TLDR:
The Safe and Sound Protocol now comes with eight playlists, so there’s a good chance one of them is your thing. All eight SSP Core playlists are filtered in the exact same way – grounded in Dr. Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory. The playlist you pick determines how much you enjoy the music, not how the protocol works.
Choose from:
- Groove: Rhythmic and upbeat, a mix of pop and rock from Jim Donovan, M.Ed.
- Groove Instrumental: That same energy as Groove – but with the vocals stripped out.
- Freely: Soft, ambient and non-vocal, composed exclusively for Unyte.
- Original: Leans nostalgic and familiar, with covers of The Eagles, Ed Sheeran, Diana Ross, Taylor Swift and more.
- Wonder: Cute, playful and mostly Disney covers. A guaranteed mood lifter.
- Visions: A New Age blend of hip-hop, ambient chant and R&B from Grammy-nominated artist Chris Redding. Think Post Malone vibes.
- Classical Flow: Well-loved and well-known classical pieces.
- Classical Calm: Classical, but with a more chill and soothing tempo. No abrupt changes or dramatic swells.
Can you hear the SSP music for free? Sadly not the official filtered versions, which need a Unyte subscription and a provider. But you can get a sample taste two ways at no cost:
- A short unfiltered teaser on Unyte’s official site (linked below)
- Our unfiltered Original and Wonder preview playlists on Spotify, sequenced in the same order you’ll hear them on SSP. (Also linked in full below).
Contents
- What is the SSP?
- What are the different types of SSP playlists?
- Which playlist should I choose?
- Our preferred SSP playlists
- Our clients preferred SSP Playlists
- Can I listen to a Safe and Sound Protocol Music Sample?
- How to preview some playlists on Spotify
- SSP Playlist FAQ’s
I know, I know, you’re itching to get your hands on a Safe and Sound Protocol playlist. AND I bet you want to know what’s in store. I mean, is it going to sound like your guilty pleasures playlist loaded with Britney jams, or is it more of a soothing classical experience?
Keep reading to discover the types of SSP playlists available, how to choose your perfect playlist (whether you’re a Swifty, Disney fan, or just want some chill classical vibes), where to find samples of each playlist, and explore some of our Safe and Sound Protocol preview playlists.
What is The SSP?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), created by Dr. Stephen Porges, uses specially filtered music to help calm your nervous system and enhance your social engagement. Grounded in Polyvagal Theory, SSP aims to promote feelings of safety and connection, making it particularly useful for those dealing with anxiety, PTSD, chronic and complex health conditions, sensory issues—and much more.
By stimulating the vagus nerve through curated music, SSP can help you find lasting relief and build nervous system resilience.
What Are the Different Types of SSP Playlists?
So, you’re keen to try SSP but want to be sure there’s an SSP playlist that resonates with you. We get it—music tastes are very personal. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from the playlists on offer:
- Groove
The Groove playlist is all about rhythm and energy. It features a mix of relaxing instrumentals and upbeat pop/rock tracks by acclaimed artist and ex Rusted Root drummer, Jim Donovan, M.Ed. - Groove Instrumental
If you prefer a purely instrumental experience, the Groove Instrumental playlist offers the same rhythmic energy – minus the vocals. - Freely
If you’re after something ambient and non-vocal, Freely is your go-to. This playlist features original ambient fusion music composed exclusively for Unyte by AZA Stephen Allsop, M.D., Ph.D. - Original
The Original playlist is packed with contemporary songs that most listeners will find familiar and comforting. Previously known as the ‘Adult’ playlist, it’s packed with covers from The Eagles, Ed Sheeran, Diana Ross, Taylor Swift – and much more! - Wonder
For younger audiences (or the young at heart), the Wonder playlist is filled with playful songs – most of which are Disney classics. Formerly known as ‘Child,’ this playlist is perfect for engaging listeners of all ages. - Visions
Something a little different from the rest of the lineup. Visions is a New Age fusion of hip-hop, ambient chant and R&B, created by Grammy-nominated artist Chris Redding. If the other playlists feel either too familiar or too retro for you, this is the one that breaks the mould. - Classical Flow
If you prefer classical tunes, Classical Flow is a great choice. This non-vocal playlist features some well-loved classical pieces. - Classical Calm
Classical Flow’s more laid back sibling. Where Flow gives you the big, well-known pieces, Classical Calm is curated to be a bit more chill, with a gentle tempo throughout, and no abrupt changes or dramatic crescendos to jolt you out of the moment. A good pick if you love classical music but find the more theatrical pieces a bit much.
Which Playlist Should I Choose?
Everyone has their own unique connections and associations with music that will shape their playlist choices. What resonates with one person might not work for another. The SSP playlists offer a variety of options, including both vocal and non-vocal tracks, as well as upbeat and more relaxed sounds, so you can choose what feels best for you.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Love variety and rhythm? Groove throws instrumentals and upbeat pop/rock into one eclectic mix.
- Want the beat without the words? Groove Instrumental gives you all the same energy, lyric free.
- After something dreamy? Freely is ambient, floaty and made to melt into the background.
- Miss the songs you grew up with? Original is full of familiar covers you’ll struggle not to sing along to.
- Listening with little ones? Wonder is playful, Disney-packed and a hit with the young at heart too. (This is my personal fave).
- Prefer something current? Visions has a modern, chart-friendly feel that stands apart from the rest of the lineup.
- Know your classical favourites? Classical Flow is the recognisable stuff, with more movement and shifts in the music.
- Just want to switch off? Classical Calm is the truly chill one.
Our Preferred SSP Playlists
At the SSP Wellness Center, we’ve explored all of the SSP playlists, but these remain our favorites:
- Original: There’s something really cozy about the nostalgic vibes of these familiar songs. Now, whenever we hear them on the radio, they instantly bring a sense of calm.
- Wonder: Who doesn’t feel good listening to Disney songs? This SSP playlist is a guaranteed mood lifter that always puts a smile on our faces.
- Groove: Did you know you can do SSP with your pets? We love the rhythmic beats in this playlist – and our cat, Dooney, is a fan too!
- Visions: When the nostalgia and the Disney sing-alongs aren’t the mood, this is where we go. It’s the most current-sounding playlist of the bunch, and there’s something nice about a listening session that sounds like what’s on now rather than what was on then.
Our Clients’ Preferred SSP Music
We won’t lie – Original and Wonder rank top when it comes to our clients’ favorite SSP music. Here’s what they’ve had to say:
Chris L – I find Original so relaxing because I know the songs already. I really look forward to listening and I usually don’t want the session to end!
Alice B – Dylan’s face lights up every time we listen to the Wonder playlist. When it finishes he claps and cheers because he enjoyed it so much!
Jane A – I love the songs on the original playlist – there are so many from my era. It makes it really easy to listen to!
Can I Listen to a Safe and Sound Protocol Music Sample?
You won’t find access to the official filtered Safe and Sound Protocol music unless you subscribe to the Unyte app and work with a provider. But don’t worry – you can check out a quick teaser of the unfiltered music on the official Unyte site!
You can find the Safe and Sound Protocol music samples here.
Preview Playlists on Spotify
Want to get a sneak peek of the Original and Wonder playlists before diving into the filtered SSP versions? We’ve put together playlists with the original, unfiltered tracks in the order you’ll hear them on SSP. You can check them out on our Spotify channel, linked below!
These playlists not only highlight the music but may also help sensitive listeners get used to the sounds before starting the filtered versions.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSP Playlists
Can I mix playlists?
Absolutely! Feel free to switch between playlists whenever your needs or tastes change. Just reach out to us, and we’ll help you through the process.
Can I skip songs?
Nope, skipping songs isn’t an option with SSP. The program is a five-hour listening experience, and the music is specially filtered in a specific sequence. To get the full benefits, you need to listen in the order it’s presented. Trust me, if I could skip the U2 song, I definitely would.
Can I use SSP playlists while doing other activities?
Yes – as long as they are soothing and simple activities that do not involve too much thought. Our subscription packages include educational resources filled with practical tips and activities you can do while enjoying SSP.
Do the playlists have to be listened to in a specific order?
You’ll only need to listen to one playlist for the full five hours. And as mentioned, you can swap playlists at any time and pick up right from the same point in the music. There’s no need to listen to all the playlists.
So, what are you in the mood for? A pop bop, a Disney belter, or some classical chill? You have the freedom to choose the playlist that suits you best, and feel free to switch it up anytime if you’re not vibing with it.
Just don’t forget to pick your playlist when you book your first call with us!