Invite support for your nervous system.

Soothe survival responses.

Befriend old ways of being.

Embrace new ones.

Welcome to LAND, a Safe & Sound Protocol Small Group Experience

Transform your nervous system and survival responses through gentle listening, group support and continued practice.

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY GROUPS ARE OPEN

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APPLY TODAY!

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TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY GROUPS ARE OPEN 🎠 APPLY TODAY! 🎠

Spring & Summer SSP groups are ready for you

Hang out in a gentle healing space and nourish your nervous system in an SSP group!

Our nervous system is always sensing our surroundings.

Through a process called neuroception, our brilliant physiology takes in sensory information (like sounds) to decide if we are safe or in danger.

And something happens next.

We move closer to what feels safe. What will help us survive.

Sometimes this is turning towards connection, but sometimes this means turning away from connection and towards protection. Flight, flee, isolation.

I’m here to tell you that our survival strategies are brilliant. They keep us relatively safe and alive. And if you are reading this, you might feel that these survival strategies haven’t turned off. Your nervous system is always on the lookout for danger, and the smallest things can set you off for days.

This is where the SSP can come in.

During the SSP, you listen to sounds of safety. These tones are soothing, comforting and attuning. The playlist sounds like regular music you might hear on the radio, but the tones coming through are saying to your nervous system: “this is safe.”

And after a lifetime of being attuned to danger (because our wellbeing depended on it), this can take the nervous system for a bit of a ride. In the SSP, the ride is gentle. For 5 hours, over slow doses of listening and steeped in group support, your nervous system can become more accustomed to relative safety.

More connection, less protection.

More authenticity, less masking.

More boundary building, less fawning

More “I am here”, less “where am I?”

The SSP is magical, gentle, and a little bit mysterious. But there is science here, too. In our journey, we’ll explore: Polyvagal Theory, the vagus nerve, and the social engagement system, to name a few.

Folks arrive at the SSP for unique reasons. If you’re wondering if the SSP might be supportive for you and your nervous system at this time, I invite you to see if anything on this list resonates.

YOU MIGHT BE:

➝ In therapy, and finding yourself looking for more healing at the nervous system level

➝ Struggling with things that seem easy for other folks, but are hard for you, like getting enough sleep, nourishment and movement; returning texts or calls; quieting worried thoughts

➝ Trying to “get over” or recover from a traumatic experience (or just being alive in 2023) and needing more support that will help you find solid ground and make lasting change

➝ Deeply curious about your vagus nerve, sensory needs and integration, and looking to shift the ways you experience the world around you

➝ Struggling with receiving and relaxing and are ready for healing that isn’t such a heavy lift

➝ Curious about exploring different aspects of your identity (queerness, neurospiciness, etc.) and looking for a modality that doesn’t need you to mask to show up

➝ Itching to embody your boundaries, but struggling with older (and brilliant!) patterns of fawning, people-pleasing and avoiding. They’re keeping you safe, but they might not be getting you what you want or need

➝ Seeking to be held in a trauma-informed space with a practitioner that honors your boundaries, affirms your body and nervous system wisdom and coping strategies, and partners with you as the expert of your experience during sessions

➝ Ready to make friends with your nervous system, understand your survival responses, and make space for new ways of being to unfold

➝ Looking for a) the steadiness and anchoring of a 12 week gathering, b) craving an intimate group of folks to co-create a collective healing container (with some group processing and lots of individual listening time), and c) want a practitioner who can meet you where you are, co-regulate with your nervous system, encourage processing to happen in small and manageable doses, and even crack a few jokes

Listen to the specialized playlist

Receive somatic support in a group setting

Wait, how does it work again?

Listening to the specialized SSP music playlist encourages the middle ear muscles to tune in to cues of safety signaled by the frequencies of human voice. For a nervous system that has been primed to detect threat and has experienced less safety, this can lead to profound transformations!

And, you’re not doing it alone! Being in a group space means a chance for more community, connection and co-regulation. My groups are inclusive and introvert friendly. There is lots of choice around how you show up to our group container and community space.

Throughout the SSP process, your nervous system can shift, and the ways you interact with the world around you and the people in it can become more embodied and easeful, too. This means you might notice changes in your relationships, boundaries, embodiment, and sensory experiences. Here is what some folks notice shifting for them.

DURING AND AFTER THE SSP, FOLKS OFTEN NOTICE THEY ARE:

➝ Embodying their boundaries through more communication and less body armoring

➝ Advocating for their needs in relationships

➝ More aware of their needs and able to act on them and honor them

➝ Feeling less sensory overload, overstimulation and startle responses

➝ Turning to supportive coping strategies that feel more nourishing

➝ In tune with their body and nervous system’s yeses and nos.

➝ More aware of their needs and able to act on them and honor them

➝ Feeling big feelings without the usual overwhelm that accompanies emotion

➝ Aware of hunger cues and shifting their relationship around food and nourishment

➝ Expanding their capacity for excitement, discomfort and growth (a.k.a. expanding their comfort zone)

➝ Engaging in connection, creativity and relationships with more ease

➝ Resting rather than shutting down and numbing out

Reflections from SSP participants

  • "Jess did a wonderful job facilitating our group and creating a space where everyone was encouraged to show up as they were. I enjoyed the SSP process and found it helped me relax, find more ease in my day, and rebound faster from stress. I highly recommend it and would do it again."

  • "The SSP experience has been tender and open; a gentle space to land each week and spend intentional time tending to my nervous system. I relax and my breath deepens as I arrive into this unique space with an open invitation to find the experience I need that day with the music and the group, but no expectation to do so in a specific way. "

  • “I’m more aware of my nervous system now. I make more sense to myself. And more than that, I have more self-compassion.”

  • “The SSP is helping my nervous system live in the present, and has quieted the alarm bells that were always going off inside me.”

  • “Part of what I loved about the SSP was Jess’s invitation to show up exactly as we were. Just before SSP began, I experienced some trauma in a group setting and felt hesitant about the group dynamic of this process. I was able to show up completely nonverbal and in tears the first day, and felt warmth and welcomed in this experience. As the weeks progressed, I was able to connect outward more to other members of the group as my nervous system allowed, and even initiated conversations and cracked some jokes! The SSP was healing on multiple levels for me, and this group dynamic was just one slice of the pie.”

  • “I was surprised by how much changed! And I was nervous about doing the SSP, but it didn’t feel as overwhelming as I thought it would.”

apply for my spot

THE DETAILS

LAND is a 12 session group experience and includes nervous system mapping and additional materials to support your SSP journey. Weekly groups take place on zoom with cameras on (so I can co-regulate with our group. If you’re nervous about this part, we can connect!). Groups are 2 hours each, including opening our time together, somatically settling in and integrating the work through art, movement, journaling and/or group connection.

Weeks 1 and 12 are opening and closing sessions and do not include listening.

Each participant will also have a 1-1 Welcome Session with me before our group begins.

Groups are limited to 4 folks per cohort so there is ample time for support and connection. A minimum of 3 participants are needed for each cohort.

Registration includes:

➝ 10 two-hour listening sessions, complete with co-regulation, suggested tools and integration practices, plus opening and closing sessions

➝ Access to the SSP Playlist for all listening during our 12 weeks together

➝ An introductory guide to the nervous system, neuroception and mapping techniques to support your SSP journey and nervous system healing and navigation

➝ E-mail access to me for support between sessions when you need it

➝ An initial 1-1 session with Jess to ask questions, share your goals and get to know each other before group begins

➝ The option of adding discounted 1-1 somatic support sessions with me

➝ Access to a gentle SSP follow-up playlist for the month after our SSP group closes for integration & added support

Sliding scale rates:

➝ $1250 for 12 weeks | for folks with access to expendable or stable income

➝ $1000 for 12 weeks | for folks with limited to expendable or stable income

➝ $850 for 12 weeks | for folks with limited access to cash, funds, housing security, etc.

You may choose where you fall on the sliding scale. I don’t ask for proof, just for clients to self-select the rate that is within their means. The LAND Group rate falls between $34 and $50 per hour, depending on the sliding scale rate you select.

A non-refundable deposit of 1/2 the total rate is required to save your spot. You are welcome to pay the remainder with fee-free payment plans, which are available to make this experience even more accessible.

Feeling the call to join an SSP group?

♥

CURRENT ENROLLING COHORTS

Meadow // Wednesday afternoons, 2-4 PM EST

Meets weekly from May 22 - August 7th

4 spaces open; Registration closes May 16th

Clover // Tuesday evenings, 6-8 PM EST

Meets weekly from May 28th - August 13th

4 spaces open; Registration closes May 24th

Daisy // Tuesday mornings, 11:30AM -1:30 PM EST

Meets weekly from July 9th - September 24th

4 spaces open; Registration closes July 1st

Reflections from clients in SSP groups & other spaces I have held

  • "Jess did a wonderful job facilitating our group and creating a space where everyone was encouraged to show up as they were. I enjoyed the SSP process and found it helped me relax, find more ease in my day, and rebound faster from stress. I highly recommend it and would do it again."

  • "Jess held a very thoughtful and respectful space and encouraged everyone to adapt and do what feels good. I have some range of motion limitations so I always appreciate when that is acknowledged and/or adaptions are provided. I learned some good techniques for grounding and being gentle with myself."

  • "Jess clearly possesses a nuanced understanding of how the subtle/energetic and physical body holds and expresses trauma wounds. She is a gifted facilitator."

    Meg, Life Coach

  • “My last session with Jess was truly a heartfelt experience. Jess is intuitive and very nurturing. don’t often feel safe enough to get emotional around people, but Jess is so understanding. She is a joy to work with.”

    E.B.

What is waiting for you within the SSP?

Map your nervous system so you can track what’s happening in unsettling moments and find your way back to center

Learn and practice new somatic supports that actually work for you and your nervous system

Resource, regulate and tune your nervous system through listening to the specialized playlist

WHAT HAPPENS IN EACH SOMATIC SAFE & SOUND EXPERIENCE SESSION?

After a 1-1 welcome session with Jess, the first session holds:

➝ Setting the container, getting to know one another*, what is the SSP, and mapping your nervous system

The following sessions hold:

➝ Arriving and grounding, checking in and connecting, listening to the SSP playlist in three 10 minute portions and sharing your experience, integrating your experience and closing our container

*Getting to know one another is a process that will take time and can happen at the pace of connection and the nervous system. We have 12 weeks to meet each other, after all. I know connection and relationship building can feel risky and take time, so if you feel shy just know I’ll be doing my best to nurture our group connection while also honoring your individual needs, too.

In group sessions, we will work with pacing, titration and pendulation, following body sensations, and resourcing to bring in more stability, support and safety. We will focus on resourcing and establishing safety as well as honoring the feelings and sensations that come up. My intention is to support clients in being with the waves [emotions + sensations] and wearing floaties and a wet suit [resources] so the waves aren’t too big or too cold. Instead of deep dives, we’ll be splashing toes in the water.

Group SSP sessions can be really enriching. In a group, we can experience co-regulation and collective support and the feeling that we are not alone. Although everyone will be listening individually and on their own journey, there is ample time to share about your experience and be deeply heard.

This is a wonderful time to let your nervous system unfold and unwind, allow rest to happen, and practice new tools that might support different nervous system states.

STILL HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? FIND AN ANSWER HERE:

  • SSP stands for the Safe and Sound Protocol. This is a supportive healing modality developed by Dr. Stephen Porges (who also created Polyvagal Theory). This listening tool bathes the vagus nerve and stimulates the social engagement system. How does it work? Listening to the SSP encourages the middle ear muscles to tune in to cues of safety signaled by the frequencies of human voice. This can lead to profound transformations in relationships, boundaries, embodiment, sensory integration and overall nervous system wellness.

  • You will need an internet connection and a zoom account, an iPhone or android smartphone and the unyte app, and around-the-ear headphones. You might also like to have some supportive tools with you while you listen. I’ll share potential tools (many you might already have around) in our welcome materials.

  • Group SSP sessions can be really enriching! In a group, we can experience co-regulation and collective support and the feeling that we are not alone. Although everyone will be listening individually and on their own journey, there is time to share about your experience and be deeply heard (if you want to). I strive to make space for your individual experience to be held within our group.

    And, if a group isn’t your cup of tea, I offer individual sessions.

  • Okay, hi! So this part sounds awkward. Healing and processing in a group can be kinda awkward. But here’s what I want you to know. I ask for cameras on so I can co-regulate and attun and I know folks are connected to our zoom space, but while you listen, you do not need to stay in front of your screen!

    Folks often listen while folding laundry, bopping around their house/space, moving or stretching, cozying up on the couch or with pets, being on the floor, watering plants they just noticed looked thirsty (true story) etc. I support what feels right to you!

    Also - how you engage with the zoom space is something I’m always reminding you that you can change. Do your eyes need a break from the screen? How do you want to be perceived rn? Would you like to share via voice, chat or not at all? Etc. I’m often reminding us that we have choice in how we show up.

  • Yep, I get that. It can seem like a lot to commit to! And, 12 weeks offers time to experience the medicinal qualities of the listening, track changes in your nervous system, and show up to new tools and new ways of being. Over time, the transformation/s can be profound. It also offers time to settle into our group and connect with one another at a slower pace.

  • Feeling nervous makes sense. What I can tell you is this. The SSP is gentle and I am gentle. LAND is trauma-informed, so your agency and comfort is always prioritized. The SSP is not prescriptive; there is space for flexibility and adaptability. If you want to do it, and you’re also nervous or unsure, you’re welcome to book a connection call and we can chat.

  • If you need to miss a session, you can listen on your own or schedule a make-up listening session with me at a reduced rate. I can help you determine what works best for you.

  • If a 1-1 session is a better fit for you than a group experience, please be in touch. I offer hour long 1-1 SSP sessions. It includes an orienting session with nervous system mapping and a reflective closing session, same as the group. The difference is you can take more time and listen over more 1-1 sessions.

  • There are a few contraindications to the SSP. I’m happy to talk about your individual circumstance. Know I won’t recommend it if it truly doesn’t sound like the right fit for you or your life circumstances.

    In general, the SSP is not recommended for:

    Folks experiencing active psychosis, currently on antipsychotic medication, or with recent psychiatric hospitalizations.

    Folks with active or uncontrolled seizures, active tinnitus, or who are actively reporting thoughts of suicide.

    And, participants need to have a “safe enough” home environment to return to after each listening session without threat of physical harm. I recognize this is relative. Please do connect with me if you’re not sure about this one.

  • The SSP deposit (1/2 of your tuition) is non-refundable. If something arises and you need to cancel your spot within 2 weeks of the SSP group beginning, I can waive your remaining payments if I am able to fill your spot. If you need to cancel your spot after our group begins, there are no refunds. If you have extenuating circumstances, please be in touch.

Ready to explore saving a spot in LAND, a Safe & Sound Protocol Small Group Experience?

I’d be glad to have you and your nervous system along for this journey.

You're invited to apply below

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You're invited to apply below 🎠

Want to connect before committing? I get it!

Choosing a healing container is no small thing. I’m happy to connect and see if an SSP group is the right fit for you. After you apply, we can chat via e-mail or a connection call to make sure this is feeling like the right thing for you right now.