Frequently asked questions.

  • A “sound bath” is a holistic wellness practice that involves immersing oneself in soothing sounds and vibrations produced by various instruments, such as singing bowls, gongs and chimes, each producing unique tones.

    Participants are usually seated or lying down in a comfortable position, often with yoga mats and blankets, in a quiet and dimly lit space with closed eyes, allowing the resonant sounds to create a meditative and relaxing experience.

    The facilitator may vary the intensity and frequencies of the sounds, creating a dynamic sonic landscape. The sound bath is designed to be a non-judgmental space where individuals can explore and process their feelings, fostering a sense of emotional well-being by harnessing the therapeutic power of sound waves that “wash” over the participants.

    The combination of sound waves are designed to be heard but also felt physically, engaging the parasympathetic nervous system and encouraging a deep state of relaxation. This may help lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormone levels, and slow the heart rate, inviting the body to potentially heal and restore itself and enhance wellbeing. 

    (Resource: Forbes)

  • Sound healing supports the mind, body, and spirit in returning to a state of balance. Many people experience:

    ~ Calming of the mind and body, helping relieve stress and reduce anxiety
    ~ Improved sleep quality and deeper rest
    ~ Physical healing and pain relief, as the nervous system relaxes and the body moves into its natural healing state
    ~ Emotional release and trauma healing, allowing stored emotions to soften and move
    ~ A boost in overall mood, increasing feelings of happiness, joy, and tranquility
    ~ Release of muscular tension and physical tightness
    ~ Greater body awareness, becoming more in tune with your inner rhythms and needs
    ~ Increased focus, clarity, and mental spaciousness
    ~ Elevated spiritual well-being, enhancing connection, presence, and inner peace

  • While each offering is unique and may flow a little differently depending on the experience, here’s what you can typically expect when attending one of my Soothing Sound Baths or Private Sound Healing Sessions.

    Group sessions are intentionally intimate—usually 6 to 12 participants—while private sessions are tailored entirely to your needs, offering a deeply personalized, restorative experience. No experience is ever needed; simply come as you are and allow yourself to rest.

    Getting Settled
    Doors open 20 minutes before your start time. I recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to allow space for parking, using the restroom, choosing your spot, and settling in.
    We begin promptly at the scheduled time, and the doors close to preserve the peaceful container for everyone.

    For private sessions, arrival is just as relaxed—you’ll have time to get oriented, share any intentions or areas of focus, and settle comfortably before we begin

    Guided Grounding Meditation
    Once you’re lying down comfortably, we’ll begin with a gentle grounding meditation and light breathwork to help steady the mind and anchor your awareness.

    Prefer to sit instead of lie down? Beautiful—just let me know ahead of time and I’ll have a supportive chair ready for you.
    In private sessions, this part is personalized: grounding, guided visualization, or intention-setting is tailored to what you most need that day.

    Sound Healing Experience
    You’ll then be immersed in the soothing, therapeutic vibrations of crystal singing bowls, Himalayan bowls, chimes, gongs, and drums.

    These frequencies support:
    • Nervous system regulation
    • Emotional release
    • Energetic balance
    • Deep restorative rest

    Private sessions may also include personalized elements such as focused sound placement near the body, customized pacing, or additional grounding instruments depending on your intention.

    Integration / Closing Tea Time
    We close with a few quiet moments for integration—time to breathe, reflect, and slowly return to the present.

    Herbal tea is offered for those who wish to linger, sip, or connect.
    You’re welcome to enjoy your tea inside the lounge or outside on the balcony overlooking the charming, bustling streets of downtown St. Augustine. It’s a lovely way to seal in the peace of your experience before heading back into your day.

  • Safe & Sound Wellness is located in downtown St. Augustine, Florida at 93 ½ King Street inside the Oldest City Arts & Wellness Lounge on the second floor..

  • We are located in downtown St. Augustine, so please plan your arrival with potential traffic and parking in mind.

    Free parking is available (but limited) in front of the building in the brick and paved spaces marked Oldest City Arts & Wellness Lounge. We’ll be parking tandem — if a spot is taken, please park directly behind that car.

    If our lot is full, additional parking is available nearby at 30 Granada Street (just a short 5-minute walk) as well as on-street parking along Granada Street and Cedar Street.

    City Parking Rates:

    • $0.50/hr for residents

    • $2.50/hr for non-residents

    • Pay at the meter with a credit card or through the ParkStAug App

    • City parking is free on Sundays until 1 PM

  • Just bring yourself! Everything you need will be provided and thoughtfully set up for your comfort, including a 3" floor cushion, pillow, blanket, bolster, and eye mask. We recommend dressing in loose, non-restrictive clothing or comfortable athletic wear so you can fully relax and enjoy the experience.

  • You can read reviews from past guests on my Google Reviews page here.

    Their words speak to the heart of what this work offers — deep rest, healing, and a sense of coming home to yourself.

  • Yes! I offer beautifully curated private sound bath experiences designed to support deep relaxation, energetic alignment, and personal healing.

    • Individual Private Sound Bath – $111
      A 1:1 session tailored just for you. Perfect for tuning inward, releasing stress, and reconnecting with your inner peace.

    • Private Sound Bath for Two – $144
      A special experience for partners, friends, or loved ones to relax, reset, and share in a healing journey together.

    • Group Sound Baths – $40 per person (6-person minimum)
      Ideal for small gatherings, celebrations, wellness events, or intentional circles. Gather your community for a transformative, shared sound journey.

    You can book your private session here, or contact me directly to schedule a private group sound bath

    All sessions are held at Safe and Sound Wellness in the heart of downtown St. Augustine. I’m also available for travel and off-site events upon request.

  • Everyone is welcome — whether you’re brand new to sound healing or a seasoned practitioner. Sound baths offer a restorative, enriching experience for all levels, and no prior meditation or experience is needed.

    All genders are warmly welcomed. Many men attend sessions, book private sound baths, and join workshops, and the space is intentionally created to feel safe, grounded, and comfortable for everyone who enters.

    Sound baths are recommended for ages 14 and up. If you’re hoping to bring a younger participant, please contact me directly so we can determine together whether the session will be a supportive fit.

  • Sound healing is a gentle and supportive practice that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation, balance, and overall wellbeing. For most people it is very safe, but there are a few situations where extra care is encouraged.

    You may want to check in with your doctor or reach out to us before attending if you:

    • Experience epilepsy, sound sensitivities, or use hearing aids

    • Are pregnant

    • Live with a neurological condition, PTSD, or a significant mental health concern (such as unmanaged bipolar disorder, psychosis, or schizophrenia)

    • Have metal implants such as a pacemaker, coronary shunt, artificial heart valves, or metal plates/pins

    • Have a heart condition

    Our intention is always to create a safe, nurturing space. If you’re unsure whether sound healing is right for you, please connect with us so we can support you in finding the best approach.

  • Always do your own research/consult your doctor before attending a sound bath session while pregnant. In my experience, exposure to Sound Baths while pregnant is safe when offered by an experienced facilitator. I have found no proof or study that shows that it is harmful for the unborn child. However, we must remember sound travels faster through liquid and therefore the sound would be amplified for the child. Generally sound healing triggers the release of happy, feel good and love hormones and I recommend pregnant women who choose to attend can sit or lay further away from the source of the sound.

  • Sound healing is not only something we hear—it’s something we deeply feel.

    At Safe & Sound Wellness, I welcome individuals of all hearing abilities to experience the restorative power of sound. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, sound baths can offer profound benefits through vibration, sensation, and energetic resonance.

    Instruments like crystal singing bowls, gongs, and chimes create vibrations that move through the floor and body, offering a deeply calming and grounding experience—even without hearing the sounds themselves.

    If you or your loved one wears a hearing aid, you may choose to remove it during the session, as some frequencies—particularly higher tones—can be amplified or distorted by hearing devices. My intention is always to create a space that feels safe, comfortable, and attuned to your needs.

    Whether joining a group session or scheduling a private sound bath, I’m happy to offer a written overview of what to expect, and will gladly work with you to make sure the experience feels supportive and inclusive.

    You are always welcome here.

  • Sound Bath meditations are secular (non-religious) in nature, based on the foundations of mindfulness, and encourage a kind and open-minded attitude towards self and others. 

  • You may reschedule your session up to 48 hours in advance by using the link provided in your booking confirmation email. Life happens—if something unexpected comes up or you experience an emergency, just send me a message. I understand and will do my best to accommodate your situation with care and compassion.

  • Yes, I do! Gift certificates are a beautiful way to share the healing experience of sound with someone you love. You can purchase gift certificates HERE

    Whether it's for a birthday, a thank-you, or just because, it's a gift that nurtures the mind, body, and soul.

  • Yes, gratuities are always appreciated but never expected. If you feel called to leave a tip as a token of appreciation for your experience, I receive it with gratitude and love.

    How can I leave a tip?
    Tips can be given in person with cash, or digitally via Venmo (@christen-helme) or credit card through Square. Choose whatever method feels most convenient and aligned for you—your support is deeply appreciated.

    Is gratuity included in the session price?
    No, gratuity is not included in the session or event price. All listed prices reflect the cost of the service only.

    What is a typical gratuity amount?
    Tipping is completely personal and optional. Some clients choose to tip 10-20%, while others offer what feels aligned for them. Please know that your presence and energy are the greatest gifts.

  • Yes, I do! I offer a curated selection of sound healing tools including crystal singing bowls, Koshi chimes, and more. Items are available for pickup at my studio in St. Augustine. Explore what’s available here: Shop Instruments on Square

  • Yes! I offer a 20% student discount for my community sound bath meditation sessions.
    Please text or email a photo of your valid student ID, and I’ll send you a personalized discount code to use at checkout.

    📱 Text: (904) 417-8426
    📧 Email: info@safeandsoundwellness.com