Everyday life—especially after high stress, illness or injury, or even long-ago trauma—can leave your nervous system stuck in a defensive, survival mode. This might show up as hyper-alertness, irritability, shutdown, or even just difficulty feeling safe and comfortable being yourself around others.
SSP interrupts and resets these patterns so that you can feel, think and connect better.
The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)
with Heidi Fischbach, EdM
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a gentle, evidence-based listening program that helps bring your nervous system out of chronic stress and into a state of safety and connection. The SSP uses specially filtered music to engage the vagus nerve, which is your body’s internal control center for safety and regulation.
It's not about trying to "calm down." Just like it's not about trying to have more energy. Rather, the SSP helps your system feel safe enough to be able to rest, energize, focus, and connect more easily.
What is the SSP?
Using music filtered to emphasize the frequencies of the human voice (where we find social cues like warmth and safety
Gently guiding the nervous system to shift toward regulation, without pushing or force
Supporting your body’s natural capacity for healing, connection, and rest
SSP works by:
Dial down symptoms of anxiety, depression, chronic stress, or burnout
Soften the impact of trauma, grief, or loss
Support regulation of hyperactivity, ADHD, and attention-related challenges
SSP can especially help you:
Ease sensory sensitivities and auditory processing difficulties
Alleviate symptoms related to chronic pain and health conditions
What to expect when you do SSP with Heidi:
Support: You won’t do this alone. I’ll guide you through a personalized plan, which might include sessions together (virtually or in-person), at-home listening, and ongoing check-ins.
Simple setup: All you need is a phone or tablet, over-the-ear headphones, and a quiet space to listen.
Individual experiences vary: Because every nervous system is unique, your response to SSP may unfold during listening—or even days or several weeks afterward. That’s normal. We’ll go at a pace that honors your body.
Hey, don't worry. I'm not offended. It's 100% fair to ask that question!
I’ve spent twenty years helping people reconnect with their bodies through trauma-informed bodywork, nervous system science, and coaching.
The resumé-y part:
Heidi Fischbach, EdM, LMT, holds a master’s degree from Harvard University (Ed.M.); certification as a Focusing Professional from The International Focusing Institute; certification as a provider of the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP), the acoustic intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, based on the Polyvagal Theory of the Nervous System; and advanced professional certification as a massage therapist from the Muscular Therapy Institute (MTI) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
About Heidi
Or... why the heck you should trust me!?
What’s really going on if all the analysis, mindset work and self-help you've done hasn't brought lasting change?
You’re not broken.
Most of those approaches are top down—they try to create change by shifting your thoughts.
But here’s the thing: about 80% of the communication in your system flows from your body up to your brain. Not the other way around! Which is why it makes much more sense to start with your body.
It’s not that your mind doesn’t matter—it does. But lasting change begins when your body feels safe.
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a gentle, powerful bottom-up intervention designed to help your nervous system feel better, think better, and live better.
Want to give it a try?
ssP set up & training
Co-Regulation & SSP Listening group Drop-Ins
jumpstart session
$3,600 (or 4 payments of $925/mo.)
Investment
4 months
Timeframe
The Jumpastart
Ready to jump in? Two options:
$1,600 (or 4 payments of $425/mo.)
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Private co-regulation & Listening Sessions
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SSP/RRP
Essentials
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small group coaching
nervous system
masterclasses/trainings
Private coaching
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Jumpstart Plus
SSP Essentials
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Includes:
3 months (month by month after)
Nervous System Regulation Through Listening: The Science and Applications VIEW HERE
Safe & Sound Protocol (the why, what, and how, plus summary of research findings) VIEW BROCHURE
Harvard Review of Psychiatry Case Study: Neuromodulation Using Computer-Altered Music to Treat a Ten-Year-Old Child Unresponsive to Standard Interventions for Functional Neurological Disorder READ HERE
(Research and case studies are conducted on the SSP on an ongoing basis)
A Sampling of Research & Case Studies:
How long before I can expect to see changes in my nervous system?
Results vary for everyone based on personal history and level of participation. Some people notice small shifts in awareness or sensation within the first few sessions/weeks, while for others, changes unfold more gradually and incrementally over a few months. The length of the program is designed for steady progress that isn't rushed, and pacing that allows for integration, both of which are vital to fundamental change.
What is the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)?
The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is a non-invasive, science-backed listening program that resets and restores your nervous system's capacity and function through technologically-filtered music. Originally developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, SSP gently and directly affects your vagus nerve so that it can effectively respond rather than automatically going into survival states. SSP has been found to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and build resilience, and has been written up in scientific journals, including the Harvard Review of Psychiatry.
Do I have to do the Safe & Sound Protocol
If you want to work with me but don't want to do the SSP, check out the "Jumpstart Basic" option on the Jumpstart page.
I didn’t grow up in a religious or cult-y setting, but I can relate to many of the signs you list. Would this program work for me?
Absolutely! This program is for anyone who feels they’re stuck in patterns of fear, anxiety, or tension, regardless of their background. The focus is on creating a safe, body-based experience of connection, so whether or not you have a religious history, the Reset Program is designed to support anyone who wants to experience greater calm, ease, and connection.
I didn’t grow up in a religious or cult-y setting, but I can relate to many of the signs you list. Would this program work for me?
What is the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)?
Do I have to do the Safe & Sound Protocol to work with Heidi?
How long before I can expect to see changes in my nervous system?
(see answers below)