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Integrative therapist in Oregon & Colorado

Unlock Deep Healing & Nervous System Balance with the

SAFE & SOUND PROTOCOL

“Safety is the treatment. When we feel safe, our nervous system shifts, allowing us to connect, heal, and thrive.” — Dr. Stephen Porges

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Are you struggling with anxiety, chronic stress, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a research-backed, holistic intervention designed to help you regulate your nervous system, release emotional pain, and build resilience. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, SSP uses specially filtered music to create a sense of safety and calm, unlocking your capacity for deep healing and connection.

The Science of SSP: How It Supports Mind-Body Healing

The SSP is based on Polyvagal Theory, which highlights the critical role of the vagus nerve in regulating your emotional and physiological state. This cutting-edge protocol uses the auditory system to gently shift your nervous system from survival mode to a state of safety and connection. By calming your body and mind, SSP helps reduce symptoms of anxiety, trauma, and chronic stress, setting the stage for lasting transformation.

Click this link to learn more about the Safe and Sound Protocol.

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Feeling like traditional talk therapy isn’t enough?

You may benefit from Safe and Sound Protocol if:

  • Experience anxiety, depression, or other trauma-related symptoms

  • Have difficulty managing your physiological and emotional state

  • Deal with chronic illness, long COVID, chronic pain, or chronic fatigue

  • Face autoimmune issues, digestive problems, or connective tissue disorders (like EDS or HSDs)

  • Feel overwhelmed by auditory sensitivities or specific sounds (e.g., misophonia)

  • Find it challenging to relax or let go of tension

  • Struggle with motivation or feeling energized

  • Feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or on the brink of burnout

  • Experience feelings of numbness, disconnection, or shutting down

  • Often feel angry, short-fused, or easily frustrated

  • Have difficulty with communication, feeling seen, or expressing yourself

  • Struggle with self-harm, addiction, or other unhealthy coping mechanisms

  • Avoid activities that no longer feel safe or enjoyable

  • Want to improve your somatic awareness and become more in tune with your body

YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
feeling calm, connected, and at peace is possible.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) offers a somatic approach to healing. By gently regulating your nervous system, SSP helps you break free from anxiety and stress, creating space for deeper emotional connection and lasting peace. This mind-body intervention supports your journey toward balance and well-being, empowering you to live with greater ease and authenticity.

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the modality

Your SSP Journey:

What to Expect

This 8-week program is designed to guide you through the transformative process of SSP:

Week 1: Initial Assesment(s) with grounding and intention-setting session.

Weeks 2-6: Weekly sessions combining SSP listening with somatic practices.

Week 8: Closing session to reflect, integrate, and celebrate your progress. After your final core session, ask me about extending your progress with balance membership for 2 additonal months.

During each session, you’ll listen to SSP’s specially designed music while practicing somatic exercises to deepen your connection to your body. With my guidance, you’ll learn to process emotions and sensations safely, helping you move past blocks and find lasting relief.

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Why Choose Hidden Trails Therapy for SSP?

About the founder

I’m Ashley Vande Slunt, LMFT (she/her), a Certified Integrative Mental Health Therapist with a passion for helping women heal from trauma, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with their authentic selves. My approach integrates cutting-edge techniques like SSP, EMDR, Somatic Healing, and traditional talk therapies including parts work Internal Family Systems (IFS) to address both emotional and physical challenges.

With years of experience in trauma-informed care, I provide a safe space where clients can feel supported as they navigate their healing journey. At Hidden Trails Therapy, my goal is to help you move from surviving to thriving, empowering you to build resilience and embrace a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Ready to explore how SSP can transform your life? Let’s take this journey together.

Get to know me better →

GETTING STARTED IS EASY

Step 01

Schedule a free consultation to see if SSP is right for you.

Step 02

Receive instructions on preparing for your sessions.

Step 03

Begin your 8-week SSP journey with my guidance.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Embrace growth, healing, and the best version of you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have more questions or are ready to start your SSP journey, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help guide you every step of the way.

  • The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a therapeutic intervention based on Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. It uses specially filtered music to help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve social engagement. By promoting a sense of safety, SSP supports emotional healing and resilience.

  • SSP works by using the auditory system as a gateway to the nervous system. The specially designed music helps calm your body’s fight, flight, or freeze response, encouraging a state of safety and connection. This allows your mind and body to process and integrate emotions more effectively, laying the foundation for deeper healing.

  • SSP can benefit anyone struggling with anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, or emotional dysregulation. It’s also effective for individuals with auditory sensitivities, chronic pain, or digestive issues linked to stress. Whether you’re looking to heal from past trauma or enhance your emotional resilience, SSP offers a holistic path to well-being.

  • Absolutely! SSP is designed to complement other therapeutic approaches, including EMDR, talk therapy, and somatic work. It helps create a regulated nervous system, which can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

  • Each session involves listening to SSP’s specially filtered music through over-ear headphones while engaging in gentle somatic practices. You’ll be guided in real-time to ensure the process feels safe and supportive. Sessions often include check-ins, grounding exercises, and space for reflection as your nervous system begins to shift.

  • SSP is a gentle, non-invasive approach, but it may bring up emotions or memories as your nervous system adjusts. This is a normal part of the healing process. You’ll be supported throughout each session to help you process these experiences safely.

  • Preparation is simple! You’ll need a quiet, comfortable space, over-ear headphones (non-noise canceling), and a smartphone or tablet to access the SSP app. Before your first session, I’ll provide detailed instructions to ensure you’re ready to begin.

  • Many clients report feeling calmer and more grounded after just a few sessions, while others notice gradual improvements over time. The effects of SSP often continue to unfold even after the program is complete, offering lasting benefits.