How to Know Whether Rest and Restore Protocol or Somatic Therapy Is a Better Starting Point for You
If you’re drawn to nervous system–based work but unsure where to begin, you’re not alone.
Many women arrive knowing they need something different than talk therapy — but don’t know which path makes the most sense for their system right now, especially when there’s a few options to consider.
Two of the most supportive entry points I offer are somatic therapy and the Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP).
While they work differently, they’re often complementary — and choosing between them doesn’t have to be a high-stakes decision.
When Rest and Restore Protocol Is a Good Starting Point
RRP is often a supportive place to begin if your system feels chronically “on” and you’re craving relief without needing to talk or analyze.
It may be a good fit if you:
feel exhausted, wired, or overstimulated
have trouble sleeping or fully resting
notice that stillness feels hard or unfamiliar
want nervous system support without weekly sessions
are already doing other therapeutic or personal work and want something to supplement it
RRP works through gentle, sound-based listening that helps your system settle and restore capacity over time.
For many women, it creates a foundation — helping the body feel safe enough to slow down.
When Somatic Therapy May Be the Better Starting Point
Somatic therapy is often the right place to begin if you’re noticing specific patterns that show up in your body or relationships and want guided support working with them.
It may be a better fit if you:
feel reactive or shut down in certain situations
notice tension, bracing, or collapse in your body
want help tracking sensations, emotions, and responses
are curious about how past experiences still live in your system
want relational support as you learn to regulate
Somatic therapy works moment-by-moment, helping you build awareness and capacity while staying grounded in the present.
Why Many People Benefit From Doing Both
For some, the question isn’t either/or — it’s when and how.
RRP and somatic therapy often support each other beautifully.
RRP can:
lower overall nervous system load
make somatic work feel more accessible
support regulation between sessions
Somatic therapy can:
help you integrate what RRP brings up
support embodiment and boundary awareness
translate regulation into daily life and relationships
Used together, they offer both structure and flexibility — allowing your system to soften while also learning new ways of responding.
There’s No “Right” Starting Point — Only the Right Pace
Your nervous system doesn’t need to be fixed or pushed.
It needs:
safety
choice
attunement
pacing
Whether you begin with RRP, somatic therapy, or a blend of both, the work unfolds best when it’s responsive to your capacity — not a predetermined plan.
And if deeper processing becomes appropriate later, these foundations often make approaches like EMDR more effective and sustainable.
In-Person and Virtual Support Available
I offer in-person therapy in Carmel-by-the-Sea, serving women in Monterey, Big Sur, and Santa Cruz, as well as virtual work throughout California.
If you’re unsure where to start, that uncertainty itself can be a helpful place to begin the conversation.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results from therapy may vary. Ashley K. Whelan is a holistic psychotherapist in California offering EMDR, somatic therapy, and psychedelic integration for women seeking mind-body-spirit healing, with in-person sessions available in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, and Big Sur.