Experiences & Case Studies - Safe and Sound Protocol
This page contains anonymized case reports of clients who followed the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) or the Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP), guided by SoundTherapy and BrainArts. The eight cases include social anxiety, developmental trauma, ME/CFS, Long Covid, PTSD, sensory hypersensitivity in children and family therapy.
The case studies on this page provide a reliable picture of the wide range of situations in which the Safe and Sound Protocol approach has been effectively applied. Each client received a personalized listening plan based on the written intake—not a standard protocol, but a customized plan tailored to their individual symptoms, sensitivity, and the resilience of their nervous system.
The guidance is set up by William Bolle (certified SSP therapist, SoundTherapy) in collaboration with Shahera el Katib (GZ psychologist, BrainArts psychology practice). The scientific basis is the Polyvagal theory by Dr. Stephen Porges, where filtered vocal music trains the middle ear muscles and the vagus nerve stimulates - the regulation system of the autonomic nervous system.
Case Studies — Safe & Sound Protocol & RRP
Testimonials from clients treated by SoundTherapy, part of the BrainArts psychology practice
Case Study 01
From social anxiety to connection
Young woman | Social anxiety disorder | SSP Core & Balance
Background & Complaint Presentation
Nina (fictitious name) is a woman in her early twenties working as an employee in a large office in a Dutch city. She contacted SoundTherapy through BrainArts psychology practice's website after years of walking around with severe social anxiety symptoms that significantly hindered her daily life.
Her complaints began to manifest in early adolescence and had gradually spread to almost all social situations. At initial contact, Nina described the following core symptoms:
- Intense physical stress reactions in social settings (sweaty hands, hot flushes, unpleasant feeling in the abdomen)
- Fear of being judged or watched by others in public places
- Avoidance behavior in crowds, public transportation, restaurants and office environments
- Difficulty establishing spontaneous contact or starting a conversation
- Anticipation anxiety prior to social situations
- Increased vigilance and alertness in the presence of others
At work, Nina avoided the aisles and worked from a quiet corner as much as possible. Situations where she used to encounter someone who triggered her anxiety led to outright panic-like physical reactions that sometimes lasted for hours.
Nina had previously undergone conventional talk therapy, which had provided her with some insight but had done little to reduce her physical stress responses. Through online research, she came across Dr. Stephen Porges“ polyvagal theory and, subsequently, SoundTherapy. ”I read that it affects your nervous system,“ she wrote in her intake form. ”I really hoped there would finally be something that would actually work for my body.”
Treatment Team & Context
The program was led by William Bolle (SSP therapist, SoundTherapy) in collaboration with Shahera el Katib (mental health psychologist, BrainArts). SoundTherapy is part of the BrainArts psychology practice, which has been active since 2010 and has provided online counseling to more than 1,200 clients using SSP and RRP, as well as to hundreds of clients through other mental health treatment programs.
After receiving the written intake form, the listening plan was individually tailored to Nina’s symptoms and physical sensitivity. Given the severity of her social anxiety and physical reactivity, a conservative starting dose was chosen.
Diagnostic Framework
Based on the intake assessment and the polyvagal theory, Nina’s pattern of symptoms was understood as a chronically overactive sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight activation) in social situations. The social nervous system—referred to in polyvagal theory as the ventral vagal system—was suppressed, which structurally hindered the formation of secure connections with others. SSP was specifically developed to train and strengthen this ventral vagal system.
Treatment course
Intake & Preparation
Nina filled out the detailed written intake form. Based on this, it was decided to start with SSP Connect (unfiltered music) as an introduction, before moving on to SSP Core. A listening plan was drawn up with the following basic guidelines:
| Starting dosage | 1 minute a day for 3 days |
| Headphones | Over-the-ear, without noise cancellation |
| Recommended activities | Sitting quietly, drawing, or meditation |
| Discouraged | Exercise, eating, screen use, conversations |
| Construction | 1 → 2 → 5 → 10 → 15 → up to 20 minutes per day |
| Maximum listening time | 20 minutes per day |
| Monitoring | Keep log; reactions may occur up to 24 hours after session |
Phase 1: SSP Connect (Weeks 1–2)
Nina started with SSP Connect. She found the music pleasant and discovered that she preferred the classical version. There were no side effects. She gradually increased her listening time and reported after the first week that she already felt “a little calmer” after listening.
Phase 2: SSP Core (Weeks 3–10)
After activating SSP Core, the schedule was followed as agreed. In the initial phase, Nina strictly adhered to the progression steps. Around week four, she described her first notable moment: she was standing in the aisle at work and, to her own surprise, realized she wasn’t feeling any anxiety. “It was as if that fear just wasn’t there.”
One particularly striking social situation occurred during a concert. She met someone who would normally trigger a strong physical reaction in her. She had expected a strong stress response—but it didn’t happen. Her partner later described her as “a different Nina.”.
Similar experiences occurred at work (being able to walk calmly through the room), on public transportation, in restaurants, and in other crowded places. Making spontaneous contact—something that had previously been unthinkable—became easier.
Phase 3: SSP Balance (Weeks 11–16)
After completing Core, Balance was activated as a maintenance dose. Nina learned to use the Balance function as a “state-shifter”: as soon as she noticed increasing overstimulation or anxiety, she would listen to Balance for 10 minutes, after which her system would noticeably calm down.
“It’s a weight off my shoulders. Now I can easily strike up a conversation with someone, something I didn’t dare do before because I was afraid people would look at me and judge me. So that major social anxiety is gone.”
— Nina, SoundTherapy client (anonymous)Results
- Virtually complete decrease in physical stress response in social situations
- Loss of constant social vigilance: “It’s a weight off my shoulders”
- Making contact with strangers effortlessly—something that wasn't possible before
- Reduced avoidance behavior in public spaces, public transport and social settings
- Improved ability to stay present in challenging situations
- Increased sense of inner peace and calmness
Clinical consideration
This case illustrates the power of body-oriented intervention in social anxiety where cognitive understanding (via talk therapy) was not sufficient to break through somatic fear reactivity. By training the ventral vagal system via acoustic stimulation, the neuroceptive signals of insecurity in social contexts could fundamentally shift. The changes occurred without direct cognitive instruction, supporting the bottom-up operation of the polyvagal theory.
The use of SSP Balance as a maintenance tool is part of a sustainable approach to self-regulation: the client learns to modulate her own system.
Guidance & Safety
William Bolle was available throughout the entire program to answer questions and make adjustments. Progress was actively monitored through a logbook and regular check-ins. No serious side effects occurred. The written intake form, the personalized listening plan, and the counselor’s ongoing availability were essential to ensuring the program’s safe implementation.
Case Study 02
Developmental trauma uncovered
Middle-aged woman | Developmental trauma | Chronic neck pain | SSP Core & Balance
Background & Complaint Presentation
Sofie (not her real name) is a woman in her mid-forties who came to SoundTherapy with a range of symptoms that had plagued her for decades. Despite an extensive treatment history—including talk therapy, body-oriented therapy, and self-help—she experienced no fundamental improvement in her underlying sense of insecurity.
At intake, the following complaints were described:
- A chronic, “gnawing” sense of insecurity: the feeling that something terrible could happen at any moment
- Chronic neck and shoulder pain (her entire adult life)
- Tension in driving
- Persistent inner turmoil
- Difficulty setting boundaries and taking care of oneself
- Recurring feelings of exhaustion
Sofie believed that her symptoms were psychological in nature. She had never before told anyone—or even herself—that the problems also had a physical basis. This misunderstanding had significantly shaped her years-long journey to seek help.
Treatment course
Phase 1: Introduction & Connect
Sofie started with SSP Connect as an introduction. She soon felt more comfortable listening. There were no particular reactions at this stage.
Phase 2: SSP Core — Early Phase
After several days of listening, Sofie described:
- “Bubbles” in her ears and tension in her jaws while listening
- Increasing fatigue after the first sessions
- Intense, deep pain between her shoulder blades—in a spot that turned out to be directly linked to a traumatic memory from her childhood
It was explained through William Bolle that physical sensations can be part of the integration process and that delayed reactions are normal. On advice, Sofie took the pace back. She canceled self-imposed obligations and took conscious rest for the first time in her life.
“I always thought my problems were psychological, but realizing that they’re literally inside my body has been an eye-opener for me. I now realize that I really need to take time and rest to heal, and that I truly deserve that.”
— Sofie, SoundTherapy client (anonymous)Phase 3: Consolidation & Balance
After completing Core, Sofie reported significant improvements. She herself requested a second round of listening (SSP Freely) and Balance for maintenance. William Bolle recommended a rest period of at least four weeks before starting again.
Results
- Clear reduction in chronic neck and shoulder pain
- A significant reduction in feelings of chronic insecurity and “nagging” anxiety
- Reduction of tension when driving
- First steps taken in self-care and setting boundaries
- Deep insight into the physical roots of her complaints
- Improved carrying capacity and less difficulty resting
Clinical consideration
This program illustrates the typical activation phase that can occur in clients with developmental trauma: the nervous system, now more regulated, can bring previously stored traumatic information to the surface. This was not treated as a side effect, but as part of the healing process. The realization that symptoms are stored somatically brought about a paradigm shift for Sofie that turned around years of frustrated attempts to seek help.
Case Study 03
ME/CFS: small steps, big shifts
Woman in her 50s | ME/CFS | Complex Fatigue Complaints | SSP Core (extremely gradual build-up)
Background & Complaint Presentation
Irene (fictitious name) is a woman in her 50s who has suffered from ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) for several years. When she applied to SoundTherapy, she had already spent almost exclusively bedridden, barely able to engage in any activities and endured a six-month period of virtually no exercise.
Her complaint profile included:
- Extreme and rapidly onset fatigue during exercise (Post-Exertional Malaise — PEM)
- Sleep disorders and non-vigorous sleep
- Cognitive complaints (brain fog, difficulty concentrating)
- High sensitivity to stimuli (sounds, light, movement)
- Comorbid trauma history
“Everyone with ME/CFS should know about and use this method! It’s truly a game-changer.”
— Irene, SoundTherapy client (anonymous)Risk Consideration & Adjustments
With ME/CFS, there is a risk of PEM—a worsening of symptoms after even a minimal overshoot of one’s personal energy threshold. The listening plan was tailored to this:
| Starting dosage | Sometimes only a few seconds a day (well under 1 minute) |
| Maximum listening time | Max. 10–12 minutes per day (self-determined, intuitive) |
| Construction principle | Stop at the first sign that it's becoming “too much” |
| Volume | Kept soft because of high irritability |
| Additions | In combination with frequency work, sun, and other soft modulations |
Treatment course
First weeks: Cautious start
Irene started with short sessions—sometimes just a few minutes. She immediately noticed that listening in the evening before bed had a positive effect on the depth of her sleep: ’When I listen before going to sleep, it has a very positive effect on my deep sleep.“
Weeks 4–8: Gradual Build-Up
Irene gradually built up to 10 to 12 minutes per session. She learned to read her body’s signals carefully: as soon as she noticed that her head “couldn’t take it anymore,” she stopped immediately. She described how, even though she was still confined to her home, she was making “quantum leaps” compared to the millimeter-by-millimeter progress she’d made before.
“I’m still confined to my home, but I’m making huge strides compared to before, when it was just baby steps. It’s really bringing me back to life.”
— Irene, SoundTherapy client (anonymous)Results
- Significant improvement in sleep quality and depth
- Increased energy levels (from almost completely bedridden to cautiously active)
- Improved cognitive functioning (less brain fog)
- Improved sensory processing: less extreme reactions to external stimuli
- Growing self-awareness of own energy limits and stress thresholds
Clinical consideration
ME/CFS is increasingly understood as a condition in which dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system plays a central role. The SSP method, through acoustic stimulation of the vagus nerve and the ventral vagal system, offers a body-oriented approach that does not rely on cognitive or physical effort—which is crucial for this patient population. “Slow and steady wins the race” applies nowhere more literally than with ME/CFS.
Case Study 04
A child in bloom
Child (7 years) | Sensory hypersensitivity | Attention & behavioral symptoms | SSP Connect & Core
Background & Application
Luca (not his real name) is a seven-year-old child who was referred to SoundTherapy by his parents. The parents had turned to SSP after conventional interventions—speech therapy, occupational therapy, and observation—had yielded few tangible results.
At registration, parents described the following complaints:
- Extreme fear and reticence in new behaviors (slide, swing, scramble)
- High sensory hypersensitivity to touch and sound
- Sleep problems
- Stomach Pain
- Difficulty with concentration and attention regulation
- Limited spontaneous play and withdrawn behavior
Treatment course
Weeks 2–4: First Noticeable Changes
Within just two weeks of starting listening, parents reported notable behavioral changes. Luca began voluntarily going on the slide, climbing on the climbing swing and taking his first steps in spontaneous play.
Weeks 4–6: Breakthrough — “a different child”
After four weeks, the change was so noticeable that even the occupational therapist—who had not been familiar with the SSP before—reacted with surprise. She described Luca’s behavioral change as “black and white.”
“By the fourth week, he was a different child. He started playing, climbing, talking with friends on the playground, going down slides, and asking for hugs. The occupational therapist is so pleased with his progress that she wants to learn about SSP!”
— Manon, Luca's mother (anonymous)Feedback from school
“After a while, it became apparent that he was entering the classroom without that slight sense of anxiety about what the day would bring. He became increasingly better at focusing on his work and staying on task. Whereas getting his work done used to be a struggle, he was now able to do it. As a result, his self-confidence grew, and his school day became more peaceful. His motor skills also became more fluid.”
— Luca's teacher (anonymous)Results
- Dramatic decrease in movement anxiety and avoidance of physical activities
- Greatly improved tolerance to sensory stimuli (sound, touch)
- Improved concentration and attention regulation at school
- Improved sleep
- Increased social engagement (playing more, connecting)
- Spontaneously expressing affection (asking for hugs)
- Smoother motor skills
Clinical consideration
In children with sensory hypersensitivity and behavioral symptoms, the autonomic nervous system is often in a chronic alarm state. SSP, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges specifically for children with autism and sensory problems, provides an acoustic input that recalibrates the neuroperception of safety. This results in cascading improved functioning: from sensory tolerance, to attention, to social engagement.
The fact that Luca’s changes were observed by both his parents and his occupational therapist and teacher—people who were unaware of the protocol—reinforces the ecological validity of the results.
Case Study 05
Return after Long Covid
Woman in her late forties | Long Covid | Fatigue complaints | Stimulus processing problems | SSP Core
Background & Complaint Presentation
Nathalie (fictitious name) is a woman in her late forties who applied to SoundTherapy after more than four years of disability due to Long Covid. Her symptom pattern included severe fatigue, overstimulation with minimal exertion, sleep problems, brain fog and sound sensitivity.
Approach: Start via speakerphone
Given her extreme sensitivity to stimuli, the program was designed with the utmost care:
| Starting variant | SSP Core via speaker (without headphones) |
| Starting dosage | 1 minute per day, building up slowly |
| Max listening time phase 1 | 15 minutes via speaker |
| After Core | SSP Balance: 10 min/day via speaker (4 weeks) |
Treatment course
After a few weeks of listening, Nathalie described a first, tangible change: her energy was improving. After four years of disability, she began preparing to return to a part-time office role.
“I think I’m finally on the road to recovery. I have energy—I’m still weak, but the energy is there—and even when I do things, I feel fine the next day.”
— Nathalie, SoundTherapy client (anonymous)A second client with a similar Long COVID profile described her experiences after repeating Core:
“I’m already able to handle stimuli better, and my energy levels are gradually improving. I can feel the change in my body. Thank you so much for your guidance; I really appreciated it.”
— Anonymous client with Long COVID, SoundTherapyResults
- Improved energy levels after years of near-complete disability
- Increased stimulus tolerance
- Improved sleep quality
- Return to partial work (part-time office) after 4 years
- Decreased brain fog and improved concentration
Clinical consideration
A growing group of researchers conceptualizes Long COVID as a condition in which the vagus nerve has become dysfunctional following the infection. SSP provides non-invasive acoustic stimulation of this system. For Long COVID patients, the decision to start with a speaker rather than headphones is often essential: the intensity of the headphones can overstimulate an already overactive nervous system.
Case Study 06
Out of the freeze — back to life
Woman in her early thirties | Complex trauma/PTSD | Dissociation | Dorsal shutdown | SSP Core & Balance
Background & Complaint Presentation
Eva (not her real name) is a woman in her early thirties with a history of complex trauma and PTSD. She sought treatment at SoundTherapy after extensive attempts at recovery through EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other modalities. Eva described herself as someone who spends “most of the time in dorsal shutdown”—a state of deep withdrawal characteristic of the nervous system’s response to an insurmountable threat.
- Chronic dissociation: “like a zombie,” detached from the body, foggy
- Frequent dorsal vagal shutdown: frozen state, very low energy
- Sleep problems and recurrent anxiety
- Problems taking action and performing daily tasks
Results after first round
After completing the first Core round, Eva wrote a detailed reflection. She described herself as being more present, with a growing ability to engage in EMDR processing—something that had previously seemed impossible to her.
“I’ve noticed that I’m more present, less prone to dissociation, and less of a zombie than before. I’m also more organized and clear-headed; I can see and understand my thought patterns better; I’m more inclined to tackle and address issues; I’m a little more assertive; and I’m just a tiny bit less withdrawn than I was three months ago.”
— Eva, SoundTherapy client (anonymous, reproduced with permission)Results
- Significant reduction in dissociation and the “zombie-like state”
- Improved cognitive clarity and self-understanding
- Growing capacity for action and organization
- More present in the body
- Better access to emotional material — without feeling overwhelmed
- Increased readiness for further trauma processing (EMDR)
Clinical consideration
Dorsal vagal shutdown is a state that is difficult to achieve through cognitive interventions alone: the nervous system has retreated “too deeply” to be receptive to cognitive regulation strategies. SSP provides a direct acoustic pathway that can break through this. By explaining this to Eva, she was able to get through the initial uncomfortable phase without stopping prematurely—a crucial element of supporting this type of client.
Case Study 07
RRP and the path to inner security
Male late thirties | Attachment and developmental trauma | Sleep & digestive complaints | RRP (Rest & Restore Protocol)
Background & Complaint Presentation
Stefan (not his real name) is a man in his late thirties who works full-time and, in addition to his job, attends weekly trauma therapy sessions to process attachment and early childhood developmental trauma. Previous approaches—Brainspotting, TRE, and IFS—had little effect or were consistently overwhelming. Stefan switched to Unyte iLs’s RRP (Rest and Restore Protocol), a protocol developed by Anthony Gorry and Dr. Stephen Porges, specifically aimed at restoring physiological rest and a state of inner safety.
His pattern of complaints:
- Sleep problems: waking up several times a night
- Digestive complaints and intestinal problems
- Chronic vigilance and stress
- Dissociation and flat affect in certain areas of life
Treatment course - 4-month iteration
Over a four-month period, Stefan gradually increased his workout duration from 30 seconds to 5 minutes per session at volume 2, with one rest day per session. Characteristics of the progression:
- Almost every session: feeling of inner peace and security afterwards
- Regular physical tremors — interpreted as forms of energy release
- Intense dreams — interpreted as active trauma processing
- Gradual improvement in sleep quality and duration
- Better digestion
“RRP helped me become much more balanced in my daily life and face daily challenges—as well as trauma work—with more energy and stability, allowing me to make faster progress on those issues while actually feeling better throughout the process.”
— Stefan, SoundTherapy client (anonymous) | Rating: 5/5Results after 4 months
- Sleep: From waking up multiple times to 6–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep
- Before stressful events: no more lying awake
- More energy during the day; pressure at work more manageable
- Reduced dissociation: better feeling of body and emotions
- Improved digestion
- Trauma therapy sessions smoother and more effective
Clinical consideration
This program illustrates the added value of RRP for clients with early childhood and attachment trauma, in which the nervous system structurally lacks an experiential memory of a physiological state of safety. RRP provides a foundation upon which other therapeutic modalities—such as EMDR or IFS—can build. A core principle of SoundTherapy: the appropriate dosage is the one that leaves the client feeling more like themselves afterward, not less.
Case Study 08
The whole family in balance
Family | Multiple Participants | Sensory Hypersensitivity | Anxiety | System Change | SSP Core & Balance
Background & Context
Karin (not her real name) is a middle-aged woman who enrolled her family in SoundTherapy after a long search for an affordable and effective approach that could treat multiple family members at the same time. She had gained extensive knowledge of the polyvagal theory but had never been able to afford the associated therapies.
“I’ve been interested in this topic for a long time, and I’m deeply impressed and convinced. However, I’ve never been able to afford the related services or therapies. I’m so happy and grateful.”
— Karin, upon registration (anonymous)The family consisted of:
- Karin herself: chronic overstimulation, sleep problems, increased stress reactivity
- Tim (fictitious name, young child): social withdrawal, increased alertness, behavioral symptoms
- Partner: increased irritability and stress reactivity
Approach: Starting in sequence
Karin started first. This is common in families: a regulated parent is the best co-regulatory presence for a child. After only her first minute of listening, Karin described a noticeable change in the family atmosphere.
“It’s probably no coincidence that family life and the whole dynamic between the four of us has changed significantly since my first minute. I’d even go so far as to say that over the past 10 years, there have been more than a few days when things have been this peaceful, loving, and harmonious.”
— Karin, SoundTherapy client (anonymous)Treatment course Tim (child)
Tim started SSP via loudspeaker. Within the first listening sessions, the parents began to describe tentative changes: he became softer and calmer, more cooperative and approachable. For the first time, he began spontaneously saying daily that he loved his parents and sister. His teacher noticed better concentration and smoother motor skills.
Partner
Karin’s partner didn’t notice much of a difference at first—but Karin did. He was “much more relaxed and less prone to irritation.” This pattern—in which those around the person notice the change before the person does—is characteristic of subtle nervous system regulation.
Summary results family
| Family Member | Changes |
|---|---|
| Karin | Better sleep, lower blood pressure, fewer mood swings, more inner peace |
| Tim | Softer behavior, more connection, better concentration, improved motor skills, less tension |
| Partner | Clearly noticeably calmer and less irritability (reported by partner) |
| Family System | Significantly improved family dynamics, more harmony and connection |
Clinical consideration
This case illustrates the systemic nature of SSP: regulating one family member has a direct impact on the co-regulatory dynamics within the family as a whole. This is consistent with polyvagal theory, which emphasizes that one person’s autonomic nervous system actively influences another’s nervous system through neuroceptive signals—facial expressions, voice tone, and body posture.
What Clients Say
Below is a selection of personal stories—anonymized and shared with permission. All names have been changed.
“I really notice a difference. I’ve become calmer and am much more attuned to my body’s signals. I can now sense when I’m tired or not feeling my best, and I’m better able to respond to those feelings. The support was great—I always got an answer when I needed one. Overall: a success!”
“For years, I thought my symptoms were purely psychological. Realizing that they’re literally stored in my body has been an eye-opener. SSP has set me on a path that I know is truly helping me. For the first time, I’m taking time to rest and really taking care of myself.”
“After the first week, I already noticed that I’m more present and, at the same time, calmer. I have more inner space to regulate myself and make inner decisions before I react to something. That really wasn’t possible before. It’s amazing.”
“I have more energy and motivation. I sleep better and wake up feeling rested—something I haven’t experienced in six years. The gloom I’d been feeling for ten years has almost completely disappeared. How is it possible that listening to music can change my life so much? But I can feel the difference every day.”
“I’m already able to handle stimuli better, and my energy is improving little by little. I can feel the change in my body. After years of stagnation, this is incredible. I found the support to be very helpful—they were always available and always gave good advice. Thank you for everything.”
“After my first listening session, the atmosphere in our family was already different. Calmer, more loving. And my husband wasn’t even participating yet! I’m so glad I was finally able to afford it. My nervous system is more balanced, and I’ve become better at communicating. This is a gift for our whole family.”
Perhaps this is a good time to start.
You don't have to force anything. Only listen.
Sign up for Safe and Sound Protocol—we’ll then contact you to schedule your personal written intake. You can complete it whenever it’s convenient for you, without rushing and without any pressure.
- ✓ Includes a personal intake session
- Heart to heart, person to person.
- You are never alone.
Wondering if Safe and Sound Protocol is right for your nervous system? Take the SSP test.