Integrating the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) with Nature-Based Therapy for Children
In today’s fast-paced world, many children face challenges with emotional regulation, sensory differences, and social engagement. We all want to find meaningful, effective ways to help children grow—approaches that support their nervous system, relationships, and ability to engage in the world. One approach that has the potential to springboard nervous system regulation is bringing the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) into nature-based therapy. By combining the benefits of auditory interventions with the therapeutic power of natural, outdoor environments, we can create a powerful approach to supporting nervous system regulation in children.
Understanding the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an auditory intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, rooted in his Polyvagal Theory (scroll to the bottom for resources on this theory). This theory explores how our autonomic nervous system influences emotional regulation, social connection, and stress responses.
How SSP Works:
- Filtered Music: Children listen to specially filtered music that emphasizes frequencies found in human speech. This therapeutic input targets the vagus nerve, which plays an important part in nervous system regulation.
- Co-Regulation & Support: The SSP process is most effective when paired with a supportive, attuned caregiver or therapist who helps reinforce feelings of safety and connection during listening sessions.
- Neuroplasticity & Regulation: SSP is designed to gradually shift the nervous system toward a state of safety and connection by engaging neural pathways that support regulation, resilience, and social engagement.
- Session Structure: Typically, SSP involves daily listening sessions ranging from 5 to 30 minutes, adjusted based on the child’s comfort, capacity, and response.
Watch this brief video overview of SSP:
Benefits of the Safe and Sound Protocol:
- Enhanced Emotional Regulation: SSP supports nervous system regulation by promoting a sense of safety, which can improve a child’s ability to manage stress, recover from emotionally challenging experiences, and engage more easily in co-regulation with caregivers. (Heilman et al., 2023; Porges et al., 2014)
- Improved Social Engagement: Children may experience increased comfort in social settings and better communication skills (Cohn et al., 2024; Kishimoto et al., 2023).
- Reduced Auditory Sensitivities: SSP can help decrease sensitivity to sounds, making everyday environments more manageable (Porges et al., 2014; Kishimoto et al., 2023).
Note: The SSP is a professional intervention that requires certification and specialized training for therapists to provide. This ensures that each child’s experience is guided by a knowledgeable provider who can customize the approach based on individual needs. The Safe and Sound Protocol is not a general listening program—it is a structured, evidence-based tool designed to be used with professional support.
The Therapeutic Power of Nature on the Nervous System
Nature offers a multisensory experience that can meaningful support a child’s regulation and development. Engaging with natural environments has been shown to:
Reduce Stress
Exposure to green spaces lowers cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone (Thompson et al., 2012; Hunter et al., 2019).
Enhance Mood and Focus
Natural settings can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve attention spans (Li & Sullivan, 2016; Vanaken & Danckaerts, 2018).
Support Sensory Integration
The diverse stimuli in nature helps children process and respond to sensory information more effectively. (Fan et al., 2023; Voola & Kumari, 2022)
Combining the Safe and Sound Protocol with Nature-Based Therapy: A Holistic Approach
Integrating SSP into nature-based therapy sessions can amplify the benefits of both interventions. Here’s how this combination supports children:
Enhanced Sensory Processing
Imagine a child sitting under a 🌳 shady oak tree, listening to their 🎧 SSP session while feeling the gentle warmth of the ☀️ sun on their skin and the soft texture of 🌱 grass beneath their fingers.
Natural environments provide gentle sensory inputs—the rustling of leaves, the rhythmic chirping of birds, or the subtle pressure of a light breeze—all of which can help children modulate their sensory experiences in a way that feels safe and supportive. For children with vulnerable sensory systems, this type of organic input may help create a more supportive environment for SSP sessions, allowing children to engage in a way that feels natural to them.
Improved Emotional Regulation
Picture a child swinging slowly in a 🌴 hammock, eyes closed, as they listen to 🎧 SSP music. Their caregiver sits nearby, offering a quiet presence and gentle encouragement.
The natural rhythms of movement (rocking, swaying) or the slow, steady drips of water from rain-soaked leaves can enhance the self-regulatory effects of SSP. Combined with nature’s calming influence, this environment supports emotional capacities by helping children feel grounded, present, and at ease.
Facilitated Social Engagement
Visualize a child sitting next to their caregiver on a 🪵 large fallen log, quietly listening to their 🎧 SSP session. The caregiver sits beside them, offering a reassuring presence. Nearby, 🐦⬛birds flutter through the trees, and the child reaches out to trace patterns on the bark, feeling safe and connected.
Nature naturally encourages freedom of movement and choice, allowing children to engage in ways that feel intuitive and safe. In outdoor spaces, a child can co-regulate with a trusted adult while participating in gentle, shared activities, like stacking stones, blowing bubbles, or feeling the textures of the things around them. By integrating the Safe and Sound Protocol into these moments, connection can happen naturally, without expectation.
Important Consideration:
While many children benefit from outdoor SSP sessions, it’s essential to recognize that this approach isn’t suitable for everyone. Factors such as personal history, sensory preferences, and emotional safety must guide the decision to integrate SSP with nature-based therapy.
Solutions for Outdoor SSP Sessions
Outdoor SSP listening sessions introduce unique factors that aren’t present in indoor settings. Being aware of these considerations ahead of time can help ensure a smooth and successful outdoor listening experience.
Weather & Shelter
If it’s rainy or wet, options include:
- Moving under an existing shelter
- Setting up a tarp or canopy
- Skipping the listening session that day, if needed
Bugs & Wildlife
Outdoor spaces include critters, insects, and other surprises that may require a pause or end to a session.
- Mosquito & tick protection (clothing, repellents, or pre-planning the location) can minimize distractions.
Temperature & Comfort
Outdoor temperatures may directly impact regulation, so the clothing worn and the environment selected need to match the weather.
- Hot weather → Small-scale water play, shade, or shorter sessions may help.
- Cold weather → Tech devices may be affected, and headphones will need to fit under hats or hoods.
- Headphones may feel too hot → Some children may need a shorter session or opt for an indoor session on high-heat days.
Connectivity Challenges
Cell service and WiFi aren’t always reliable in outdoor spaces.
- Solution? Download the music in the app before heading outdoors to ensure accessibility.
Device & Equipment Protection
- Waterproof cases for the listening device help prevent stress about spills or rain.
- Water-resistant headphones are recommended to keep equipment safe in the outdoor setting.
Practical Tips for Blending the Safe and Sound Protocol and Nature
For caregivers and therapists considering this integrated approach, here are some practical suggestions.
Outdoor SSP Sessions
1. Select Appropriate Settings
Choose quiet, safe, and familiar outdoor locations to minimize unexpected experiences and ensure comfort. Your ideal SSP listening space doesn’t have to be far away—it could be right outside your door, in a shaded corner of your yard, or on a quiet patio or porch. Some additional location ideas include:
- 🌳 A wooded area with minimal foot traffic
- 🌿 A shaded spot under a tree with filtered light
- 🌼 A garden with soft ground coverings
- 🌊 A rocking hammock or gently swaying tree swing for those who find movement regulating
Tip: If possible, visit the space ahead of time to check for unexpected noises (e.g., traffic, distant dogs barking, or nearby playgrounds) that could distract with the session.
2. Monitor Environmental Factors
Be mindful of weather conditions and potential allergens. Ensure the environment aligns with the child’s sensory preferences by considering:
- 🌬 Wind Sensitivity: Some children may find light breezes regulating, while others may find them distracting. Positioning near natural wind barriers (e.g., a cluster of trees) may help.
- ☀ Sunlight Exposure: Filtered sunlight through trees can be calming, but direct overhead sun may cause discomfort or sensitivity. A shaded area may be best.
- 🦟 Bugs & Textures: Some children tolerate grass, sand, or soil well, while others may prefer a mat, blanket, or elevated surface to avoid direct contact.
- 🌡 Temperature & Clothing: Lightweight, loose clothing may help with comfort, while weighted lap pads, lycra, or cozy layers can offer grounding input if needed.
Tip: Having a familiar comfort item (e.g., a soft blanket, weighted pillow, or preferred seating option) can add predictability and support a sense of safety during outdoor sessions.
3. Incorporate Natural Elements
Offer sensory-rich materials to provide gentle, hands-on engagement without adding extra auditory input. Some low-stimulation options include:
- 💦 Water Play: Stirring water with a stick or dripping water onto leaves with medicine droppers
- 🌿 Tactile Exploration: Sifting sand or finger tracing patterns in dirt
- 🍂 Loose Parts Play: Rubbing smooth stones or stacking logs
- 🌾 Grounding Sensory Input: Pressing hands into mud or pushing bare feet into the ground
Tip: These elements should be passive and calming, rather than stimulating or play-driven. Let the child lead the interaction while maintaining the quiet, immersive nature of SSP sessions.
For Kids Who Need More Movement Outdoors
Some children benefit from full-body movement before or during SSP. If movement is a match for your child, consider:
- Walking along a fallen log, stepping on tree stumps, or balancing on a sturdy rock.
- Rocking in a hammock, sitting on a tree swing, or swaying while holding onto a low-hanging branch.
- Gently blowing dandelion, dry leaves, or bubbles and watching them drift.
- Moving small logs or gathering pinecones into a basket.
- Walking across soft grass or damp soil for varied sensory input.
Indoor Sessions Inspired By Nature
1. Bring Nature Inside
Create a nature-inspired indoor space by incorporating elements that mimic the outdoors. Some simple ways to introduce nature indoors include:
- 🌱 Potted Plants & Greenery: Place small plants, succulents, or a vase of fresh flowers within view to bring a touch of nature inside.
- ☀ Natural Light: Position the listening space near a window with filtered daylight or use warm, soft lighting that mimics outdoor brightness.
- 🖼️ Nature-Based Visuals: Display photographs or watercolor landscapes, or framed outdoor prints to create a subtle outdoor connection.
Tip: Keep nature elements low-stimulation and non-intrusive—avoid strong scents, flickering lights, or overly bright colors that might feel overwhelming.
2. Use Natural Materials
Incorporate natural textures to enhance tactile grounding and create a soothing sensory environment. Consider:
- 🪵 Wood & Stone Elements: A wooden chair, smooth river stones to hold, or a woven basket for organizing sensory tools.
- 🧸 Soft, Natural Fabrics: Cotton blankets, wool rugs, or linen cushions to add warmth and coziness.
- 🎋 Organic Textures: A sand tray, a bowl of dried leaves, or a nature-themed weighted lap pad for gentle sensory input.
Tip: Sensory-friendly natural materials help children feel connected to nature even when indoors, offering comfort without overstimulation.
3. Encourage Nature-Themed Activities
Offer low-key, nature-inspired engagement to support relaxation and quiet focus. Some simple, hands-on activities include:
- 🎨 Drawing or Painting Nature Scenes: Sketching leaves, trees, or landscapes using crayons or colored pencils.
- 🌿 Caring for Plants: Watering small potted plants or placing fresh-cut flowers in a vase as a calming routine.
- 🏺 Natural Object Exploration: Sorting small stones, feeling the textures of dried flowers, or lightly tracing patterns in a sand tray.
Tip: Nature-based activities should be slow-paced, quiet, and child-led—allowing the SSP experience to remain the focus.
For Kids Who Need More Movement Indoors
Some children benefit from full-body movement during or before into SSP. If movement is a match for your child, consider:
- Carrying weighted natural objects (e.g., filling a small basket with stones or shells)
- Slow, rhythmic rocking on a yoga ball or gentle swaying in a rocking chair
- Blowing bubbles and watching them drift before starting the session
- Gently squeezing & releasing therapy putty infused with natural scents (lavender, pine, etc.)
- Walking barefoot on different textures (e.g., stepping from a soft rug to a wooden floor, then onto a woven mat).
How Treeline Enrichment Integrates SSP into Outdoor OT Sessions
At Treeline Enrichment, we offer the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) as part of our outdoor pediatric occupational therapy sessions, thoughtfully integrating it into our nature-based approach. We recognize that each child’s nervous system is unique, so we customize SSP delivery to ensure it feels safe, effective, and developmentally appropriate. Some children benefit from listening sessions in calm outdoor spaces, while others may need a more controlled indoor setting before transitioning to nature-based environments. Parents receive ongoing support to adjust the SSP experience as needed, ensuring their child’s journey is both comfortable and successful.
For more information on the Safe and Sound Protocol, please click here.
Integrating the Safe and Sound Protocol with nature-based therapy offers a promising, holistic approach to supporting children’s nervous system regulation.
By pairing the structured auditory intervention of SSP with the regulating power of nature, we create a dynamic approach that amplifies both methods—deepening nervous system support, expanding opportunities for engagement, and stacking the deck for children to feel more at ease in their world..
Learn More About Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory is a theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges that explains how the vagus nerve (a cranial nerve that plays a significant role in regulating the autonomic nervous system) influences emotional regulation, social connection, and stress responses. If you’re interested in learning more, here are some resources to explore:
Reference List
Antonelli, M., Barbieri, G., & Donelli, D. (2019). Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on levels of cortisol as a stress biomarker: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Biometeorology, 63(8), 1117–1134. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-019-01717-x
Cohn, K., Lopez, L., & Squillace, M. (2024). Social outcomes of a child with autism spectrum disorder following a listening protocol. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78(Supplement 2), 7811500324p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2024.78S2-PO324
Fan, M. S. N., Li, W. H. C., Ho, L. L. K., Phiri, L., & Choi, K. C. (2023). Nature-based interventions for autistic children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open, 6(12), e2346715. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.46715
Heilman, K. J., Heinrich, S., Ackermann, M., Nix, E., & Kyuchukov, H. (2023). Effects of the Safe and Sound Protocol™ (SSP) on sensory processing, digestive function, and selective eating in children and adults with autism: A prospective single-arm study. Journal on Developmental Disabilities, 28(1). https://oadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/V28-N1-JoDD-21-388R-Heilman-et-al-v2.pdf
Hunter, M. R., Gillespie, B. W., & Chen, S. Y. (2019). Urban nature experiences reduce stress in the context of daily life based on salivary biomarkers. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, Article 722. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00722
Kawai, H., Kishimoto, M., Okahisa, Y., Sakamoto, S., Terada, S., & Takaki, M. (2023). Initial outcomes of the Safe and Sound Protocol on patients with adult autism spectrum disorder: Exploratory pilot study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6), 4862. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064862
Kishimoto, M., Sekido, Y., Kawai, H., & Takaki, M. (2023). Effects of Safe and Sound Protocol System on psychological and physiological functions of children with autism spectrum disorders: Preliminary findings. Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy, 13, 455.
Kishimoto, T., Oda, Y., Miyakoshi, M., & Sawada, K. (2023). Initial outcomes of the Safe and Sound Protocol on patients with autism spectrum disorder: A case series. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, Article 1122334. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1122334
Li, D., & Sullivan, W. C. (2016). Impact of views to school landscapes on recovery from stress and mental fatigue. Landscape and Urban Planning, 148, 149-158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2015.12.001
Porges, S. W., Bazhenova, O. V., Bal, E., Carlson, N., Sorokin, Y., Heilman, K. J., Cook, E. H., & Lewis, G. F. (2014). Reducing auditory hypersensitivities in autistic spectrum disorder: Preliminary findings evaluating the listening project protocol. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2, Article 80. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2014.00080
Thompson, C. W., Roe, J., Aspinall, P., Mitchell, R., Clow, A., & Miller, D. (2012). More green space is linked to less stress in deprived communities: Evidence from salivary cortisol patterns. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 9(9), 3225-3240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2011.12.015
Vanaken, G. J., & Danckaerts, M. (2018). Impact of green space exposure on children’s and adolescents’ mental health: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(12), Article 2668. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15122668
Voola, S. I., & Kumari, M. V. (2022). Sensory garden: Piloting an affordable nature-based intervention for functional behavior of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Current Pediatric Research, 26(5), 1381-1385.
Disclaimers
I am a certified provider of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), but I am not an affiliate, nor do I receive any financial incentive for sharing this information. My goal in writing this is to educate parents and professionals about SSP and how it can be thoughtfully integrated into nature-based therapy. This post reflects my professional experience and research, not a sales pitch.
This post was crafted with the assistance of AI technology to ensure high-quality, engaging, and informative content. The ideas, experiences, and perspectives shared reflect the values and expertise of Treeline Enrichment. AI served as a tool to organize and enhance the information, but all final edits and approvals were made by our team to ensure alignment with our mission and voice.
