The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)

with Heidi Fischbach, EdM

The Safe & Sound Protocol is a science-backed, music-based (non-drug) intervention that helps your nervous system soften, settle, and reconnect!

When your body is in go-go-go or shutdown mode—whether from accumulated effects of long-term stress or patterns of bracing that began in childhood—safety can feel unfamiliar.


What is the SSP?

Everyday life—especially after illness, injury, trauma, or high stress—can leave your nervous system stuck in defense. This might show up as hyper-alertness, shutdown, or difficulty feeling safe to be yourself with others. SSP helps interrupt those patterns by:

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 forcing

Supporting your body’s natural capacity for healing, connection, and rest

How SSP works:

Live with anxiety, depression, chronic stress, or burnout

Have trouble with connection, communication, or emotional regulation

Have experienced trauma, grief, or loss

SSP may be especially helpful if you:

What to expect when doing 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 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 aren't broken! But your nervous system may be stuck in a pattern that made sense (and was very adaptive) at one time, but now it's getting in the way of you feeling authentically you, deeply connected, doing work you love, and being able to laugh and love with ease.

The SSP is a gentle yet powerful intervention that will help reset your nervous system's capacity to feel better, think better, and live better.

Curious to give it a try?

Schedule a free consult with Heidi to discuss if the SSP is a good fit for you

Book a Zoom consult with Heidi

Research and case studies will go here shortly!

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 the SSP, simply choose the "basic" option at checkout. Everything will remain the same, but you won't receive access to SSP.

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.