The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an incredible tool for nervous system regulation and emotional well-being, but it’s not for everyone—at least not without some extra care and an understanding provider.
If you’re dealing with certain medical or psychological conditions, there are a few things you should know before diving into the program.
Let’s break down the main contraindications, how they might affect your ability to do SSP, and how we may still be able to support complex cases using our SSP ‘Microflow’ approach.
Conditions Requiring Special Attention
For some people, certain conditions could potentially be exacerbated by SSP, or the experience may be too overwhelming or triggering.
Let’s take a look at the most common SSP contraindicated conditions, and the official Unyte recommendations on handling them:
Perforated or Ruptured Eardrums, Stapedectomy and Tympanostomy Tubes
These conditions affect your ear’s ability to process sound properly.
Unyte Says: Always consult an audiologist, ENT, or your registered healthcare specialist to assess your suitability for the program.
Seizures
Active or uncontrolled seizures.
Unyte Says: SSP is not recommended for clients with active or uncontrolled seizures.
If you have a seizure disorder but it IS under control, SSP may still be an option, but proceed with caution. You should work closely with your neurologist and make sure a trained SSP provider is pacing your sessions very slowly. In-person delivery may be recommended for closer monitoring.
If seizures start during treatment you should stop SSP immediately.
Tinnitus
Persistent ringing or overwhelming sounds in the ears.
Unyte Says: If you have significant and severe tinnitus, SSP isn’t recommended. But for mild cases, or a history of tinnitus, it might still be possible to benefit from the protocol. You’ll need to start with very short listening sessions at a low volume—sometimes using speakers instead of headphones. Consult with a medical doctor or audiologist before jumping in, and consider choosing an SSP provider experienced in working with tinnitus.
Misophonia or Hyperacusis
An extreme sensitivity to specific sounds or sound intensity.
Unyte Says: If you are extremely sensitive to sound, you may find SSP overwhelming. However, there may be ways to make SSP work for you – like starting with speakers at a super low volume. It’s super important to work with an experienced SSP provider who can guide you safely through the process.
Autoimmune, Neurological, & Chronic Conditions
Chronic conditions and medical complexities that may or may not affect the nervous system or immune response.
Unyte Says: People with autoimmune conditions, neurological disorders, or complex chronic illnesses often have a more sensitive nervous system. While SSP holds great potential for relief, these cases require slow and careful pacing. Your healthcare provider can help ensure SSP is a safe fit.
Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Dissociative Disorders
Conditions involving developmental trauma or significant mood or identity regulation challenges.
Unyte Says: These conditions may still benefit from SSP, but the program must be carefully monitored, and you should have your psychiatrist, mental health or medical provider assess your suitability before starting the program. In-person sessions and slower pacing are absolutely crucial, and it’s essential to work with an SSP provider experienced in managing modulation disorders.
Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts
Intentional self-harm or active thoughts of suicide.
Unyte Says: If you are currently self-harming or having active suicidal thoughts, SSP isn’t recommended. But if you’ve had these experiences in the past and they’re under control, SSP might be a supportive option—just be sure to work with a mental health professional to assess suitability and seek out a specialized SSP provider.
Psychosis or Recent Psychiatric Hospitalizations
Conditions involving psychosis, recent psychiatric interventions or clients taking antipsychotic medication.
Unyte Says: If you’re experiencing active psychosis, SSP is not recommended. If you have a history of psychosis, have recently been hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder, or are taking antipsychotic drugs you should consult with your psychiatrist, mental health or medical provider to assess your suitability for SSP. The program may still be possible if your condition is well-managed and approved by a psychiatrist. Careful monitoring, slower delivery, and an experienced SSP provider are critical here.
Currently Going Through Significant Life Changes
Big transitions like moving, changing jobs, or divorce can add stress to the system. While SSP is designed to help reduce stress, it’s usually better to wait until life is a bit more stable. If you’re unsure whether it’s the right time, reach out to us for guidance.
Invasive Dental Procedures
It’s generally best to wait a few months after invasive dental work—such as root canals, extractions, crowns, or implants—before starting SSP. Giving yourself time to heal ensures that SSP can work most effectively without the added strain on your nervous system.
And undertaking these kind of procedures DURING SSP, should also be avoided.
Upcoming Surgeries
It’s best to plan SSP sessions well apart from any major surgeries. Waiting until you’re fully recovered will allow your body to integrate the benefits of SSP better – without added stress or interruptions.
Now you know what may be contraindicated for SSP and why, read on to discover our unique approach to handling these conditions.
Our Microflow Approach to Contraindicated Conditions
At the SSP Wellness Center, we specialize in microdosing SSP, meaning we take things really slow—sometimes starting with sessions as short as a few seconds. This slow pace can be a game changer for those with contraindicated conditions.
Here’s why:
When your nervous system is especially sensitive—whether from trauma, neurological issues, or even life stress—starting with tiny, manageable doses of SSP allows your system to adjust without getting overwhelmed. We’ve worked with clients who can only tolerate seconds of listening at first, gradually building up to longer sessions as their system becomes more resilient.
For those with contraindicated conditions like controlled seizures, tinnitus, or mood disorders, this ultra-slow approach might allow you to benefit from SSP even remotely.
It’s all about how we, as providers, listen to your nervous system and use our unique “SSPace” formula to perfectly pace your listening experience.
You can read more about our approach to SSP pacing here.
As well as microdosing, our ‘Microflow’ approach also integrates two other core principles that can add additional layers of protection for a highly sensitized system. These include:
- Supportive nervous system reset techniques
- Specially guided ‘settling’ phases
We start all clients with contraindicated conditions with our microflow approach, ensuring they experience just enough activation to stretch their nervous system, without it ever becoming overwhelming. By closely working with the cues of your unique nervous system, our microflow techniques allow your system to safely pace, pause, integrate and settle.
This gentle and supportive approach helps us guide even the most complex cases through the program, while minimizing side effects and maximizing the benefits of the SSP.
Our Personal Experience with Contraindicated Conditions
We tend to not shy away from the complex cases at the SSP Wellness Center.
Why? We’ve been those complex cases. And we’ve watched those we care about struggle deeply with conditions that other practitioners have outright refused to touch.
We firmly believe that the SSP can help most people in some way, so we want to offer a lifeline to those who have lost hope of healing, and just aren’t getting the support they need.
Using our gentle Microflow method, we’ve been able to safely support:
- Clients with severe seizure history
- Autoimmune conditions
- Severe and complex neurological conditions
- Mild tinnitus
- Dissociative disorders
- Hyperacusis
- History of psychosis and antipsychotic use
We’ve also successfully and safely supported clients with clinically complex cases that have not responded to other therapies using our microflow approach. Including cases of:
- Severe food and supplement intolerance
- Visceral hypersensitivity
- Hypothyroidism
- Medically Unexplained Symptoms
Is SSP right for you?
If you have any of the conditions mentioned above or are unsure if SSP is a good fit, reach out to us for a free consultation. We’re happy to chat about your specific situation and help you decide if SSP is the right next step for your nervous system health.