Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) for Nervous System Regulation

A sound-based pathway to calm, clarity, and connection

What is the the Safe & Sound Protocol?

The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is a powerful, clinically validated, listening intervention designed to support nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, and mental clarity to address stress, trauma, and overwhelm.

Developed by Dr Stephen Porges, founder of Polyvagal Theory, SSP uses specially filtered music to deliversend "cues of safety" directly to the nervous system — helping you shift from chronic states of stress, anxiety or shutdown and into a state of greater calm, balance, and presence.

At Strong Horizons, SSP is offered in Carlisle and across Cumbria and the North East, as a standalone intervention or integrated into a wider coaching or wellbeing programme.

How It Works

Our trauma-informed delivery of SSP is built on safety, choice, and co-regulation.

  • We being with an initial consultation to see if SSP is right for you.

  • SSP includes five hours of specially filtered music delivered through headphones in a calm, safe setting.

  • Sessions are paced around your nervous system's capacity and readiness — no rushing, no pressure.

  • The music gently engages the middle ear muscles and vagus nerve, supporting physiological and emotional regulation

Calm listening session with headphone for SSP

Is SSP Right for You?

SSP is a gentle, sound-based intervention designed to support emotional regulation and nervous system balance.

SSP is not about fixing you — it's about gently supporting your nervous system to do what it's designed to do - regulate, connect and restore.

You don't need a diagnosis or a label - just a willingness to explore what safety and regulation feel like in your own body and a desire to feel more connected, calm, and resilient.

Whether you're navigating stress, sensory overwhelm, trauma recovery, or simply seeking more ease in your day-to-day life, SSP offers a compassionate, body-based pathway to wellbeing

Emotional & Nervous System Regulation

You may benefit from SSP if you experience:

  • Feeling overwhelmed or anxious

  • Difficulty calming after stress or conflict

  • Sleep challenges or trouble switching off

  • A sense of being "on edge" or hypervigilant

Sensory & Cognitive Processing

SSP may support you if you notice:

  • Sensory sensitivities (e.g. sound, light, touch)

  • Difficulty focusing in noisy or busy environments

  • Brain fog or mental fatigue

  • Feeling easily overstimulated or distracted

Relational & Social Engagement

SSP can help if you struggle with:

  • Trust, connection, or feeling safe with others

  • Avoiding social situations or emotional intimacy

  • Feeling disconnected or misunderstood

  • Expressing needs or setting boundaries

Recovery & Resilience Building

SSP may be a good fit if you're:

  • Healing from trauma, burnout, or chronic stress

  • Navigating neurodivergence or mental health challenges

  • Balancing caregiving with personal well-being

  • Seeking a body-based approach to emotional support

What You Will Gain

  • A deeper sense of calm and emotional steadiness

  • Improved focus, clarity, and cognitive ease

  • Greater ease in relationships and social engagement

  • Better sleep quality and ability to unwind

  • Increased body awareness and sense of safety

  • A renewed ability to respond rather than react

Sally MacDonald — Certified Safe & Sound Protocol(SSP) delivery Carlisle -Cumbria- North East

Delivery & Locations

  • Delivered by Sally MacDonald, a Certified SSP Provider (Unyte) in a gentle, trauma-informed way.

  • We'll tailor your experience to your unique nervous system needs, readiness, and goals.

  • SSP can be delivered in person (Carlisle) or remotely depending on your setup.

"You don't have to push harder to feel better. Sometimes, healing begins with simply listening in."

Sally MacDonald — Certified Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) Provider (Unyte)

Trauma-informed SSP delivery paced for safety, choice and co-regulation. In-person in Carlisle; remote across Cumbria and North East

Sally MacDonald, Certified Safe & Sound Protocol (SPP) Provider (Unyte), Carlisle

Trauma-Informed coach & Certified SSP Provider

Unyte Safe & Sound Protocol - Certified Provider Badge

Certified by Untye

Gentle, trauma-informed SSP delivery in Carlisle and remotely across Cumbria

In-person, Carlisle - Remote across Cumbria & North East