Process

Important Information About Starting SSP or RRP

Please Read Before Beginning

With either the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) or Rest & Restore Protocol (RRP), some people may experience temporary increases in symptoms if the nervous system becomes overwhelmed or the process moves too quickly. My approach is focused on preventing this as much as possible through careful pacing, close observation of your nervous system responses, and adjusting the process as needed to keep the process feeling manageable, gentle, and safe.

For many people, this allows the process to unfold with little to no worsening of symptoms. Staying in close communication with me throughout the listening process is an important part of this, as it helps us respond quickly to what your nervous system is telling us and tailor the pacing to your unique needs for the safest and most beneficial experience possible.

As the discoverer of what I call the “Mini Reset,” I am particularly skilled at helping nervous systems settle quickly if discomfort or dysregulation does arise. I will often teach clients in advance exactly how and when to use the Mini Reset so they already feel prepared and supported before any discomfort occurs. In many cases, successfully settling the nervous system in this way is followed by a noticeable burst of improvement. Even between sessions, I remain only an email away should guidance or support be needed.

⏳ Choosing the Right Time to Begin

In an ideal world, SSP or RRP would be started during a relatively calm and settled period, when you (or your child) are not already stretched beyond capacity. If there are major upcoming stressors - such as exams, surgery, travel, or other highly demanding life events that are very time limited  - it may sometimes make sense to either wait until that period has passed, or to pause the process temporarily if needed.

That said, many individuals and families seeking SSP or RRP are already living in very difficult circumstances, and waiting for life to feel fully calm or stable may simply not feel realistic. In my experience, it is often still very possible to proceed safely and successfully during challenging times when the process is approached with enough care, expertise, flexibility, and close communication.

Because of my extensive experience working with highly sensitive and complex nervous systems, I am particularly well equipped to help tailor SSP or RRP safely to a wide range of situations and levels of stress. I have successfully supported individuals through circumstances including recent major loss, severe burnout, chronic illness, family crisis, and even ongoing situations such as domestic violence. The key is that I need to be kept informed. The more openly and consistently you communicate with me about what is happening, the more carefully and effectively I can guide the pacing and respond to your nervous system’s needs.

If you are unsure whether now is the right time to begin, please reach out. I am happy to help you think through what approach would feel safest and most supportive for your unique situation.”

🦷 Medical & Safety Considerations

Please speak to me before starting SSP or RRP if:

     •     You are about to undergo invasive dental work (e.g., root canal or extraction)
     •     You’ve had a recent head injury
     •     You have a seizure disorder and have not been seizure-free for at least one year

If you have any significant medical issues or a history of bipolar depression, please let me know in advance so I can arrange a medical consult if needed.

🎧 Getting Started with SSP or RRP

     1) Independent Listening Delivery Format

• For teens and adults we typically begin with an online session where I observe the start of listening.
  
  
• For children 12 and under, I usually meet with the parent to learn more about the child and co-create a plan for how to begin.
  
  
• After our listening session, communication is usually done via email for the rest of the process - unless you are choosing to combine RRP or SSP with therapy with me.  In an ideal world, I'd like to hear from you often throughout the process, so that we can be sure your or your family member's journey is carefully guided and supervised.
  
  
• Extra online sessions can be added on for my usual fee of $120 CAD/approx $87 US for 30 min sessions, or $200 CAD/approx $145 US for 60 min sessions.

     2) Other Listening Options

For clients aged 16 and over, there are two different ways to receive additional support during SSP and/or RRP:

1. You may choose the standard flat-rate SSP or RRP package with primarily independent listening, while adding extra online sessions with me as needed throughout the process.
   
   
2. Alternatively, some clients choose to have me present for all of the listening process. In this case, SSP and/or RRP are integrated directly into therapy sessions, with me providing ongoing guidance, pacing, co-regulation, observation, and support in real time.
   
   These sessions will also likely incorporate other therapeutic approaches as appropriate, including Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, parts work, nervous system regulation strategies, and more.
   
   If SSP or RRP are being offered entirely within ongoing therapy sessions with me present throughout listening, there is no additional charge for SSP or RRP beyond the therapy session cost itself.

🤝 Coregulation During Listening

Regardless of which approach to delivery chosen, listening to SSP and RRP is most effective in the context of felt safety. Ideally, the listener should have a calm, trusted support person present during listening - someone who can offer soft eye contact, a gentle smile, or a reassuring presence when needed.  This is most often a friend or family member.  Sometimes those seeing a therapist or bodyworker regularly may choose to listen with them.

This social engagement supports the nervous system in integrating the SSP experience. While some people begin to feel more socially connected weeks after completing SSP, others begin experiencing this shift during listening.

If you don’t have someone to be present with you, SSP or RRP is still very possible - reach out to me and we can talk about different suggestions I have.

📩 Ongoing Monitoring & Support

Throughout the SSP and RRP process, regular email check-ins are essential. Ideally, you’ll check in every day or every few days with updates on changes in areas such as:

     •     Sleep
     •     Mood
     •     Focus
     •     Energy levels
     •     Digestion
     •     Sound sensitivities
     •     Pain levels

We will basically play detective together, watching for cues as to how your nervous system is responding. I also will teach you how to recognize how much SSP your body wants at each and every step of the way.

⚠️ If you don’t stay in touch or don’t follow your provider’s guidance, SSP or RRP may become less effective—or even uncomfortable. Staying connected is key!

📱 Devices & Technology

SSP is delivered through the Unyte app, which works on:
     •     Smartphones or tablets
     •     Newer MacBooks with the M1 chip
     •     Some Chromebooks

🚫 Desktop or standard laptops will not work.

If we’re doing an online session to start for your own listening, you’ll need a second device for the video call (Zoom, etc.) while the app plays SSP music on your primary device.

Please download the app and test your headphone connection before our session. If you haven’t received your app invitation by the day before our meeting, please contact me.

🎧 Headphone Requirements for SSP

You’ll need a high-quality pair of over-the-ear headphones for SSP. The requirements:
     •     No earbuds for SSP
     •     No noise-cancelling (unless it can be turned off)
     •     No bass enhancement
     •     Must fit fully over the ears with padded ear cups
     •     Speakers can be used in some situations, please ask me about this

🎧 Headphone Requirements for RRP

     •     Any good quality speakers, headphones or earbuds are fine for RRP
     •     Please avoid using phone or laptop speakers

If your headphones aren’t Bluetooth, make sure they can connect to your device. Some setups may require an adapter.

🔊 Recommended headphone models for SSP:

OneOdio A70 or A71 are headphones that have been specifically vetted by Unyte as being great inexpensive options for SSP.

If you or your child has difficulty wearing headphones, don’t worry—we have other alternatives. Please contact me to discuss.

💬 Booking & Availability

Due to high demand, I’m not always available to take on new clients directly. You can check my current availability and book online here to see if availability is showing.

If my calendar is full or if you prefer, you may also choose to work with one of my SSP Yoda Informed Associates—highly trained, compassionate providers who often have availability sooner and offer a comparable quality of care at a slightly lower rate.

👉 Click here to view SSP package pricing options