Your nervous system is stuck in survival mode.

For many people with significant childhood trauma, therapy can feel like slow going and that no matter how much you understand your struggles you are still living in a constant state of vigilance, tension, or disconnection.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) was developed to reach the deeper layers of your body—to help it feel safe, to allow you to rest and connect, to finally soften some of the defenses that once kept you protected but now get in the way. It is a gentle, non-invasive listening program developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, based on Polyvagal Theory. It uses specially filtered music to help “reset” the nervous system, making it easier for your body to come out of fight, flight, or freeze. The protocol involves listening to music through headphones in a quiet, comfortable setting, with the support of a trained provider. Sessions are typically broken up into manageable segments, allowing your nervous system to integrate the experience gradually and gently.

SSP is often most helpful for people who are already in therapy but feel like something is “blocking” them from going further. By settling the nervous system, SSP can make it easier to access emotions, process trauma, and feel present in your body and relationships. It’s a supportive tool that helps re-regulate the nervous system so that the work you’re already doing can be more effective.

People who complete SSP often notice:

  • Greater ability to manage stress and anxiety

  • Feeling safer and more connected in relationships

  • Less reactivity and overwhelm in everyday situations

  • A sense of calm and grounding in the body

Rachel Foster integrates SSP in a way that honors your pace and your story. She understands how important it is to feel safe and supported when working with trauma, and she offers SSP as a companion to therapy for clients who are ready for this deeper layer of nervous system support. With Rachel’s guidance, SSP becomes less about a technique and more about creating the conditions for your body to feel safe enough to heal.