Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP)

A gentle, evidence-based tool to support
deep rest, sleep, and nervous system regulation.

The Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) is a listening protocol developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and music producer Anthony Gorry. It is designed to support rest, sleep, and recovery by helping the nervous system shift into a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state—all through a non-invasive, evidence-informed method.

Grounded in Polyvagal Theory, RRP uses specially filtered music delivered via the Unyte app to gently cue the nervous system toward regulation and safety. Unlike more active therapeutic tools, Rest and Restore asks very little of you. There’s no analyzing, no effort, and no pressure to “get it right.”

It’s ideal for ADHDers, burnout recovery, freeze states, chronic fatigue, and anyone whose nervous system needs a gentle, low-demand invitation to settle.

Who Can Benefit

The Rest and Restore Protocol is for anyone looking for support in accessing rest, regulation, and healing. It may be especially helpful for:

  • Neurodivergent folx who struggle with rest, stillness, or falling asleep

  • People recovering from burnout or chronic stress

  • Individuals in a “shut down” or freeze state

  • Anyone with trauma histories or sensitive nervous systems

  • People looking for a gentle starting point for regulation work

  • Adults and teens who want non-verbal, non-invasive support

Whether you’re feeling wired and tired, overwhelmed, or just done,
RRP is a gentle, body-first approach to recovery.

Note: RRP is not recommended for individuals with active tinnitus, seizures, unmanaged dissociative disorders, or those in the midst of major life upheaval.

How RRP Works:

  • Listening Experience:
    You’ll engage in 5 hours of specially engineered music designed to support your nervous system’s natural ability to rest and recover, spread over 0-30 minute listening sessions (whatever size dose is right for your nervous system).

  • Gentle Activation:
    While listening, you can relax however feels best—lying down, stretching, rocking, or even falling asleep. There’s no need for focused attention or effort; the music works quietly in the background to cue your body toward calm.

  • Personalized Delivery:
    RRP can be completed in-person at our cozy therapy space or remotely from the comfort of your own home (depending on your unique needs and safety considerations).

  • Tools Required:
    Over-ear, non-noise-canceling headphones are recommended to ensure you receive the full benefit of the specialized sound frequencies embedded in the music.

What to Expect:

The Rest and Restore Protocol is delivered through the Unyte app, using over 5 hours of specially engineered music designed to support physiological states of calm, regulation, and safety.

The RRP may be done in-person or online; however, certain clients are not good candidates for online therapy (e.g., history of significant trauma).

My role as the therapist is to provide a safe environment for listening. As this intervention is directly stimulating the nervous system, you may experience physical sensations and/or strong emotional reactions - I am there to help you pause and regulate.

Your nervous system needs to be in a calm and regulated state to receive the full benefit of the therapy. For this reason we allow lots of time in each session - 60 minutes for up to a half hour of listening.

No action is required beyond listening with over-ear headphones. There’s no need to pay attention or perform in any way. Your nervous system does the work for you—just by receiving cues of safety and rest through sound.

This protocol:

  • Supports the autonomic nervous system in shifting toward parasympathetic states

  • Complements therapy, SSP, mindfulness, or body-based work

  • Can be done while lying down, stretching, rocking, or even falling asleep

  • Is safe, gentle, and non-invasive

Whether you use it before bed, during a recovery day, or in moments of emotional fatigue, RRP helps create a physiological foundation for rest.

Cost & Access:

**Initial Consultation: $75 for a 30-minute intake session to determine your readiness and create a personalized plan. (**new clients only)

In-Office or Virtual Sessions: $150 / hour, with a minimum of 3 hours recommended to experience the benefits of RRP. This is dependant on nervous system response and further in-session listening may be required to ensure comfort and safety throughout the intervention.

12-Month Protocol Access Fee: $300* per user fee, which includes:

  • 12-Month access to the RRP system (Unyte-ILS)

  • 5 hours of listening time to the RRP

  • and outside-of-session RRP related support by phone / email, if needed. 

Discounted Annual Access for Combined Protocols
If you’re accessing both the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and the Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP), you’ll receive a reduced 12-Month access fee—making it easier and more affordable to support your nervous system with both tools.

Accessibility matters at Divergent North. If cost is a barrier, let’s work together to find a solution that fits your needs.

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