Expanding Safety with Others
Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)
supported by
Somatic Group Co-regulation
A 6-week Immersive
For coaches/healers tired of feeling
secretly unsafe
uncomfortable
inauthentiic
like an imposter
Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP)
A "bottom up" neural exercise acting directly on the autonomic nervous system via the auditory system.
A "stealth" neural exercise designed to expand the nervous system's capacity for the felt sense of safety via the social engagement system.
Within the carefully cultivated safe group environment, we then co-regulate to integrate learnings from the signals our nervous system generates.
What does this mean for HEALING PROFESSIONALS?
Only ONE who feels safe in connection can create safety for another.
The client's nervous system can detect inauthenticity, and frankly it's miserable and exhausting to try to hide nervous system activation.
"If you want to improve the world, start by making people feel safer."
- Stephen Porges, PhD
Let's begin . . .
This program combines the supervised listening intervention SSP - Safe & Sound Protocol with nervous system awareness and attunement, guided somatic integration, and relational practice inside a group of screened, steady, safe humans.
Space held by Dr. Cynthia Paciulli Barbarits -
Neurodiverse Holistic Surgeon
Trauma-Informed Somatic Coach
PlayZone Pro Polyvagal Informed Certificate for Coaches
Unyte Certified SSP and RRP Provider
Beta Pricing Cohort 1: $333 in exchange for feedback and testimonials
(value >$1000/person)
Is this you . . . ??
You have the education on how to coach . . . You may even have the certification and many hours of experience.
You know the theory, you know the regulation tools.
With the right client or the right conditions, you’re excellent at what you do. You feel alive, purposeful, steady.
AND
When you’re face-to-face with an unfamiliar or activating Other — on a connection call, in a group setting, during a 1:1 session, or even in everyday life - something shifts.
You don’t feel unsafe in the dramatic sense.
You feel unsafe in the subtle, embodied, hard-to-name sense:
Your muscles tense without your permission
Your throat tightens or your breath feels shallow
Your heart beats faster than the situation demands
Your mind is hyperfocused on creating a "perfect" outcome
You feel reactive, frozen, or shielded by a highly polished mask
You feel numb, exhausted, or immensely relieved when the session is done
Subtle lack of safety suppresses you ...
Real-life contact with real humans as you hold space for them brings up patterns your system hasn’t yet been able to unwind....
And sometimes you wonder — quietly — if maybe you’re not cut out for this work....
OR you think about quitting entirely.
OR you avoid situations that require visibility, leadership, or relational intensity because they leave you depleted for days.
Your nervous system has (NOT YET) mastered
safety with others
That is exactly what this program exists to change.
This offer is for you if you…
Have done some great inner healing work . . .
AND still feel yourself subtly tensing into performance or masking with clients.
Feel grounded with trusted people . . .
AND become anxious, activated, or frozen around some clients, groups, or visibility.
Have tried to push past your resistance . . .
AND you fluctuate between overdrive and collapse when others are involved.
Want a body that genuinely FEELS SAFE
SO THAT you can lead, serve, and connect with true coherence.
Know your efficacy and growth are limited
BY an invisible cloak protecting your authenticity and freedom to become.
Often need to "recover" from your soul-based work
BECAUSE your energy is sapped every time you build mission momentum
As months come and go . . .
• Energy and momentum fade, making it harder to create, serve, and stay consistent.
• Visibility seems risky, as part of your system doubts safety in being seen.
• Confidence becomes elusive - not from lack of skill but from discomfort.
• Intention to create safety for another feels empty and incongruent.
What Is SSP
Safe and Sound Protocol?
It is a gentle, passive, yet direct
evidence-based
nervous system
support process...
This program combines the wisdom and co-regulation of a group cohort and somatic practices with the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, father of Polyvagal Theory.
SSP uses specially filtered music emphasizing frequencies of human voice, helping the nervous system soften defenses and become more available for connection.
You’ll select from five soundtracks and be supported by a coach and small group providing steady co-regulation, exploring connection safely and at your own pace.
Through the Weeks You'll Begin To . . .
Notice more capacity to stay present when emotions or intensity arise within coach-client dynamics.
Feel less internal pressure to "perform" or manage how you're perceived.
Recover your sense of safety more easily and reliably after stress or interpersonal strain.
The work is simple and quiet.
You listen, your system practices, and over time you build more flexibility between activation and rest, engagement and privacy, leading and receiving . . . Easy Does It.
The result is a body that's better able to support the way you intend to show up - in your work, your relationships, and your self-expression.
Format & Environment
Structured support all along
Individually titrated
Group supported
5 hour listening protocol
Explored over 6 weeks
Opening Session (~2 hours)
Connection, Education, Preparation
SSP Launch (Private 1:1)
Initiation and Customization
Self-paced Listening via App
Self-Regulation
4 Live (Zoom) Group Integration Labs (~1.5 hours)
Co-Regulation and Integration
Regular Coach Check-Ins
Titration
Closing Session (~2 hours)
Analysis, Reflection, Consolidation
Beta BONUSes
Coach 1:1 Individualized assessments and consolidation.
50% off SSP listening subscription
33% off RRP (Rest & Restore Protocol) program
Enrollment capped to ensure personal attention.
Your application helps us ensure the container aligns with your capacity, needs, and goals.
Still wondering if it’s for you?
Let's make sure . . . Here are some answers to frequently asked questions . . .
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
So many possibilities. Some subtle, some more obvious.
While the SSP is generally designed to enhance connection with others, many other benefits have been described such as decreased anxiety and depression, decreased sensory hypersensitivities, as well as improved responses to more traditional top-down therapies. I am excited to explore these with you.
The above text lists many potential benefits, and the link below provides even more information.
In short:
SSP is a passive neural exercise (via listening) supported by coregulation and integration, to assist the nervous system’s comfort to connect with others.
Other benefits: decreased anxiety/depression, decreased sensory hypersensitivities
Longer version:
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening intervention originally designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music.
As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to retune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience.
The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider in person or remotely. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.
Highlights of the SSP:
A 5-hour auditory intervention developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of the Polyvagal Theory.
Designed to reduce sound sensitivity and improve auditory processing and behavioral state regulation. Activates the client’s social engagement system, helping to accelerate and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Supports physiological state regulation, allowing for greater resilience.
The group calls will involve a combination of education, review, sharing, co-regulation, and listening with integration and support.
Individual calls are completely tailored to your needs.
Complimentary Exploration Call
Online assessments tailored to your history - before listening, one week following completion, and 4-6 weeks beyond that.
Additional 1:1 with me to review your final individual assessments
A full 10+ weeks of access to SSP music. Additional subscription may be purchased at a deeply discounted rate.
Discounted access to the RRP (Rest and Restore Protocol) program (coming soon).
Worksheets and educational handouts
Guidance for titration of the SSP to your unique experience
Yes - besides the deeply discounted cost, there are additional perks.
· As this is the first cohort, you’ll have direct access to me via text/email for the entire 6 weeks.
· We will plan an additional 1:1 closing session to review your individual assessment results and tailor your plan for next steps.
· 50% off subscription for additional listening (completion and/or repetition/maintenance)
· Discounted and Preferential access to the REST & RESTORE Protocol (RRP) listening program (more to come, but in short RRP is about Interoception/Synchronization to Self whereas SSP is about safety in Connection to Others)
IS THIS RIGHT FOR ME?
Coaches and/or Healing Professionals who are familiar with regulation and who have developed some insight into their own bodily signals . . . realizing that they don’t always feel perfectly comfortable with clients or others. In other words, connection with others can be dysregulating to our systems which then challenges our ability to co-regulate for our clients.
If you do not have experience with interoception (connecting to your body's signals and tracking your system responses), the RRP (Rest and Restore Protocol) may be a more suitable starting place. Email [email protected] to receive more information and an announcement when the RRP experience begins.
If you have never participated comfortably in a group setting, I would advise you to complete an individualized SSP first. I can work with you to determine a more appropriate path.
TINNITUS or structural differences in the ear (such as perforated or ruptured eardrum or prior inner ear surgery) are CONTRAindications.
Active psychosis or seizures.
Anyone struggling with addiction, self harm, or suicidal thoughts.
Diagnoses of Dissociative Identity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, or other serious mental illness.
Other unstable medical or mental health diagnoses – we can discuss these during your screening call.
CAUTION: If you have cPTSD, you must also be in active relationship with your own therapist. Somatic coaching is NOT therapy. SSP may require significant titration – “microdosing” – in patients with significant trauma histories. Even with microdosing, SSP has been shown to improve people's response to other traditional therapies.
Perfect.
That means you’re ready for the next layer: flexibility and regulation inside relationships, not just in isolation.
Commitment to attend, participate and support a safe environment for self and others
You have at least one “safe enough” human or animal as an emotional support in your life
You live in or have access to a “safe enough” quiet, private environment for the listening and group experiences.
There are specific guidelines for listening so that you can receive the full impact of the modulated sound. Over the ear headphones are considered optimal (WITHOUT noise cancellation), but if you have more contemporary hearing aids which can Bluetooth from your device straight into your ears, this is acceptable as well.
If you suffer from severe hearing sensitivity (misophonia or hyperacusis) we can trial external speakers to determine if this listening intervention could be tolerable to you.
SAFETY, EXPECTATIONS, & RESULTS
We are living in a disconnected, disembodied world full of dysregulated humans. If you are reading this, you are one of a group of evolving people committed to their own personal growth and a heart-centered desire to assist others as well.
Sometimes in our past, people and connections with others were not safe. So listening to music modulated to convey safe human connection may be unfamiliar and feel threatening to the nervous system. This is the reason we want to explore this with attuned co-regulating others.
We want to observe for signs of dysregulation (which can be physical or emotional), and in the program we will be building resources together to recognize and modulate (pendulate) our nervous systems.
Titration of the music may be needed to address overwhelm, and I can help you with this. If your specific response calls for professional therapeutic assistance, we will discuss alternative plans for you.
Your 1:1s with me to kick off your listening and to review the assessments after the program will be ~ 1 hour each. The assessments are an important part of the program. Depending on your individual profile, the number of assessments will vary. These could take 15-30 minutes spread out before, immediately after, and 4-6 weeks following completion.
Individual listening to the SSP is a maximum of 5 hours on your own time in your own safe space.
Group Calls are 2 hrs for the Opening and 1.5 hours for subsequent calls.
You are investing in yourself, your cohort, and your future clients. The energy you dedicate to this process directly creates the benefit.
Private listening, self-awareness, and group participation are all integral aspects of this experience.
The incredible value of group co-regulation and integration depends on participation of its members.
Although I will record group sessions for analysis, I will not share these recordings without unanimous (anonymous) cohort agreement.
The Beta pricing takes into account that you are in my first cohort. I expect there will be kinks to work out and improvements to be made. I value, appreciate, and need your feedback to make this a fantastic experience for all of us and for future participants.
I am asking you for feedback before, during, and after as you see fit to share – verbal, written, video . . . anonymous, initials, full name. All is good.
As a recovering perfectionist, I am thankful to embrace an “Easy Does It” loving presence attitude...
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidence-based listening therapy designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve auditory processing, behavioral state regulation, and social engagement behaviors through filtered music.
As a practical application of Polyvagal Theory, the SSP acts as a non-invasive, acoustic vagal nerve stimulator, helping to retune the nervous system to better support connection, collaboration and resilience.
The SSP involves listening to specially filtered music through headphones alongside a provider in person or remotely. Suitable for children and adults, the SSP has demonstrated benefits for individuals with trauma, anxiety, sensory processing differences and more.
Highlights of the SSP:
A 5-hour auditory intervention developed and patented by Dr. Stephen Porges, author of the Polyvagal Theory.
Designed to reduce sound sensitivity and improve auditory processing and behavioral state regulation. Activates the client’s social engagement system, helping to accelerate and enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Supports physiological state regulation, allowing for greater resilience.
For more information . . . visit
https://www.whatisthessp.com/
You’ll receive proven protocols and real-time guidance.
Your outcome depends on your pacing, participation, and your system’s unique response — no pressure, no forcing.
There is no such thing as a “quick fix”, particularly when we are just as we should be... We are all learning and evolving, stretching and growing.
Consider this an explorative process.
SUPPORT & GROUP EXPERIENCE
Yes — you’ll have your private intake/calibration call plus threaded and group support as well as a closing 1:1 for individualized consolidation, review of assessments, and planning.
This is not a mentorship; it’s a high-touch, relationally immersive nervous-system training container.
Minimum 4, maximum 10 others (in-training or certified)
I screen every participant and will do my best to create a safe supportive container for ALL of us.
If you would like to sign up with your own private group of 6-10, please contact me directly at [email protected].
I will link us on a digital app platform, probably Circle. Announcements, calendar, worksheets, and sharing/exchange opportunities will connect us.
Minimum 4, maximum 10 other coaches (in-training or certified)
I screen every participant and will do my best to create a safe supportive container for ALL of us.
If you would like to sign up with your own private group of 6-10, please contact me directly at [email protected].
LOGISTICS & TECHNICAL DETAILS
As the cohorts develop, we will solidify times based on location (UK vs EST zones).
The Opening session has a gap of 2 weeks before the subsequent groups so that we have time to arrange the 1:1 kickoff meetings to match our varied schedules. After that, group calls will be spaced weekly on agreed-upon days of the week and times.
2 devices: Attend live meetings via Zoom on laptop or desktop AND a smartphone or tablet from which you can listen – with a stable internet connection
Download the Unyte App onto smartphone or tablet through which you can listen/connect headphones
Over-ear headphones which are NOT noise cancelling (or you can turn that feature off), preferably wired to your smart device. The headphones are critical.
INVESTMENT & POLICIES
My cost to run a group is at least $3000. Similar programs ask $1000 per person.
As this is a Beta Group, I am charging $333/person only.
That said, I do not want cost to be prohibitive. I am happy to discuss a sliding scale rate for those who need it.
I do feel some payment or exchange is important to solidify energy commitment.
IF you have your own group (6-10) wanting to participate exclusively with each other (no strangers), I will offer a Beta price of $2000 (ie 333/person if 6 down to 200/person if 10 people).
Cancellations prior to or within 24 hours of the calendar announcement of cohort meeting dates will be refunded in full.
Later cancellations will be considered on a case-by-case basis, potentially pro-rated depending on participation as well as opportunity cost to others.
GETTING STARTED
Attend a 30 minute Expanding Safety with Others Open Forum zoom during the week of January 26 (group Q&A) - link below. [Send me a private message below if you prefer a shorter individual Exploration Call.]
If we both feel this cohort is aligned and appropriate for you, I will accept a $100 deposit and send you the following:
Informed consent form to review/sign/return
brief checklist/application to complete and submit (which also prepares you for the first group session)
I will review these and provide options for final payment before our Opening Session.
WELCOME!!!
Sign up for an Open Forum (group Q&A) the week of Jan 26-31 or a 1:1 Exploration call. Click below.
A little about me . . .
Cindy Paciulli Barbarits, MD
As a surgeon, I've been "coaching" for years. After attending The Somatic School, I realized that the greatest gift I was offering my patients (and my new coaching clients of course) was Presence. Polyvagal Theory had saved me from burnout, but the SSP (Safe and Sound Protocol) has helped me with my (top secret) internal discomfort with certain others.
I'm excited to share this technology with a group of people with big heart energy - safe people . . .
More offerings to come for RRP (Rest and Restore Protocol) as well as cohorts on the practical application of Polyvagal Theory into daily life.
My website is whenallelsefailscoaching.com if you'd like to drop by. Send me a private message below if you feel led.