SSP Client FAQ's

Q: Is the volume test filtered?
A: No — the volume test itself is unfiltered. Its purpose is simply to ensure you find a “low-comfortable” volume that feels safe to your system. 

Q: Can I adjust the volume on my device or headphones?
A: You should set your volume in-app, during the volume test, by dragging the green dot up and down the bar, until you reach a comfortable volume. Once this is set, you should not readjust it with your handset or headphones.

Q: Does the volume have to be the same each time?
A: For the volume test itself, it doesn’t need to be exactly the same every time. The important thing is that you find a level that is comfortably audible without causing discomfort. Some people find that they prefer the volume to be higher or lower on certain days, depending on where their system is.

Q: How high should the volume be?
A: The volume should be “low-comfortable”. What we mean by this is that the music should be clearly audible but on the lower side. It should never feel painfully loud or jarring. Think of it as a “comfortable low conversation level”.

Q: How do I set a listening time for a certain number of minutes?
A: In the MyUnyte app, you can set your pre-determined listening time using the green slider that appears before you start a track.Just drag the right hand green dot down towards the left to show the session length that you want. You can press play when you are ready, and the app will then stop automatically when that time is complete.

Q: How do I set my listening time for seconds? It only lets me choose minutes.
A: MyUnyte currently only allows you to set full minutes using the slider. You can’t set seconds by dragging the slider.If your provider has suggested you listen for seconds only, you will need to manually keep an eye on your time. To do this:

1. Prepare yourself for listening.

2. When you are ready, press play.

3. Keep an eye on the “elapsed time”.

4. Pause the session using the pause button once you hit your listening time.

5. End the session.

Q: I’m manually watching my listening time. How do I know when to stop?
A: Once a session starts, you’ll see the elapsed time counter on the left side of the screen. Just watch that number and pause when you reach your agreed time.

Q: What happens if I do not stop on time? I’m a second over!
A: Being a second or two over the target time is not typically a problem. However, it may cause dysregulation in highly sensitive systems. The best thing to do is to hit pause the instant it hits your target time to prevent over-listening.

Q: I don’t want to keep an eye on the time. Can I set a timer?
A: Unfortunately, not for second-based pacing. If you’re working in seconds, we want the timing to be as precise as possible. Using an external timer usually means there’s a delay between the alarm going off and you pausing the audio, which can add extra seconds without meaning to. For sensitive systems, those unintentional increases can matter. Watching the elapsed time directly in the MyUnyte app is the most accurate way to pause exactly when you need to.

Q: I don’t want to monitor the time, so I want to do whole minutes only. Is that okay?
A: If your provider has paced you in seconds, it’s very important to follow that guidance. Seconds-based pacing is usually recommended when your nervous system needs very gentle input, due to trauma or complex conditions. Moving to whole minutes can overwhelm the system and lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Your provider isn’t trying to make things harder - they’re tailoring the dose so you can progress safely and get the most benefit.

Q: Where is my playlist?
A: Your playlist appears on your “Home” screen in the Unyte app as soon as your provider assigns it. If you don’t see it,consider:

• Updating the app through the app store 

• Logging out and logging back in again to see if it updates and appears

• Uninstaling and re-installing the app

Reach out to success@unyte.com if you continue to experience issues.

Q: Do I need to listen in order, or can I jump between the hours?
A: SSP playlists must be listened to in order. The sequence is an intentional part of the program design and helps your nervous system adjust gradually. Skipping ahead may feel destabilising and reduce the effectiveness of the protocol.

Q: Do I need to start the playlist from the beginning each time I listen?
A: No. The app automatically remembers your exact stopping point. Each time you listen, simply resume from where you left off — you should always be moving forward through the playlist.

Q: Why is the music getting louder and quieter when I listen?
A: The volume changes are intentionally built into the SSP by design. The filtration modulates the audio to create gentle “challenge-and-recovery” moments for your autonomic nervous system. This is intentional and part of how the program works. 

Q: Why does the music sound weird? It sounds like an old vinyl record.
A: You’re hearing filtered music, which is the core of the SSP method. The filters emphasise specific frequencies and reduce others to stimulate the vagus nerve. It’s an entirely normal part of the program.

Q: I can’t remember if I listened yesterday? How do I check when I last listened?
A: When you open your playlist in the app, you will see it divided into hourly sections. Tap the drop-down arrow on the right side of the progress bar to view your listening history, including the last date you listened.

Q: I took a break and I don’t remember how long I last listened for. Can I find out?
A: When you open your playlist in the app, you will see it divided into hourly sections. Tap the drop-down arrow on the right side of the progress bar to view your listening history, including the last listening time.

Q: How do I find my place in the playlist again?
A: The app resumes exactly where you last left off. Once you’ve completed your volume test and are ready to press play on your listening session, you’ll start at the correct point in your playlist.

Q: My volume is really quiet - even when I turn it all the way up on the volume test.
A: Some clients notice that the volume seems unusually low, even when set to 100 during the volume test. Here are a few things to check:

• Ensure your device doesn’t have any settings enabled that might limit or reduce volume.

• Check that your headphones don’t have in-built volume controls or special settings affecting the output.

• If you’re using a tablet rather than a smartphone, try switching devices — tablets can sometimes produce lower volume levels, and smartphones are generally recommended.

If the volume remains consistently low after checking these points, please contact support@unyte.com for assistance.

Q: Can I adjust the volume in the middle of my listening session?
A: Ideally, the volume should remain the same as what you set during the volume test, so no adjustments are needed. If it feels slightly too quiet or slightly too loud, make small changes in your next session. If the volume becomes uncomfortable however at any point while listening, it’s perfectly fine to adjust it manually on your device to maintain a comfortable listening experience.

Q: How do I know if I listened to too much?
A: Signs you may have listened too much in one session vary from person to person, and the onset of signs may also vary from immediately after listening, to days later. Signs may include feeling:

• Exceptionally tired
• Dizzy
• Anxious
• Overstimulated 
• Increased sensitivity to sound, tension, or emotional shifts. 
• An increase in existing symptoms

These reactions are your nervous system signaling that it needs a slower pace. If any of these occur, pause, take a break, and return to the program according to your provider’s guidance.

Q: How do I know if my pace is right for me?
A: The right pace is one that feels challenging enough to gently expand your nervous systems tolerance, but comfortable enough to avoid overwhelm. You should feel a manageable shift, not strain or dysregulation. If you notice intense or unmanageable discomfort, it may indicate your pace is too fast. If you feel supported, safe, and able to engage with the session without stress, the pace is likely appropriate.

Q: Is it time to change my pace?
A: You might consider adjusting your pace with your provider if you feel:

• No noticeable engagement or shifts
• You have plateaued in your experience
• Things have become too intense (overwhelming or dysregulating). 

Any changes should be guided by your SSP provider, who can help determine whether to speed up, slow down for optimal nervous system support.

Q: Can I change my own pace?
A: It’s typically best to work with your provider on pacing changes. SSP pacing is tailored to your nervous system’s sensitivity and readiness. Changing it without guidance can cause overstimulation or reduce effectiveness. Always consult your provider before making any modifications — they’ll ensure your pace supports safe, sustainable progress.

Q: Do I need a listening routine?
A: A routine is helpful for consistency and predictability, which supports nervous system regulation. Even a flexible schedule can be effective as long as you listen regularly and follow your provider’s pacing instructions.

Q: Do I need to listen at the same time every day?
A: Not necessarily. A consistent schedule can support nervous system regulation by creating familiarity and predictability, but the most important factor is listening when you feel comfortable, safe, and able to engage. Flexibility is perfectly fine — it’s better to listen at a time that feels right for you than to force a rigid schedule that adds stress.

Q: What can I do when I’m listening?
A: You can engage in quiet, non-distracting activities while listening, that do not require focus or attention. Such as:

• Gentle movement or stretching

• Doodling

• Holding fidget toys

• Co-regulating (having cuddles or safe touch from a safe person)

• Simply lying back or sitting and breathing calmly

• Resting under a weighted blanket

Avoid tasks that require intense focus or multitasking, as these can interfere with your nervous system’s ability to process the music effectively. No screens, no reading, no working. Keep things simple, safe, supportive and quiet.

Q: Can I close my eyes while listening?
A:Yes. Closing your eyes may help some people tune into internal sensations and reduce external distractions, but it’s optional. You can also keep your eyes open - whatever feels most comfortable and natural for your nervous system.

Q: Can I listen on my own?
A: Yes — remote SSP is designed to be safe for independent at-home listening once your provider has guided you on pacing. While having a supportive person nearby can enhance co-regulation (especially if you’re highly sensitive or listening in very small increments), it’s not essential. Many clients complete SSP successfully on their own. What matters most is that you have access to supportive, regulating relationships in your wider life, even if someone isn’t physically present during your sessions.

Q: What time of day should I listen?
A:There’s no universally “best” time - it depends on your personal schedule and nervous system. Many clients prefer morning or early afternoon sessions when they are alert and rested. Evening sessions suit some clients, but if you notice stimulation affecting sleep, adjust to earlier in the day.

Q: What should I do before and after listening?
A: Before listening, make sure you are physically comfortable, hydrated, and in a safe, peaceful environment. After listening, allow a few minutes to notice how your body feels. You may want to gently stretch, drink some water, co-regulate with a safe person or do some grounding practices. This can help integrate the nervous system shifts and support regulation.

Q: Can I listen outside?
A: Background noise or environmental distractions can interfere with your ability to receive the filtered music, making the session less effective. Indoors is definitely preferable, unless you are able to cultivate a very calm, controlled outdoor environment. 

Q: Can I listen while sleeping?
A: In general, SSP requires active, awake listening. There are a few rare and very specific situations where clients with complex health needs have used SSP during sleep, but these are specialist exceptions - not the standard approach.

Q: Can I listen during massage or body work sessions?
A: Some clients have received SSP during bodywork sessions, but we do not recommend this. When SSP is delivered during hands-on work, you’re unlikely to receive the precise pacing and monitoring your nervous system needs. The Core and Balance pathways should always be used in structured, provider-paced sessions.

If you’d like to incorporate sound during bodywork, the SSP Connect playlist can be suitable. Connect is unfiltered and can be used as gentle preparation before starting the therapeutic pathways.

Note for practitioners:

SSP should not be administered during hands-on bodywork. You won't be able to pace the client safely, track subtle physiological shifts, or pause promptly if activation appears. You will also be exposed to the filtered music yourself. The safest approach is to deliver SSP during dedicated therapeutic listening sessions and reserve bodywork for separate appointments, where you can integrate the client’s nervous system insights without the added complexity of filtered listening.

Q: Can I do SSP with other therapies and modalities?
A: Yes. One of the major strengths of the SSP is that it can make other therapies more effective. As your system begins to regulate, it often becomes more receptive, present, and able to benefit from additional modalities. The key is ensuring your nervous system stays within a manageable range and that any complementary therapies are paced in a way that supports—not overwhelms—your system.

Q: What other therapies can I do with SSP?
A: This depends entirely on your individual needs and circumstances, but common and successful pairings with SSP include:

• Clinical somatics

• TRE

• IFS

• SE

• EMDR

• Talk therapy

• Somatic Coaching

• Occupational therapy

• Chiropractic and other body work

• Breathwork

• Mindfulness based practices

• Brain retraining

Q: Should I do other therapies the same day as SSP?
A: It’s generally best to leave space for integration between SSP listening sessions and other therapies. SSP can create meaningful shifts in the nervous system, and even positive change can feel uncomfortable at times. Stacking multiple modalities too closely - especially if you’re highly sensitive - may overwhelm your system. Working with your provider to build appropriate pauses or breaks into your listening routine helps ensure that any additional therapies can be integrated safely.

Q: I’m starting SSP. Should I start my other therapies at the same time?
A: If you’re already established in another therapy, continuing is usually fine.However, beginning multiple new interventions at once is typically discouraged. Starting several modalities simultaneously makes it very hard to track what is helping, what is activating, and what your system needs. 

A good rule of thumb: Start SSP first, settle into your pace, and then introduce any new therapy once things feel stable.

Q: Can I do SSP with EMDR?
A: Yes - SSP can be combined with EMDR, but the timing matters and your history should be carefully considered. EMDR is a powerful modality and can sometimes be activating, so many clients do best scheduling EMDR on non-listening days to allow the system space to integrate each intervention. If you’re in seconds-based pacing or you’re highly sensitive, it may be wise to approach EMDR gently or wait until you’ve stabilised with SSP before beginning. When you are ready, choose an EMDR practitioner experienced in working with high sensitivity and paced nervous system work.

Q: Can I do SSP with IFS?
A: Yes. IFS pairs beautifully with SSP, and many clients find the two approaches enhance each other. That said, IFS still asks your system to explore and stay present with internal patterns, which can be challenging if you’re highly sensitive or still building stability. If that applies to you, it’s often best to settle into SSP first, build some capacity, and then introduce IFS gradually with a practitioner who understands nervous system pacing.

Q: Can I do SSP with TRE (Trauma Release Exercises)?
A: Sometimes — but this depends heavily on your sensitivity level. TRE intentionally evokes tremoring, which can be activating for some nervous systems. If you are highly sensitive, early in SSP, or in seconds-based pacing, TRE may be too stimulating. If TRE already feels grounding and familiar to you, you may be able to continue — but always check with your SSP provider first.

Q: Can I do SSP with Somatic Experiencing (SE)?
A: Yes - SE pairs very well with SSP when done slowly and intentionally. SE’s focus on tracking sensations, noticing activation shifts, and building capacity fits naturally with SSP’s aims. Many SE practitioners use SSP as a foundation for deeper somatic work. If you’re highly sensitive or prone to feelings of depersonalization, keep SE sessions titrated and gentle.

Q: Are there instances where I should not do SSP with other modalities?
A: Yes - there are a few situations where combining therapies is not advised, especially early on in your SSP journey:

• You are in seconds-based pacing, have multiple complex conditions and high sensitivity. Your system may need simplicity to start, not more input.

• You’re doing a modality that pushes you into high activation (e.g., trauma release, strong breathwork, heavy somatic discharge). These can overwhelm the system during SSP.

• You’re starting multiple new modalities at once. This makes it impossible to track your responses safely.

• Your provider specifically advises against combining modalities. This is usually based on how your system is responding.

In general: If your system feels stretched, stressed, or overloaded, pause extra modalities until you’re more regulated.

Q: What headphones can I use for SSP?
A: Unyte strongly recommends:

• Over‑ear (circumaural) headphones. These provide the full, immersive sound needed for the filtered music to reach your middle ear effectively. On‑ear headphones or earbuds are not appropriate. 

• NO active noise-canceling unless you can definitely disable it. ANC interferes with key frequencies in the SSP signal. 

• Bluetooth (wireless) is acceptable, but use it only if your headphones stay very close to your device (to avoid dropouts). 

• No Bass Boosts or sound tweaks. These interfere with the precise delivery of the SSP frequencies.

Wired over‑ear headphones are the most stable, but if your device lacks a headphone jack, you can use a compatible 3.5 mm adapter. 

Q: What are the SSP Pathways?
A: The Safe and Sound Protocol offers three distinct pathways: 

• Connect
• Core
• Balance

Each pathway uses a different level of sound filtering to support the nervous system in its own way. SSP Connect plays unfiltered, full-spectrum music to gently introduce your system to listening. SSP Core is the main therapeutic pathway, using a patented filtering algorithm to shift your autonomic nervous system toward safety. SSP Balance uses lighter filtering to help you maintain and extend the benefits gained in Core.

Q: Which Pathway do I need?
A: The pathway that’s right for you depends on your nervous system’s sensitivity, history, and your therapeutic goals. Some people begin with Connect if they are highly sensitive or have a deep trauma history, because it builds familiarity without filtration. Others may move directly into Core at a pace determined by their provider. After completing Core, some clients use Balance to integrate and sustain their progress. Your SSP provider will guide you in choosing the best pathway and possibly changing over time.

Q: Do I need to repeat the program?
A: Not necessarily. Some people experience significant benefits after a single completion of SSP Core. Others feel they need to repeat the program 2-3 times to feel their best. Some clients choose to repeat certain hours or pathways to reinforce nervous system regulation, especially if they’ve experienced stress, trauma, or major life changes. Whether repetition is helpful depends on your system’s current needs, your provider’s guidance, and how well you integrate the work after your first round.

Q: How long do the benefits last?
A: SSP’s effects can be long-lasting, particularly when paced correctly, and integrated with supportive practices like co-regulation, self-regulation tools, and therapy. Some clients notice immediate improvements in calm, connection, and social engagement, which continue permanently. Others may find that periodic “tune-ups” help maintain gains over time.

Q: When can I repeat the program?
A: It’s generally advised to allow your nervous system to fully integrate the initial sessions before starting again. For most people, this means waiting at least 8 weeks between Core rounds, though your provider may adjust timing based on your nervous system capacity and ongoing needs. 

Q: What happens when I finish the 5 hours of Core?
A: Completing Core means you’ve finished the main therapeutic portion of the SSP. Many clients notice increased calm, emotional stability, and social engagement. After finishing, your provider may recommend:

• Exploring new modalities that can enhance and support your ongoing journey

• Optional pathways like SSP Balance, or repeating hours 3-5 of Core to reinforce gains

• Continued use of self-regulation and co-regulation tools to maintain a flexible and resilient nervous system

Finishing Core is not the end — it’s a foundation you can build on with ongoing support, practice, and integration.