At Professional Services Group, our mission is to support nervous system healing and emotional connection through the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP). We are committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care that helps children, caregivers, and adults move toward greater regulation, resilience, and relational safety.
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a powerful and innovative listening therapy designed to reduce hearing sensitivity and help regulate the autonomic nervous system. This process helps build the foundation for awareness, embodiment, and resilience. The autonomic nervous system regulates essential bodily functiong. When we feel like we’re in danger, this system kicks in to protect us by engaging what are commonly knows as the “fight/flight” or “freeze” responses.
Beyond listening, you do not have to “do” anything to experience the benefits of the SSP.
SSP uses specially filtered music to help calm the nervous system and support feelings of safety, focus, and connection. Listening is done through headphones, in short, guided sessions — usually 5 to 30 minutes — and always at a pace that feels right for the listener.
Some people’s nervous systems have a harder time interpreting safety on their own. This can include (but is not limited to) individuals who:
- Have experienced difficult, adverse life events or trauma
- Live with an illness or injury
- Have sensory, learning, or developmental differences
SSP helps restore this ability by sending “cues of safety” directly to the nervous system, so you can feel more calm, engaged, and balanced.
SSP has helped over 100,000 children, adolescents, and adults in more than 70 countries worldwide and may be helpful in reducing symptoms and supporting overall health and resiliency for people seeking support for:
- Anxiety, chronic stress, or panic
- Trauma, PTSD, or early attachment disruptions
- Sensory sensitivities (to sound, touch, etc.)
- Autism or neurodivergent processing
- Difficulty connecting with others
- Big emotional reactions or trouble calming down
- Shutdown, freeze responses, or emotional numbness
- Trouble sleeping, concentrating, or staying present
- A history of developmental trauma or adoption
- And More!
You may be able to identify when your autonomic nervous system is in a defensive state if you notice difficulties with:
- Breathing
- Sleep
- Mental Clarity
- Digestion
- Concentration
- Social Connection
Our SSP sessions are led by fully licensed clinicians with extensive experience and specialized training. Each provider brings over a year of hands-on SSP delivery and holds certifications in Circle of Security Parenting, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Theraplay®.
Grounded in attachment theory and informed by Polyvagal Theory, our team is deeply attuned to the nervous system’s role in healing. We offer both virtual and in-person sessions to meet the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring accessibility and flexibility.
To maintain the highest standards of care, our clinicians participate in monthly consultations with SSP experts. Every session is paced to the individual and includes co-regulation support, creating a safe, responsive environment where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Emotional and Nervous System:
- Helps the body shift out of chronic fight, flight, or freeze responses
- Promotes a sense of internal safety and calm
- Reduces symptoms of anxiety, irritability, and shutdown
- Increases resilience to stress and emotional challenges
Relational and Social:
- Supports improved eye contact, facial expression, and social engagement
- Strengthens connection with caregivers, peers, and loved ones
- Enhances co-regulation and the ability to feel safe in relationships
Children and Families:
- Supports emotional regulation and behavioral flexibility
- Encourages more peaceful transitions, routines, and learning readiness
- Helps children feel safer and more connected to caregivers
Whole Person Integration:
- Works gently and gradually through the nervous system
- Complements other therapies like trauma treatment, occupational therapy, or attachment work
- Can be used alongside parenting support models like Theraplay, PCIT, and Circle of Security
The Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) is a pre, post and during SSP tool that uses gentle, music-based listening to help the nervous system integrate, stabilize, and rest. RRP involves short and gentle listening sessions lasting 5 to 15 minutes, ideally practiced three to five times per week. These sessions can take place either at home or during a therapy session. They may be done alone—particularly for older teens and adults—or with the support of a caregiver or therapist. Listening can be paired with quiet play activities such as coloring, building, or reading; gentle movement like rocking, stretching, or swinging; or co-regulation practices including snuggles, eye contact, or Theraplay activities.
The Rest and Restore protocol can benefit a wide range of individuals. It is especially helpful for kids and teens who struggle with big emotions or frequent meltdowns, have difficulty with focus, sleep, or transitions, or feel easily overwhelmed or are sensitive to sensory input. Adults experiencing stress, anxiety, or burnout may also find it valuable, particularly those seeking a calmer baseline before or after completing the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), or who are looking for gentle, body-based ways to support their mental health. Additionally, families can benefit from the structure and co-regulation it offers during emotional moments, helping them feel more connected and attuned, especially when preparing for or winding down from intensive therapy work like SSP.
Sessions involve listening to filtered music through over-the-ear headphones in a calm, supportive environment. Sessions are typically 30 minutes but can be adjusted. The full protocol includes 5 hours of listening, often delivered over multiple sessions.
Yes. While in-person sessions are preferred for co-regulation, virtual delivery is available and effective when in-person is not feasible.
1. A mobile device with the Unyte-iLs app installed
2. Over-the-ear headphones (no noise-canceling or bass boost)
3. Optional: a second device for Zoom calls and a creative activity (e.g., coloring) during sessions
Some individuals notice changes immediately, while others may experience gradual improvements over weeks. Benefits may include reduced anxiety, improved social engagement, and better emotional regulation.
Over one in four clients who completed the Safe and Sound Protocol reported feeling more psychologically safe, while more than 30% experienced greater physiological safety.
We offer the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) for both children and adults enrolled in the CCS and CLTS programs. Connect with your service facilitator/care manager for referrals within these programs.
SSP is also available to individuals, families, and couples outside of these programs; however, it is not billable to insurance. Additionally, SSP can be a supportive option for women during the perinatal and postnatal periods.