Discover The Safe and Sound Protocol
A gentle science- based path to your nervous system well-being & resilience.
It asks us to face challenges, build resilience, and step into our authentic selves. My role is to support and empower you with tools, guidance, and perspective—so that you can recognize your own strength and become your own best resource for healing."
The Healing journey is a process of Growth & Renewal.
“Trauma compromises our ability to engage with others by replacing patterns of connection with patterns of protection.”
—Dr. Stephen Porges
Are you stuck in chronic states of anxiety, shutdown or emotional reactivity, despite your best efforts and the best interventions ?
What’s missing may not be another technique, but a regulated nervous system.
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a gentle, evidence-based music program that supports the nervous system in feeling safe again, shifting us out of survival mode and into a place where true healing can happen. “Experiencing SSP in my own life was truly transformative — it helped reduce chronic symptoms in my body, brought relief from anxiety, and offered me a much-needed renewed sense of connection.” I’ve since witnessed profound changes in clients as they release stress and trauma, restore resilience, and reconnect with themselves in new ways.
My passion is to hold a safe and supportive space where this kind of deep healing and growth can unfold.
—Valerie Starbuck, Certified SSP and RRP Practitioner
What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is more than music — it’s a listening therapy designed to help regulate your nervous system. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and grounded in science, this method uses specially filtered music to gently stimulate the vagus nerve, promoting calm and enhancing overall nervous system health.
SSP is suitable for all ages and can support those navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, insomnia, and more. Sessions are guided by a certified practitioner who works collaboratively with you, adjusting the pace to align with the natural rhythm of your nervous system.
Easy to use from home with a smartphone and headphones, SSP creates a supportive pathway to healing and well-being. It fosters deeper connection, resilience, and balance — opening the door to lasting transformation.
Who is the SSP for?
SSP benefits for health conditions that cause emotional or nervous system dysregulation, including:
Sensory sensitivities or auditory challenges
Sleep or digestive difficulties
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)
Chronic Stress and Anxiety
Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Long-haul Covid
Neuro-developmental differences and learning behavioral challenges
(ADHD) and sensory processing disorders
Autism spectrum disorders
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Focus, attention, or learning challenges
Substance-use recovery
Feelings of disconnection or loneliness
Outcomes people often experience with SSP
Many Clients notice positive changes in how they feel, think and connect with others.
Common outcome includes:
Mind
Improved focus and attention
Greater emotional clarity
Calmer stress responses
Increased resilience
Body
More restful sleep
Easier digestion
Reduced tension or reactivity
Increase energy
Connection
Stronger sense of safety
Feeling more socially at ease
Deeper, more satisfying relationships
Not sure SSP is for you ?
How does the SSP works?
The Safe and Sound Protocol isn’t “just music”—it’s a guided process designed to support your nervous system step by step.
The Listening – Specially filtered music that gently engages the vagus nerve
The Pace – Sessions are adjusted to your comfort level. With SSP, less is more—going slowly allows your nervous system to fully integrate the changes
The Support – Delivered by a trained provider with compassionate care in the comfort of your own home
Your Role – Simply listen, notice, and allow gradual and gentle change to unfold
Beyond the Music – Provide psychoeducation, activities, and gentle exercises you can use during or between sessions to deepen regulation and integration
The program can be completed in person or remotely, and is always tailored to your unique needs.
Learn more about how SSP supports the autonomic nervous system.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The SSP uses music that you may already be familiar with. The music is filtered through an algorithm that enhances intonation changes within the frequency range of the human voice. SSP uses specially filtered music designed to encourage safety via auditory processing. A Gentle classical playlist is also available as a trauma-sensitive option that retains the algorithm’s essential therapeutic features.
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“Your body knows the pace that’s right for you. With the Safe and Sound Protocol, we move gently—often about 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Many people finish in 4–6 weeks, but healing isn’t on a timer, and benefits can keep unfolding even after the listening is complete.”
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As your certified provider, I am trained to guide you through every step of your SSP journey—from preparation to completion. I’ll create an individualized listening plan tailored to your needs, provide education, answer your questions, and support you through everything that may arise once you begin.
During listening sessions, I closely monitor your progress and gently adjust the pace and conditions to ensure your nervous system feels safe and supported. My goal is to make the process both effective and comfortable, so you can experience the full benefits of SSP at the rhythm that’s right for you.
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Once you purchase headphones and download the app on your device (iPhone or iPad) the chosen music of the safe and sound protocol will be downloaded through the App.
Your role is simple: be present, listen, and notice what arises—whether that’s emotions, body sensations, or shifts in mood or energy. You don’t need to do anything “right” or force an outcome.
At times, I may invite you to engage in gentle activities—like breathing practices, stretching, journaling, or creative expression—during or between sessions. These help your nervous system integrate the listening more fully and give you practical tools you can carry into daily life.
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No — the SSP is a powerful therapeutic intervention that should only be delivered by a trained provider. My role is to guide and support you, monitor your progress, and adjust the pace so the program is both safe and effective.
Work with Valerie
Valerie is an Intuitive Coach, Somatic Movement Educator , Safe & Sound Protocol Practitioner and certified Sound Therapist with over 35 years of experience in somatic-based approaches. She helps people navigate anxiety, trauma, neurodiversity, and chronic conditions by creating safe, compassionate spaces for healing. Through mindful and somatic practices, neuroscience, and music, she guides clients in rebalancing their nervous system and reconnecting to resilience and inner wisdom. She brings both professional knowledge and careful, attentive presence to every client relationship.
Choosing to begin the Safe and Sound Protocol is a meaningful step, and having the right guide makes all the difference.
My role is more than simply delivering SSP — it’s about creating a safe, compassionate space where your nervous system feels supported to shift and heal at its own pace. Over the years, I’ve worked with people navigating anxiety, trauma, neurodiversity, and chronic conditions. What I’ve learned is that every journey is unique, and the key is meeting each person exactly where they are.
What you can expect when working with me:
Deep listening and presence — I pay attention to your whole experience: words, body, breath, and energy.
Individualized support — A listening plan tailored to you, with pacing that honors the principle of less is more.
Integration beyond the music — Psychoeducation, gentle practices, and tools you can use during and between sessions.
Safety and guidance — A steady, supportive process that helps you feel grounded and accompanied every step of the way.
I invite you to schedule a free call with me, so we can ensure we’re a good fit for your SSP journey.”
Stories of Healing & Change
“Many of my clients come to me after years of struggling with chronic conditions — from mold illness and Lyme to other complex health challenges. Here are some of the ways their lives have shifted through our work together.”
“As someone living with chronic health challenges, I felt hopeless and stuck. Valerie’s genuine care gave me the strength to move from overwhelm to clarity. With her support, my nervous system finally calmed, and I felt at peace in my body for the first time in years.”
—Kate H. New-York
“Anxiety has been part of my life for years, and I wasn’t sure anything could help. With SSP, I finally feel calmer and less reactive. Valerie’s support was everything — she listened deeply and guided me with such care that I never felt alone in the process.”
— Client with Anxiety
“After years of living with Parkinson’s, I feel more resilient and steady in my body. The SSP gave me hope — and Valerie’s ability to pace the sessions to my comfort made all the difference.”
— Client with Parkinson’s
“The SSP changed my life. As someone with ADHD, I was used to feeling scattered and disconnected. With Valerie’s gentle guidance and support, I was able to slow down, focus, and feel more connected to myself and others. I’ve never experienced that kind of clarity before.”
— Client with ADHD
“The SSP helped me soften. For the first time in a long while, I could connect with my family without feeling so on edge. Having gentle tools and Valerie’s genuine attention & guidance during and between sessions made the benefits last well beyond the music itself.”
— Client in Trauma Recovery
Find the SSP Program that works best for you
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Self Guided Path
For individuals who can independently regulate their nervous system, this option provides the essential resources to complete SSP at your own pace. It includes an introductory session and brief progress check-ins, without ongoing coaching.
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Supported Path
For those who benefit from one-on-one guidance, this option includes regular check-ins and personalized coaching to create a supportive environment that keeps you on track and helps you achieve the best results.
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Balanced Path
Designed for those who want both freedom and guidance. This option combines self-paced listening with periodic one-on-one coaching, giving you the flexibility to move forward independently while receiving expert support at key points along the way.
Ready to Embark on Your Healing Journey ?
Beginning SSP is a meaningful step toward nervous system regulation and resilience. If you’d like to find out whether it’s the right fit for you, let’s connect.
I’d love to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward calm, safety, and connection.