Safe & Sound Protocol
Supporting Calm, Comfort, & Connection
When everyday experiences feel overwhelming, children may need additional support to feel settled and connected. At Birch Therapy, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) offers a listening-based approach designed to support emotional regulation and sensory well-being alongside your child’s therapy.
Together, we can explore whether SSP is a good fit for your child’s needs and your family’s goals.
What is the Safe & Sound Protocol
The Safe and Sound Protocol is a non-invasive listening intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and informed by his Polyvagal Theory. It uses specially filtered music intended to support nervous system regulation and greater comfort with sound and social connection.
The approach focuses on the relationship between listening, responses to stress, and feelings of safety. Its goal is to help children feel more settled and available for connection, learning, and participation in therapy.
How SSP May Support Your Child
SSP may complement therapeutic work in the following areas. Each child’s experience is different, and benefits are not guaranteed.
Emotional Regulation
Support for navigating frustration, recovering from overwhelming moments, and feeling more settled throughout the day.
Sensory Comfort
Support for sound sensitivity and the overwhelm that can make busy environments and everyday routines difficult.
Social Connection
Support for feeling more comfortable engaging with others and connecting with peers and family in ways that feel natural.
Focus & Attention
Support for becoming more available for learning, play, and daily activities when stress or sensory overwhelm gets in the way.
Body Awareness
Support for noticing feelings of tension or calm and developing a greater sense of comfort and grounding in the body.
Is SSP Right For Your Child?
You may want to explore SSP if your child:
Has strong reactions to sounds or becomes overwhelmed in busy environments.
Finds it increasingly difficult to manage emotions as the day progresses.
Understands coping strategies but struggles to use them when upset.
Often seems on high alert, withdrawn, or unable to settle.
These experiences can have different underlying causes. Our team can help you understand your child’s needs and consider whether SSP may be an appropriate part of their care.
Our Approach
At Birch Therapy, we consider your child’s emotional, sensory, and relationship needs together. SSP may be incorporated alongside therapy to support your child’s ability to participate in sessions and practice the skills they are learning.
We view SSP as one possible part of an individualized care plan. Research is still developing, and we will discuss potential benefits, limitations, and your child’s response as we consider next steps together.
Getting Started
Exploring a new approach can bring questions. We are here to help you understand your options and feel informed about your child’s care.
Connect With Us
Schedule a free discovery call to share your concerns and learn more about SSP.
Explore Your Child's Needs
Discuss your child’s sensory experiences, emotional challenges, and current supports with our team.
Plan the Next Steps
If SSP is a good fit, we will discuss how it may complement your child’s therapy and your family’s goals.
Additional Support For Your Family
Birch Therapy supports children, teens, and parents in Raleigh, North Raleigh, and Durham through services tailored to their needs.
Our services include child and teen therapy, trauma therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), parent coaching, parenting groups and classes, and neurodivergent-affirming therapy. We also offer psychological testing for concerns related to ADHD, autism, mood, anxiety, and more.
Additional offerings include children’s social skills groups, Girl C.O.D.E for grades 3–5, community workshops, Circle of Security® Classroom, and clinical supervision. Trauma-focused approaches include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and EMDR.
