This past summer, I had the incredible honor of participating in the RRP pilot study with Dr. Stephen Porges and Anthony Gorry. What I could never have anticipated was how profoundly RRP would change my life.
Background
I am a particularly complex client. I have a history of early complex developmental trauma that is incredibly severe. On top of that, during the first several months of doing RRP, I was navigating numerous current-day traumatic events and losses, along with a major life change.
The Transformative Power of RRP
From the very second night of listening, I experienced something remarkable—deep, natural sleep. I have battled chronic insomnia my entire life. It was fueled by complex trauma, ADHD, and MTHFR mutations.
When the RRP pilot study started, I was needing to take sleep medication every night. By just my second night of RRP listening I was finally able to achieve deep peaceful sleep with no medication at all. I had never before had a life stage in which sleep was easy. Most of the time now - it is!
Unanticipated Benefits
I quickly began to notice dramatic improvements in my executive functioning. Tasks that once felt overwhelming became manageable. I found myself decluttering and organizing my home—and I was amazed that these new systems held strong, even after shattering my dominant wrist in early July.
One of the most surprising outcomes was how my response to ADHD stimulant medication shifted. I had taken this medication for 3 years and was considered vastly undermedicated with it prior to RRP. However, after several months of consistent RRP listening, my dosage became much too high— facial tremors appeared. Both my doctor and I were astonished that, some days, even just 20% of my previous dosage was still too high. Although I definitely still have ADHD, lately most of the time I no longer feel the need for stimulant medication.
Several of my RRP clients who have ADHD have experienced similar improvements, with one also reporting the need to reduce her stimulant dose. While we don't have enough data yet to be sure if others will experience similar results, these are truly exciting areas to watch.
Navigating Setbacks and Embracing Deep Work
As can be typical for many complex clients, my RRP journey hasn’t been entirely smooth. At one point, I overdid it and experienced a severe dorsal shutdown — something I’ve never experienced before. The thing is, when we engage in deep work with our physiology, it can bring really deep issues—including early trauma—to the surface so they can finally truly heal. The combination of my profound early trauma and current-day stresses in combination greatly magnified that impact.
I paused RRP listening and spent several weeks working intensively processing what was releasing, using the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP), iLs Calming, Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, and work with a somatic therapist to restore balance. In recent weeks I have returned to RRP listening so that I can continue to benefit from it. I can honestly say that I now feel better regulated, stronger, and more resilient than I have ever in my life before.
Embracing a Life of Balance and Growth
Today, I am not only more productive but also more in tune with my body’s needs. I’ve learned to enjoy relaxation without guilt, make healthier lifestyle choices without deciding to or even noticing at first, and trust my greatly expanded intuition. Setting boundaries has become natural, allowing me to focus on my priorities without feeling overwhelmed by external demands. This integrated journey—from confronting early developmental trauma to embracing transformative healing—has been such a gift that allows me to be even more present in helping the highly complex people I work with.
Patience in the Process
It’s important to note that most of these shifts and improvements took several weeks—and even months—for me to become aware of, even though in retrospect many of them showed up immediately. With approaches like RRP and SSP, the shifts are so effortless that at first that you might not register that anything is changing. This gradual growing awareness is typical. Do your best to remain curious and open to possibility. If in doubt, ask those close to you if they are noticing anything different.
Your Own Journey
If you’re curious about RRP—whether as a client interested in your own healing, or as a provider looking for help in guiding your clients through RRP—I’m here to support you.
My experience is a testament to how addressing the deep layers of our physiology can lead to profound change. You don’t have to navigate these complexities alone. I am happy to support your own path to healing and when applicable, your professional growth as a provider. ❤️