nervous systems interact with others. It highlights the important role of the vagus nerve in regulating our heart rate and breath, as well as body language, emotional responses, and our ability to detect safety or danger. If you’re curious to learn more, you can check out this blog post or this handout about Polyvagal Theory.

White-presenting woman with dark brown hair wearing a peach cardigen and light blue pants, sitting on a grey couch, leaning back with her eyes closed, with a set of over-the-ears headphones on.

The Intervention

The Safe and Sound Protocol is a gentle, evidence-based listening intervention developed by Dr. Porges to support nervous system regulation. It uses filtered music to engage the tiny muscles of the middle ear, encouraging the brain to tune in to calming, safe sounds (similar to the “sing-songy” voices many of us reflexively use with babies or animals). These sounds send cues of safety through the vagus nerve, helping to shift the body out of “fight or flight” or “shut down” states and into a more relaxed, socially engaged mode. In this calmer state, other modalities and treatments may work more effectively.

As with many healing approaches, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) will not be the right fit for everyone. If you're curious to learn more or would like to explore whether this intervention could support you and your health, feel free to reach out or book a free meet and greet consultation.

Click here for more information on the Safe and Sound Protocol.