If you spend any time in the SSP world—whether you’re a provider or a client—you’ve probably heard concerns about “side effects.”
Here’s the truth: what people are calling side effects are, in almost every case, simply signs of very temporary nervous system dysregulation.
And believe it or not… I get excited when I see this.
Why? Because it means something incredibly important: the nervous system is responding to the Safe and Sound Protocol. It’s listening. It’s alive. And it’s shifting.
Now, does that mean we just plow ahead? Absolutely not. That is when we risk things becoming truly uncomfortable.
We want to soften the experience so that SSP lands more gently. But I never worry that dysregulation means SSP “isn’t working” or that someone won’t improve. And I never instantly assume that someone can't tolerate SSP. Quite the opposite.
In my experience, virtually anyone can do SSP successfully—as long as it’s titrated to their specific nervous system. That titration isn’t a one-time setting. The ideal length of a listening session will likely change multiple times throughout the protocol.
For incredibly sensitive individuals, the increments may need to be absurdly short at first. I’ve had clients start with less than five seconds at a time. That’s not a typo. Five. Seconds.
With my exquisitely sensitive clients, it often feels like I’m watching their nervous system dance with the music. At times, I can see the impact of each individual second—each note landing like a whisper on a system that’s learning to trust again.
It’s an extraordinary thing to witness.
And here’s the beautiful part: these are often the clients who show the most dramatic improvements.
Think of it like a slow, steady drip of safety to a system that’s forgotten what safety feels like. And in many cases, improvements start to appear immediately, even - or often especially - at those tiniest doses.
What I also love seeing is how this changes over time. The ones who start very slowly are often able to go faster later on in the protocol. And sometimes, people who started off moving quickly need to slow down midway through. It’s all part of the dance.
Everyone’s nervous system is different. That’s the magic—and the challenge—of SSP. We aren’t just playing music. We’re supporting profound shifts in how someone feels, connects, and experiences the world.
So if you or your client are experiencing some bumps along the way, take a deep breath. The road is still unfolding. And your nervous system just might be telling us, in its own brilliant language, that change is already happening.
If you’re an SSP provider looking to deepen your confidence, skills, and intuition around delivering SSP—especially with sensitive or complex clients—I offer advanced SSP training, along with group and individual consultations to help you navigate this work with more ease and clarity.
I also offer Brainspotting sessions for providers, to support your own regulation, healing, and growth as you hold space for others.
You don’t have to do this alone—and the work is always easier (and more powerful) when you’re supported.
Are You Looking for an SSP Provider?
If you’re considering SSP for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to choose someone who deeply understands how to work with sensitivity, complexity, and the uniqueness of your nervous system.
I’ve supported several hundred clients through SSP from ages 2-78 years old, including many who were told they were “too sensitive” or “too complex.” I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all protocols. I listen closely—to your story, to your body, and to your system’s cues.
Whether you’re brand new to SSP or have tried it before without success, I’d be honored to support you in discovering how this process can be tailored to fit you. Gently. Safely. At your pace.
Because your nervous system deserves to feel safe—and seen.
Contact me to discuss your needs.