Process

🧠 Important Information About Starting SSP

Please Read Before Beginning

With the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), it’s possible that some symptoms may temporarily worsen before improving—especially if the nervous system becomes overwhelmed. We do everything we can to prevent this by carefully observing how your system is responding, pausing or slowing the process when needed to keep it gentle and safe.

⏳ Choosing the Right Time to Begin

Ideally, SSP should be started when you (or your child) are not already at your limit. If you’re facing major stressors or upcoming events that could be overwhelming, it might be best to wait. While there are exceptions, it’s always wise to discuss timing with me if you’re unsure.

SSP is most effective when the nervous system feels safe. If there is significant conflict at home, or someone in the household feels threatening or destabilizing to the listener, SSP may be less effective. Please reach out if you’re unsure whether SSP is the right next step right now, or if you’d like guidance on where to start instead.

Whenever possible, choose a time when you can slow down a little—just in case the process gets bumpy and you need space to integrate.

🦷 Medical & Safety Considerations

Please avoid starting SSP 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 

What is described below is the flat rate process for either SSP or RRP.  I do have more coregulated pay as you go processes also available. 

Independent Listening Delivery Format
     •     For ages 13 and up, 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 the first session, communication is usually done via email for the rest of the process —unless you are doing a more coregulated pay as you go process which is an available option for adults and teens when working directly with Carol Ann Brayley.

🤝 Coregulation During Listening

SSP 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 may still be possible—just reach out to discuss alternative support options.

📩 Ongoing Monitoring & Support

Throughout the SSP 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 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

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

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

🔊 Recommended models:

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