DiscoverThe Safe and Sound Protocol

A gentle science- based path to your nervous system well-being and resilience.

“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.

Not ready yet ? Learn More

What is the safe and sound protocol ?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a gentle, evidence-based listening program developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. Based on Polyvagal Theory, it uses specially filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve and help the nervous system shift from a state of protection into a state of safety.

This shift creates a foundation for:

  • Better emotional regulation

  • Greater resilience to stress

  • Stronger social connection

  • Reduction in depression, anxiety and chronic symptoms

Who is the SSP for ?

The SSP can support children, teens, and adults who may be experiencing:

Emotional & Mental Health

  • Anxiety, depression, or chronic stress

  • Trauma recovery

  • Emotional reactivity or shutdown

Sensory & Physical Well-Being

  • Sensory sensitivities or auditory challenges

  • Sleep or digestive difficulties

  • Chronic health conditions

Neurodiversity & Development

  • ADHD, ADD, autism spectrum

  • 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 outcomes include:

Mind

  • Improved focus and attention

  • Greater emotional clarity

  • Calmer stress responses

  • Increased resilience

Body

  • More restful sleep

  • Easier digestion

  • Reduced tension or reactivity

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 – I also 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • “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.”

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Why work with me through your healing journey with SSP ?

Choosing to begin the Safe and Sound Protocol is a meaningful step, and having the right guide makes all the difference. With over 35 years of experience in somatic-based approaches and as a certified sound therapist, I bring both professional knowledge and careful, attentive presence to every client relationship.

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.

 Here’s 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 before beginning, so we can ensure we’re a good fit for your SSP journey.”

What clients are saying

“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 guidance between sessions made the benefits last well beyond the music itself.”

— Client in Trauma Recovery

Investment in your SSP journey

“Every nervous system is unique, so I offer two flexible SSP packages. Together we’ll choose the right level of support during your free consultation call.”

Full Support SSP package

  • Approximately 10 hours of provider direct service time + 3 hours of additional integration support in between listening sessions.

  • Embodied integration practices and practical tools to help your nervous system feel safe and supported every step of the way before and during the program.

  • Full access to the 3 SSP playlists for up to 6 month

  • Best if you prefer to be supported at every step of your SSP journey.

Pricing: $1,200

( Payment plans available upon request)

Comprehensive SSP package

  • Approximately 5 hours of provider direct service time + 1.5 hours of additional monitoring support in between listening sessions.

  • Psychoeducation, integration practices and practical tools to help your nervous system feel safe and supported before and during the program.

  • Full access to the 3 SSP playlist for up to 3 month.

  • Ideal if you’d like steady, gentle support as you move through your SSP journey.

Pricing: $800

( Payment plans available upon request)

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.