Safe & Sound Protocol and Rest & Restore Protocol

SSP is a research-based, polyvagal theory-informed program developed by trauma expert Dr. Stephen Porges. SSP can augment and accelerate progress in your therapy and recovery efforts. The protocol is designed to reduce stress while enhancing resilience and fostering greater balance in your nervous system.

As a result, you are better able to interpret meaning and intent in communication with others, leading to an enriched felt sense of safety and calming in your physiological state. In essence, SSP fosters a greater capacity for connection with yourself and others.

SSP requires you to listen to specially filtered music that gently stimulates your autonomic nervous system. The treatment is carried out across consecutive days at the pace of either 15 one-hour-long sessions across 15 days, or 30 half-hour-long sessions across 30 days. The sessions can be done remotely via app using either your iPhone or Android. It does not require any focus at all on disturbing memories.

The Rest and Restore Protocol™ (RRP) is an empirically-researched 10-hour total, audio- listening therapy designed to regulate the nervous system and promote deep, calming, state of being.

It uses designed sound frequencies and musical themes to reduce anxiety, tension, PTSD symptoms, and to shift the autonomic nervous system out of ‘fight-flight-freeze modes.’

RRP boosts development for individuals who struggle with interoception (body awareness) or have difficulty identifying and sharing emotions—skills essential for attuning to a spouse’s feelings and experiencing empathy. Additionally, RRP is also helpful for those whom the body bears the burden of trauma, as manifested in physical patterns of distress, pain, and autoimmune issues in response to trauma and betrayal.

RRP may be administered in person or remotely. This decompression session is best experienced in a relatively calm environment while reclining. It involves up to a 30-minute listening period of specially filtered music designed to directly impact your nervous system.

While both are titrated, sound-based therapies with a strong research base, SSP focuses on restoring a physiological sense of safety in connection with others, while RRP focuses on creating an internal homeostasis and connection with self.

SSP targets the ventral vagal nerve, fostering the ability to remain within the window of tolerance during social engagement. It helps restore a sense of inner safety for those who have experienced trauma or betrayal in significant relationships (co-regulation).

RRP targets the dorsal vagal nerve and the ‘calm and restore’ system. It fosters a capacity for deep rest, recovery, and internal homeostasis.

SSP is an ideal modality for those with social anxiety, auditory hypersensitivity, trauma, or difficulties with connection, including betrayal-induced difficulties with connection with others.

RRP is well designed for those who are chronically fatigued, burnt out, "stuck" in a shutdown state. RRP targets restoring internal balance, improving sleep, improving digestion, and fostering self-regulation.

Consequently, it is a useful treatment addition to individuals who struggle with interoception (the ability to sense internal bodily cues, a building block for identifying emotions and empathetic attunement), alexithymia (the inability to identify and express emotions), empathy (the ability to intellectually understand and emotionally resonate with the feelings of others). Hence, it assists in building critical skills necessary for helping your partner and relationship heal after betrayal.

Additionally, both RRP and SSP are helpful for those with nervous system dysregulation, chronic stress, or trauma – those for whom the body keeps score.

Yes, the treatment can be repeated after approximately 4–6 weeks.

SSP amd RRP can be initiated during an intensive. You may purchase the SSP package for a reduced rate after the intensive if you wish to complete the remainder of the treatment.

SSP and RRP can be administered by other staff members under the oversight of a Certified SSP provider, who must be a licensed mental health professional.