Art of the Soul Studio

Safe & Sound Protocol Therapy

FAQ – Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

1. What is Safe and Sound therapy, and how is it integrated with art therapy?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music. As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to re-tune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration, and resilience.

SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider, in-person or remotely. It is suitable for both children and adults, and has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences, and more. At Art of the Soul, we enhance the SSP experience by integrating it with art therapy, offering a holistic approach to healing and nervous system regulation.

2. How did Art of the Soul come to use SSP?

In 2019, Jessica sought out SSP as a tool to help one of her children with self-regulation, focus, and social connection. She discovered its profound benefits for regulating the nervous system and improving emotional well-being. After seeing its positive effects on her child, Jessica has used SSP with many clients and has experienced its effects personally as well.

3. What is it like to experience SSP?

Each person’s experience with SSP is unique, as everyone comes to the tool with different treatment needs. Personally, Jessica experienced a profound reorganization of her nervous system during the five-day protocol. She recalls moments of tearfulness, where emotions surged like waves, followed by her nervous system activating into fight or flight. This repeated until she began creating artwork, which deepened her understanding of the emotional process. By the end of the protocol, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace and even craved the music. Weeks later, she noticed how she was able to stay calm and present in situations that previously triggered dysregulation.

4. How does the use of art therapy enhance the SSP experience?

With the help of an experienced art therapist skilled in somatic and trauma-informed work, clients are gently guided through the reconfiguring of the nervous system using art experientials. The creative process allows the experiences that occur while listening to SSP to become externalized, deepening the healing process and promoting brain-body integration. The type of art materials and timing of the art directives are carefully selected based on the client’s therapeutic needs, ensuring a tailored and effective healing process.

5. Highlights of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP):

• A five-hour auditory intervention developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of Polyvagal Theory.
• Designed to reduce sound sensitivity, improve auditory processing, and enhance behavioral state regulation.
• Activates the client’s social engagement system, helping to accelerate and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
• Supports physiological state regulation, allowing for greater resilience.

6. What is Polyvagal Theory?

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, focuses on the body and nervous system’s role in shaping our behavior. It explains how our sense of safety, danger, or life-threat impacts how we feel, think, and connect with others. Understanding Polyvagal Theory gives us a scientific framework for using physiological, or “bottom-up” therapies like SSP to improve emotional regulation and connection with others.  Check out this video for more information. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCRmkGSdN_0 About Unyte

7. What is the structure of the Safe and Sound Program?

SSP is administered in three phases:

• Phase 1: Connect
  After the initial intake session, you will be granted access to the Connect version of SSP. This is a preparation period for your nervous system, which spans over two weeks. During this time, your therapist will monitor your progress, and you can check in via email as needed.

• Phase 2: Core
  After the Connect phase, the Core protocol begins. This is the five-hour core protocol that must be completed with at least 24 hours between each session to allow your nervous system time to regulate. Depending on your specific needs, this phase may take up to two months, according to the treatment plan.

• Phase 3: Balance
  Balance is the maintenance phase, designed to be completed within 30 days post-Core. This phase helps solidify the progress made during the Core phase and is completed as needed.

8. Can I complete the SSP program solo to save money?

This depends on your treatment needs. SSP can be very dysregulating, and we strongly believe that working with a trained professional yields the best outcome. A somatic component, such as art therapy or mindfulness, can enhance the effectiveness of the protocol. However, we understand that cost can be a concern. If you're already working with a counselor and using SSP adjunctly, we can adjust the program accordingly. For less intensive cases, we can offer a modified plan where we meet at the beginning, midway through Core, and after the completion of the protocol.

9. Is it beneficial for families to complete SSP together?

Yes, we often recommend that entire families complete SSP together. It can be incredibly beneficial for parents and children to participate, with parents completing the program first to offer regulation for the child. In such cases, we offer family discounts. Please reach out to us for more information.

10. Do you offer SSP for groups?

Absolutely! Group work can be a powerful way to experience SSP. We offer this in groups of four or more. If you're interested in bringing a group, or if you’d like to join one of our scheduled group therapy sessions, please watch for updates on our webpage and Facebook page.

11. Who can benefit from Safe and Sound therapy?

SSP can benefit a wide range of individuals, particularly those experiencing sensory overload or nervous system dysregulation. Examples include:

• ADD/ADHD: SSP helps individuals with ADD/ADHD by calming the nervous system, reducing hyperactivity, and promoting focus.

• Autism: For those on the autism spectrum, SSP alleviates sensory sensitivities and enhances emotional regulation.

• Trauma survivors: SSP soothes the heightened nervous system response in trauma survivors, helping reduce anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional dysregulation.

• Professionals experiencing burnout: SSP can be especially beneficial for mental health and medical professionals facing burnout. By regulating the nervous system, SSP helps professionals reconnect with their own emotional balance, reduce stress, and improve focus and clarity. This creates space for personal well-being, emotional recovery, and enhanced engagement in both personal and professional life.

By alleviating sensory overwhelm, SSP promotes clarity, emotional balance, and peace.

12. Do you offer supervision to new professionals seeking to use SSP?

Yes, we do. We offer supervision for professionals looking to integrate SSP into their practice. The supervision fee is $100 per hour and covers the basic ins and outs of the protocol, along with reflection on case-specific details.

13. How is Safe and Sound therapy administered?

SSP is offered online through a secure platform. You will be provided with a link to download the necessary software. An initial intake session (90 minutes, $175) is required to assess your goals if you are not already a client. The five-day protocol includes one-hour sessions with 30 minutes of processing time with the therapist after each session.
The cost for the five-day protocol is $800, with additional sessions priced at $160 for 90 minutes if needed based on your sensory or trauma-related needs.

14. Do you accept insurance for Safe and Sound therapy?

We do not accept insurance for SSP. However, we offer flexible payment options, including payment plans and the use of HSA/FSA accounts to make this specialized care accessible.

15. What is required for Safe and Sound therapy?
To begin the SSP program, you'll need the following:

Download the software: Once you are registered, we will send you a link to download the necessary software. You will create an account that will remain active as long as you are continuing through the program.
Purchase circumaural headphones: These are essential for optimal sound quality because they close in the sound, creating a better environment for the therapy. Earbuds are not recommended.
Here’s an example of suitable headphones: LORELEI X6 Headphones on Amazon.
Art supplies: We will also recommend a list of art supplies to have on hand to enhance the art therapy portion of the SSP experience.

Contact Us

For more information about Safe and Sound therapy and its integration with art therapy, please reach out to us at:

• Jessica Buescher: jess.artofthesoul@gmail.com
• Tina Williams: truessence209@yahoo.com

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) – Price List
SSP Program

Initial Intake Session (90 minutes): $175
Comprehensive assessment of your goals and needs prior to starting the program.
SSP Phases
Phase 1: Connect (Preparation Phase, 2 weeks): Included in overall pricing
This phase prepares your nervous system for the core protocol. Progress is monitored by your therapist, with check-ins available via email.

Phase 2: Core (Five-hour Protocol): $800

Consists of five one-hour sessions with at least 24 hours between each session.
Includes 30 minutes of processing time with the therapist after each session.
Sessions can be spaced over up to two months depending on treatment needs.
Phase 3: Balance (Maintenance Phase): Included in overall pricing
Completed within 30 days post-Core, this phase helps solidify progress made during the core protocol.

Additional Services
Additional SSP Sessions (90 minutes): $160
For individuals who may need additional sessions based on their sensory or trauma-related needs.

Supervision for Professionals (per hour): $100
Supervision and guidance for professionals looking to integrate SSP into their practice.

Payment Options
Payment plans are available.
We accept HSA/FSA for all SSP services.