How the Rest & Restore Protocol (RRP) Changed My Life

A personal reflection from Carol Ann Brayley, MSW, RSW, SEP

When I joined the pilot study for the Rest & Restore Protocol (RRP) with Dr. Stephen Porges and Anthony Gorry, I had no idea just how deeply it would affect me. I expected to learn. I didn’t expect to be completely transformed.

My Starting Point
To say I’m a complex case would be an understatement. I have a long history of early, severe developmental trauma. When the RRP study began, I was also navigating fresh layers of stress and loss—including a significant life transition. In other words, it was not an easy season.

Profound Shifts—Beginning with Sleep
On my second night of RRP listening, something happened that had eluded me for decades: I fell into deep, natural sleep.
I’ve struggled with chronic insomnia for most of my life. ADHD, trauma, and MTHFR mutations all played a role, and I had been relying on medication every single night. Suddenly, I was sleeping peacefully—no meds required. That change alone felt miraculous. Months later, I still fall asleep more easily and often sleep soundly, something I had never known was possible.

Unexpected ADHD Benefits
Another shift caught me completely by surprise. I noticed improvements in executive functioning that felt effortless. Organizing, decluttering, and following through became natural instead of draining.

Even more surprising was how my body began responding differently to my ADHD stimulant medication. What had previously been an underwhelming dosage suddenly became far too much—enough to cause facial tremors. Eventually, I realized that on most days, I no longer needed the medication at all. While I still experience ADHD, the way it presents—and the support I require—has radically changed.

Interestingly, I’m now seeing similar shifts in a number of my neurodivergent clients using RRP, including others reducing their medication doses. While this is anecdotal, it’s a promising area that I’ll be watching closely.

Not Always a Straight Line
Like many with complex histories, my RRP process wasn’t smooth sailing all the way through. At one point, I overshot what my system could integrate and experienced a profound dorsal shutdown. I had never encountered anything quite like it before.
But sometimes, what feels like a breakdown is actually a breakthrough in disguise.

RRP brought buried trauma to the surface—deep layers that were finally ready to release. I paused my listening and dove into supportive integration, using tools like the Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP), iLs Calming, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, and sessions with a somatic therapist. Once I regained my footing, I returned to RRP—and it met me in an even deeper place of readiness.

A New Way of Being
Today, my nervous system feels more regulated and resilient than ever. I’m more in tune with my body’s cues, more comfortable slowing down, and far more grounded in my intuition. Tasks feel easier. Boundaries feel clearer. I find myself making healthier choices without effort or intention—just alignment.
And most importantly, I feel more fully me. RRP hasn’t just helped me heal—it’s helped me uncover parts of myself I hadn’t met before.

A Gentle, Powerful Path
One thing I often share with clients is this: with RRP, many shifts are so organic you might not even realize they’re happening until later. The nervous system doesn’t change with a bang. It shifts quietly, subtly, and then—suddenly—you realize you’re sleeping better, saying no more easily, or feeling less reactive.

Give it time. Stay curious. And if you’re not sure anything’s happening, ask someone close to you if they’ve noticed a change.

If You’re Considering RRP…
Whether you’re seeking personal healing or wanting expert support as a provider exploring RRP with clients, I’d love to help. This work can be life-changing—but it’s even more powerful when done with the right support.

Here at NeuroNest, I specialize in working with complex and neurodivergent individuals. I’ve walked this path myself—and I know how profoundly the right tools, delivered gently and with deep listening, can shift everything.
You don’t have to navigate it alone. ❤️